In downtown Vale.
A place where a lot of businesses operate for the kingdom of Vale. And shady deals in the less fortunate areas.
In an alleyway, we see a young eight-year-old, orange haired boy, sneaking up on a couple then bumping into the man upsetting him.
Man: Hey, brat! Watch where you're going!
Boy:*in fear* I-I-I-I-I'm sorry.
Woman:*chuckles* Oh look he's scared! Haha! Come on babe, let's leave the brat alone.
As they started walking away, the boy began to walk a little fast and then ran after he heard a "That brat stole my wallet!" Prompting him to cut in another alley and hid behind a dumpster as the man ran by.
The boy peeked his head out to see if the man was still around. He sighed in relief as the coast was clear and went out to check the man's wallet to see how much he had.
Boy: 1,500 Lien. Jackpot!
The boy walked out of the alley and was about to make a left when he saw another target to his right.
Boy: Let's see...A family of five. One man and one short woman. Three kids, two with sliver eyes and with pink and brown eyes and pink and brown hair. I think the ones with sliver eyes are the short woman's kids. And that boy seems like he's the oldest of the two girls.
Boy: I guess I try their dad the blondie.*cracks fingers* Here we go again.
He said as he was walking towards them and "accidentally" bumped into one of them and fell.
Summer:*see the Boy fallen* Oh my gosh!? Are you two, okay?
Boy:*getting up as his aura flickers* Y-yeah. Ouch! What is this man made of?! Sorry for bumping in-
Riot: It's okay.*offers a hand to help him up*
The Boy was both confused, surprised and a little frightened as he thought he bumped into the man. Only to see he bumped into Riot who looked like he didn't even budge or move from the little act.
The Boy they grabbed his hand as Riot helped him up. Or basically picked him up like he weighs nothing frightening the Boy more.
Riot:*putting him down* What's your name?
Boy: Huh?
Ruby: Your name.
Boy: Oh...it's Roman. Just Roman.
Summer: So Roman, what are you doing out here all by yourself? Where's your parents?
Roman looks down at them.
Roman:...Grimm.
Tai: Ohhh...
Ruby:*tearing up* That's so sad!
Neo runs up to Roman and gives him a hug. Roman hugged her back. Riot looks at Roman with a blank face, but he understands what he's going through.
Riot: You can always come with us.
Roman:*confuse* Wha?
Tai: Riot. You're acting like your mother now.
Summer: Hey!
Roman: You saying that you want to adopt me?
Riot: It's always best to have a loving family.
Summer: Yes.
Tai: Riot, Summ-
Timeskip at a local adoption agency
Adoption Front Desk Lady: So, you want to adopt this child?
Summer: Yes!
Tai just grumbles realizing that he has another bed to build but is happy to have another son.
Roman meanwhile didn't know what to say.
On the one hand gets to have a family again.
On the other he doesn't get to pick people's pockets.
Riot: I guess. I have more people to protect.
Ruby:*happy* Yay! Another big brother!
Roman: Hmmm. I guess having a few younger siblings will be alright.
Roman couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions as he stood there with his potential new family. He had grown accustomed to a life of survival and self-reliance, and the idea of being part of a family again felt foreign to him. But seeing the genuine care and kindness in their eyes, especially from Riot, Ruby, and Neo, began to soften his heart.
He looked at Summer and Tai, who were beaming with joy and already treating him as their own. Despite his initial intentions, he found himself drawn to the idea of having a loving family and being surrounded by people who genuinely cared about him.
The adoption front desk lady smiled warmly and began the necessary paperwork. Roman couldn't help but feel a sense of hope and a new beginning as he took his first step toward a life he never thought he would have again.
As they left the adoption agency, Roman walked beside Riot, feeling a newfound sense of purpose and responsibility. He realized that being a part of this family meant more than just having a roof over his head; it meant being there for each other and protecting one another.
Roman: I promise to be the best big brother I can be.
Riot gave him a small nod, his blank expression softening just a little.
Riot: We'll protect each other, Roman.
With their newfound bond, the family walked hand in hand, ready to face the challenges and adventures that awaited them together. Roman couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and hope, knowing that he had found a place where he truly belonged.