Aaren shuffles himself further back, giving them more space.

"That's- probably not enough for a room," he points out carefully. "I can go with you somewhere and get you a room?" (He doesn't like this option, not really.)

"We'll figure something out. Something better. I'll keep you safe," Zevran murmurs to Nova. He hates himself for not doing that today. How could he let him go?

To Aaren: "And what would we owe you for that?" He spits.

"-You're not going to believe me if I say nothing, are you?"

"Everyone always demands something from us. From him." Zevran curses how broken his voice sounds on the last word.

Aaren looks down, swallowing bile, breathes in and out carefully.

"I have a daughter," he says. "About your age," he nods to Zev. "And- I adopted her. After her mother- Her mother was attacked, raped. When she wasn't that much older than you. She didn't want 'Chelle. So I took her. Believe me when I say that the idea of doing that to anyone is repulsive. Never mind a child."

Zevran had never heard anyone use the word 'rape'. No one would ever admit that what they did to Nova was rape. And here- this man knew what had been done to the boy Zevran loved and- and was condemning it?

"Why?"

Nova's shaking his head. (It wasn't, wasn'twasn'twasn't, he'd owed them.)

"Because just because Nadia didn't want her child, didn't mean she didn't want 'Chelle to be cared for. And- she trusted me enough, and I wasn't going to send a child into a system that while it tries, is overtaxed and flawed."

"Nova never saw the system." Zevran's voice is bitter.

-you were a soldier, Aaren reminds himself forcefully, don't throw up.

"-it's late," he says instead. "And you're both soaked through. I've got a spare room, with a lock on the door. And dry clothes, and soup. You both look like you could use a good meal, and it might help ward off any colds or flus."

"We-" Zevran starts, ready to turn this man aside, but-

He turns again to look at Nova. Nova, with deep shadows under his eyes, his whole body shaking. When was the last time he'd eaten? Zev remembered stealing those burgers, but that was...days ago. Nova wouldn't last much longer like this. And he might- he might go out again- if-

"You can't keep us there. We can leave when we want," Zevran says, brandishing the knife again.

"I wouldn't try. You can walk away right now if you want, and any time after this. Just- at least let me get a warm meal into you? And some dry clothes?"

"Forget about me. Nova needs rest and food. I'm coming with him so you don't go near him."

"Zev," Nova says, almost urgently. (Zev needs to look after himself, Nova doesn't know what he'll do if he loses him.)

Aaren sighs, getting carefully to his feet. "I'm not going to only look after one of you. And I think that...Nova? will feel better if you look after yourself as well."

"Nova matters more."

Aaren stands, and Zevran watches him carefully. He's suddenly hyper-aware of how close he is to Nova, and the self-hatred returns for it's necessity. 

He doesn't like that. Zev matters so much more than him. Zev's the one who got him out. Zev's the one who's been looking after him. He hadn't meant to be gone long enough for Zev to wake up and worry. He'd meant to be quick, and go back with money, so Zev could get something to eat-

He hunches his shoulders slightly.

...He can work on Zev's self worth later.

-No, he's just giving them a room for the night. They probably won't hang around after that.

"I'm not going to try and take the knife off you," he says. "But I would appreciate it if you don't pull it while 'Chelle's around."

"I've learnt to draw it quickly." He closes it away, and stows it in his pocket.

He does not take his arm from Nova.

Good. That's good. Because Nova needs Zev right now.

"Alright, I'm afraid it's a little bit of a walk, but it's not far."

And he leads the way out of the alley and towards his house, debating texting 'Chelle again - but if she's sleeping, he really doesn't want to disturb her.

Before they follow Aaren, Zevran takes a chance and turns his back on him to look at Nova. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, I should've been there for you. We won't stay long, I just-" Nova's hand is so tight on him, enough that even though Zevran knows letting go is the right thing, he cannot bring himself to. "I'll be with you the whole time. He won't get near you. You'll eat and sleep and then we'll find another way."

He wants to press his lips to Nova's head, wants to show him all the affection he never got. But he would rather die than take advantage of Nova.

"S'fine, Zev, s'fine. You do. You keep me safe. Just- just wanted to help."