The angel doesn't seem very convinced, but lets it go. "What is your name, child? You are my charge, but I don't know much about you."

"Uh, Nova, sir?" it doesn't sound entirely certain, but it is what he'd been called by some of the people around him. He keeps his eyes on the ground, and doesn't say anything further.

"Nova. That is a strange name." There is an awkward pause. "I assume you'd like to know a bit more about what is happening?"

He does. He really does. But. "Don't need to bother, sir. Good at doing what I'm told."

"Doing what you are told isn't the point here, Nova. It is my mission to help you learn to control and utilize your abilities, not to blindly follow orders."

"I can control it!" Nova's words are desperate, trying to avoid any need for being punished. "I'll do better, I promise. I can do it."

"You've done well so far, I am not saying you haven't." Castiel looks concerned again. "I'm simply saying that you will benefit from additional help in mastering your abilities. I do not have any intention of harming you."

Nova clearly doesn't know what to do with that. He desperately wants to believe the words. (But it wasn't harming him, it wasn't. He needed to be taught, he needed to know when he'd got it wrong. He hurt people when he got it wrong.)

"Yes sir," he agrees helplessly.

Castiel nods, oblivious to Nova's discomfort. "Do you have any human needs to take care before we begin? You were not very well cared for at the compound."

Nova shakes his head. "I'm fine, sir." (He's a little thirsty, he'd been working in the sun for hours before the man appeared, and he hasn't eaten since last night, but he's fine. He's gone longer on less.)

"Are you sure? Your soul seems exceptionally weary, even before we landed here. I would recommend resting until you've recovered some. It would be dangerous to practice with your abilities while you aren't fully mentally fit."

There's a long pause. "I-if you think that's best, sir?" he says quietly, watching the man out of the corner of his eye, looking for somewhere to curl up if he said it was okay.

"Yes, I think that would be best. There is an empty house just across the street. You can rest there." Castiel turns and walks towards the house, which for some reason is not nearly as old and beat up as the buildings surrounding it.

Nova follows, head ducked low. He doesn't really want to, he doesn't want to know what the man wants. But. For now, better not to anger the man. So he follows.

Castiel shows the boy to a bed where he can sleep, but doesn't immediately leave. "Do you have any questions you want answered? It's been a long day, and you seem confused."

Nova bites at his lips, hands clutching at the hem of his t-shirt. "I- Did you. Want. Something, sir?" (There's no clear impression of what exactly he's asking there, but he sounds almost resigned, and definitely scared.)

Castiel frowns, confused. He doesn't make a move towards the boy, though, since he is obviously anxious about Castiel's presence. "No I do not need anything from you. I was just asking you that question."

He is confused, but... He isn't even sure what he needs to ask to change that. (If he could even bring himself to ask in the first place.)

He shakes his head instead, watching the man out of the corner of his eyes. "No sir," he murmurs.

"Alright then. I'll leave you now." Castiel back awkwardly out the door, shutting it quietly behind him. He has no idea how to deal with this boy, and its seems like every move he makes is the wrong one at this point.

Nova stays frozen in place for a moment, making sure he's honestly being left alone. Once he's sure, he tucks himself under the bed frame, and curls up as far under it as he can get. (He shouldn't hide like this, but it's safer for sleeping, no-one can just grab him.)

He sleeps fitfully, but is (thankfully) never at risk of setting the bed on fire.

Angels do not sleep, so Castiel keeps watch in the main room. He is sitting in the same spot the next morning, and waits for Nova to wake up.

Nova wakes up early (he had to if he even wanted a chance of getting fed). He is very clearly not anticipating encountering anyone in the main room when he enters it.

"Hello Nova. We're you able to get adequate rest?" Castiel stands and moves towards the kitchen. "There is food in the refrigerator if you are hungry."

"Uh. Yes sir?" Nova nods, following Castiel towards the kitchen. (Although he keeps a reasonable distance between them.) He looks at the refrigerator, but doesn't make any move to approach it, despite being hungry. His stomach growls audibly, and he flinches.

Castiel notices that he won't come any closer, but doesn't comment. He opens the fridge and sticks his head inside, rooting around for something the boy might like. "What is your favorite food? What about eggs? There are three cartons in here."