There's sounds of struggle coming from the closest alley. 

A gravelly, adult voice, "Get the fuck away, boy!"

A younger, accented one, "Get away from him or I'll slit your miserable throat!"

Another younger voice, scared, panicked. "Zev, no- Zev, please- I-"

-Shit.

Aaren breaks into a run, heading straight into the alley, not willing to waste time-

He skids to a halt, trying to take in the scene before him.

Two young boys, one darker skinned, are backed against the wall. The darker boy is brandishing a knife in one hand, pointed at a much older man holding up his pants, the other hand is braced across the other boy. 

"I paid for him!" The man spits.

The boy's face twists with fury. He tugs money from the other boy's pocket and throws it at him. 

"Fuck off!"

"Zev, we- needed-"

Aaren pulls his glasses off and tucks them away.

"Hey," he snaps, body angled towards the older man. "I think you should leave, mate."

Zevran's grip on Nova tightens.

The man snarls. "I'm not going anywhere until this little shit gets that knife out of my face."

...Bad move on the man's part. Aaren had been moving before he finished speaking, and delivers a sharp punch to his jaw before grabbing the arm not holding his pants up, and twisting it up behind his back, forcing him towards the alley entrance.

He leans in close enough to hiss in the man's ear. "I think the police would be more interested in the man trying to fuck the obviously underage kid."

Nova clings to Zevran.

Zevran curls his arm tighter around Nova in response, but does not take is eyes or his knife from the man.

The man tries weakly to get out of Aaren's grip. "He- he said we was 18!"

"I'm sure he did. I doubt you believed him."

He throws the man forward.

"Get out of here before I have to actually hurt you."

He's bulked himself up some, and he looks ready for a fight.

The man trips over himself as he's pushed, gibbering angry excuses. He stands, vitirol on his lips, eyes on the discarded notes on the ground, before he catches sight of Aaren. He takes one experimental step forward, but quickly stops, scowls, and then stomps off into the night.

Aaren watches him go, and then shifts, making himself smaller as he turns back to the two boys. He pauses and then ducks down to pick the notes that are furthest from the two boys. He holds them out. "Seeing as he isn't bothering to collect them, you may as well have them."

Zevran says nothing, but backs Nova up towards the wall again, his knife now on Aaren.

Aaren glances at the knife, and then sits down, ignoring the fact that the ground is damp. He places his hands on his knees.

"I'm not going to hurt you," he says, although he doesn't expect them to believe that. "I'm just...concerned."

"We've heard that before." Zevran can very distinctly remember the last 'concerned well-wisher'. 

He thinks his pant leg still has a blood stain.

"...I expect you have," Aaren says, sounding nothing so much as tired. (He's having flashes of 'Chelle's mother, all hard sharp edges, combative, scared and unwilling to trust.) He takes a breath, doesn't let it out in the sigh that wants to escape. "Do you have somewhere safe to go?" he asks.

They don't. They were kicked out of the shelter not long ago, and Zevran had been trying to find enough money to get them a motel room somewhere, at least for a time. 

"We're fine," he says, though his heart is full of fear for Nova's well-being. 

Nova shakes against him. "Zev-"

...They don't then.

"...are you going to take this money?" he looks at it, doubts it's enough to get a room anywhere, let alone somewhere they'll be safe.

He turns to look at Nova. He's still holding him, tightly as well, and that rankles with Zevran, knowing he's not allowed to touch, not allowed near. Can't let Nova for one second think he was anything like...like them.

The rain is freezing, and he doesn't know how long Nova has been out here. They're both soaked, and that means Nova will almost certainly get sick. Zevran doesn't have enough money for a doctor. He knows Nova's fire can't keep him warm all the time. 

He loosens his grip on Nova, but stays close. Keeping hold of the knife, he takes the money from Aaren. It's not much. 

Nova makes a quiet sound as Zev loosens his grip, but doesn't actually complain.

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."

"Not that way, Nova. Never that way." His voice is fierce, but he is glad for the rain so he can hide his tears. 

He turns back to Aaren, leading Nova to follow him.

Nova stays clinging to Zev as he lets him lead him.

Aaren had set a leisurely pace, and has paused briefly, not that far ahead.

As promised, it doesn't take that long for them to reach the neatly tended semi-detached house.

Aaren unlocks the door and steps inside, leaving the door open for them to follow.

Zevran slips his hand into the pocket where his knife is, but follows Aaren inside. His other hand finds Nova's and laces their fingers together tightly.

Aaren's pulling his jacket off, and taking off his shoes to put them on the rack beside the door. (It's perhaps noticeable that there's three different sets of shoes on the rack, one obviously a girl's, the other two male.)

"Close the door please?" he requests.

Zevran reaches behind Nova to do so. 

He does not move from further into the house, or step away from Nova.

"We should get you both into something dry. And- showers if you want."

"Dad? I thought I-"

A girl with bright green hair stops at the top of the stairs.

"Everything okay?"

