I could practically hear Rucks' voice reading this! The Kid really does take the "strong, silent type" to its natural extreme. (I wonder how much of that has to do with his upbringing, and his socioeconomic status before the Calamity.) Hopefully, Zia (and Rucks and Zulf and the Bastion itself) will have a positive influence on him, and he'll finally learn to open up.

Thanks for taking my prompt! I love the sweet mental image your reply evokes. :)