Family isn't always by blood

Chapter 4

Shindou was confused to stay the least…

Did Aki truly mean what she said? Shindou saw the way all the happiness and excitement Kogure had left his eyes when he heard Tenma’s father was coming. He saw the sad expression Aki had when Tenma entered the room, and when she tried to explain. Her face said nothing but the truth…

Yet, Shindou couldn’t help but think that there was something wrong. How did Aki know? For how long has she known? Why didn’t she do anything? How long has he been abused?

It wasn’t as though Shindou did not trust Aki’s gut- honestly, her conclusion made sense.

Shindou would be lying if he said he hasn’t seen the signs in Tenma. The way he pulls on his sleeves when he’s nervous. The way he looks all over the room as though looking for an opening. The way he flinches when someone is just a bit too loud or touches him suddenly. The way he listens to every command without question.

Maybe Shindou is disappointed. Disappointed of what? Disappointed that he wasn’t able to connect the dots beforehand. The way he let his younger teammate suffer- and continue to suffer- under his watch. 

Shindou has never once thought to ask the younger of his home life, knowing very well that it’s likely a sensitive situation. Shindou vividly remembers Sangoku-senpai mentioning how Tenma went stiff when his mother asked about Tenma’s family and home life.

Even so, now that Shindou had someone admit their suspicions to him, he still has no idea what to do. What his next step should be.

“Who was that?” Shindou’s mom, Himari, asked, looking back at the players from the rear view mirror, knowingly breaking the silence.

“Who was who?” Kirino asked.

“The kid! The one at the door?” she clarified.

“Kid? You mean Tenma?” Shindou asked, confused. Shindou has brought up his teammates multiple times in the past to his parents, especially Tenma for obvious reasons. It was one of the things Shindou was thankful for. Ever since the revolution began, Shindou felt himself open up more to his parents, who although were constantly busy with their business, always checked in on their son. They always cherished the information Shindou told them. They even recognized Tsurugi, despite how little Shindou mentioned the forward. How could they remember Tsurugi, but not Tenma?

“Oh! That’s Tenma?” his father, Isamu, asked, “I didn’t know he was this young!”

“What do you mean?” Tsurugi asked, trying to sound polite, “He’s my age?”

“Are you sure?” Shindou’s mother asked, concerned, “He doesn’t look like it…”

“I’m not sure,” Sangoku said, “But he is a first year student, so he’s at least twelve, if he skipped a year. I think he just looks young to be honest.”

“Maybe…” she whispered, though she didn’t seem sure.

The rest of the ride consumed them talking about school and trips they were excited for.

—

When they arrived home, the first thing Shindou did was pull out his phone. 

(And no, it is not the flip-phones from the anime, it’s a more advanced one, like the ones we use today. Why, you may ask. Because.)

He opened the group chat that was created the day the revolution ended. It had everyone. Well everyone minus Tenma, since he didn’t have a phone…

-Sokka Chat-

Ourfavexcap: Hi! Does anyone know how old Tenma is?

Sailor: Odd question.

Sailor: Isn’t he 13?