"This is the daughter you mentioned?"

"Yes. 'Chelle, these are Zev and Nova, they're going to be staying with us tonight, that okay?"

"Of course," she agrees, seeming genuine. "Some of Lan's clothes are in the tumble dryer, should be warm."

"-is Lan still here?"

"No, his parents called him to go home. He figured he should actually listen. You're getting out of your wet clothes as well, I hope?"

She seems nice. And genuine, which is not something Zev and Nova have had for a while. And this seems like a far too elaborate set up for- for that. But his second fear is that someone will find a way to take Nova away from him, and there isn't much Zev wouldn't do to prevent that.

"Nova needs dry clothes. And some rest. He hasn't slept in a few days."

"Well, we can sort both of those things. Dad, dry clothes. I've got these two for now."

"Yes, ma'am," Aaren says, snapping off a salute as he climbs the stairs. He presses a kiss to her hair as he passes.

'Chelle smiles at him, leans briefly into him, and then continues her way down the stairs. "Bathroom right there," she says, pointing to the door at the end of the hall. "There's clean towels on the towel rail. I'll grab you both clothes. And no arguments from you," she says directly to Zev. "I'm not leaving you in wet clothes."

Zevran frowns at the easy affection, because his heart aches painfully. He wants that. He's never had that. More than anything, he wants that for Nova. 

He turns around to Nova. "I'll stand outside the door. You should get warm." He tightens his hold on Nova's hand, then hates himself for it.

Nova clings to him tighter.

"The bathroom has a lock," 'Chelle says carefully. "Gimme a minute to grab you some clothes, huh?"

Zevran leans into Nova, closing his eyes as he presses his head to his. "What's wrong? What do you need?"

How do I fix this?

"I don't- don't leave me. I- please?"

"Okay, okay. I'm with you. I promise. Always."

He looks up at 'Chelle. He points. "That door?"

She's been quick, and is just coming back into the hall with a pile of clothes. "Yeah. Here. They might be a bit big, Lan's a complete beanpole, but they'll be closer than mine or Dad's."

He would say thank you, if the world had been kinder to him and Nova. He gives 'Chelle a nod as he takes them, then gently coaxes Nova towards the bathroom. 

Once inside, he deposits the clothes on the sink, and gazes around in wonder. Not even the cult had bathrooms this clean. 

"You first. I'll-I'll turn away while you change," he says to Nova, closing the door.

"Take showers if you want," 'Chelle calls through the door, and then leaves them be.

Nova hesitantly reaches out to turn the shower on, fiddling with the controls.

(He isn't allowed warm water, he knows that. Knowsknowsknows.)

Zevran watches the door, one hand in his pocket, fingering the knife, when he remembers something. Something Nova told him a long time ago.

I don't get warm water. I don't deserve it.

"Nova-" he says, sharply, turning and shoving his hand under the stream. It's freezing. "No. No, you'll get sick." He turns the hot water on, not having the same guilty conscience about it as Nova, and waits until the water is pleasantly warm. "There." 

"B-but- I- I don't wanna get in trouble. I- please don't make me get in trouble-"

The blood in Zevran's veins freezes. He can remember that night, that night, so clearly in his mind and it both makes him want to kill and cry. He knows what Nova fears so dreadfully. It makes him sick that he let it happen for so long.

"There is nothing, nothing, they can do that I won't protect you from." Lies. "I would happily set myself on fire to keep you warm. But we have a shower for that instead. Please, Nova. I will keep you safe. They won't- you won't be in trouble. I will make sure of it."

He keeps himself distant. Ensures he doesn't follow his foolish heart and hold Nova, or press a careful kiss to his forehead, or to his fingers. Nova will forever have his heart but Zevran would die before he thought that meant he had his body.

...Nova's still reluctant, but- But-

But Zev has protected him, whenever he could, and- And he hasn't lied to him. He wouldn't.

He's shaking but-

But he nods cautiously, and starts to undress.

Zev is quick to turn away, to offer Nova privacy.

Something he knows Nova never got a lot of.

...the warm water doesn't hurt against his skin. It feels...almost pleasant.

Still, he cleans himself quickly, habit and the knowledge that Zev needs to as well, and he doesn't know how long they'll have-

He wraps himself in a sinfully soft towel when he gets out.

"I- your turn," he says quietly.

Zevran doesn't turn, wanting to give Nova time to change. "I'm okay. Get changed, then we'll see where we're sleeping."

"Zev, please."

"I-" God, he sounds broken. "I can't...I can't let my guard down. I have to keep you safe."

"Please, Zev. I- It's five minutes. 'Ll be fine. Door's locked, right?"

It was. And he wouldn't be long. Being warm would be good. But-

Who was he trying to kid? He couldn't deny Nova anything. 

He closed his eyes, letting Nova have the privacy. He pulled out his knife and gave it to him. "If you need it."

He takes it cautiously, carefully, and nods, realises Zev can't see him, and gives vocal confirmation.

He quickly pulls on the still-warm clothes that they'd been given - the idea of putting his wet clothes on being horrid enough to make him do it without a thought.

Zevran undresses and showers as quickly as he can, though the warm water was very welcome after the freezing rain and the on-off temperature of the shelter's showers. 

He steps out, towelling quickly and then dressing in the dry clothes. The fit would be better, if he had kept the broadness the cult had trained into him, but the few months living on the streets had made him thinner than he realised. 

He takes the knife back from Nova once he's done. "Okay?"

He nods. "You?"

"Well. Been a while since I was this warm," he says, smiling at Nova.

That gets him a small smile in return. "I- don't remember being this warm."

Zevran gets a cold stab of guilt to his stomach. His fault. "I'll fix that. Next place we find will have hot water constantly." He tries another smile but he can feel how watery it is. 

He unlocks the door. He pauses. He knows Nova was promised food, but for a moment he was almost certain running was a good option. It's hard to squash the urge to gather Nova in his arms and barrel back out into the rain. But-

But if these people can help care for Nova, even for a little while, isn't it worth it? 

"Let's see what kind of food they'll give us."

Nova nods, a little cautiously.

If they look to their right as they leave the bathroom they'll see the kitchen, and Aaren putting two bowls of soup down at the opposite end of the table from where 'Chelle's sat, a mug at her elbow, and a half eaten sandwich on a plate next to her, holding a hand of cards.

Aaren smiles warmly. "Lentil soup, as promised. Good warming food." (And not too harsh on stomachs not used to regular food, he doesn't say.)

Zev nods. He turns to Nova. "That okay?"

-Nova isn't sure how to answer that, so he just nods.

"Hey, gimme those wet clothes, I'll get them cleaned up and dried for the two of you, huh?"

Zev hands them over. He already transferred their money (happily stolen from the would-be rapist) and his knife to his new pockets, and even if they kept the clothes it wouldn't matter. Zevran's was the uniform he was made to wear and if he was honest, he was grateful to see it go.

He coaxed Nova to a seat. "You need to eat. You've been trembling all day," he says quietly, hoping that only Nova can hear.

If either Aaren or 'Chelle overhear, they don't show it as 'Chelle heads through a door with the bundle of clothes.

"Did you know that Lan's parents were having a gallery opening tomorrow? Showing some of their private collection for the first time?" Aaren calls after her.

Nova picks up a spoon to start to eat, and then looks at Zev, and looks pointedly at the other bowl. He won't start eating until Zev does.

"-I suppose that would explain why they wanted him home," 'Chelle agrees.

Zevran was busy staring at the two strangers, eyes flicking between them both as he fingered his knife.

Then he felt a prickle on the back of his neck, like someone was watching him. He turned, and saw Nova's pointed look at the bowl in front of Zev. Zev couldn't help a soft smile. "You start. I'll keep watch," he whispers.

...He's reluctant, but he does. He'll make sure Zev eats.

"Should I assume you want me to call you in sick tomorrow?"

"-I'd appreciate that, Dad, really. He's gonna want back-up, and- can I take the car? Give him an out if he needs it?"

"Of course, Sparky."

Zevran is jealous. It eats at his heart like poison. He'd heard of, and seen, these relationships, but it was always through a window, always detached. Never including him. There was only one person who cared about him, and it was someone he failed on a daily basis. 

He spared Nova a look to make sure he was eating. "And the bread too," he reminded.

He tries, he does- but- he's not used to this amount. He bites his lip, looks sideways at Zev. "M'sorry. Full."

Zevran looks at Nova's bowl. To him, a soldier used to getting as much as he could stomach, it looks like Nova had barely touched it. Zev didn't understand, had he not been feeding Nova enough? 

Of course he hadn't, Nova hadn't eaten in three days. Because he hadn't tried enough. Because he couldn't take care of the only important person to him. "Are- are you sure?"

He nods.

"Okay." It is not okay. "Are you tired?"

"-Zev. Please."

"I'm fine, mi vida." 

He looks over to Aaren. "Where are we sleeping?"

"Upstairs, I'll show you," he starts to get to his feet. "You can take the soup upstairs if you want. Eat it up there. I'd feel much better if you had at least one good meal before you decide to leave."

Zevran stands. "I'll be fine. It's more important that Nova-"

All of a sudden things turn woozy. Adrenaline has fuelled him for hours, and once that left there was nothing in him. There were spots in his vision, his hands felt numb and then-

"Nova?" His voice was so weak. 

And then he felt himself fall.

Aaren sees Zev start to fall before he does, and starts to lunge around the table to catch him.

Nova's abruptly between Zev and Aaren, shaking and terrified, flames leaping up off his hands. "I- I'm sorry, he's fine, please don't!"

'Chelle starts to her feet, sparks of electricity running over her skin in an uncontrollable response to Nova's fire.

Zevran's hand finds Nova's ankle. He can't even hear his usual mantra of 'don't touch don't touch don't touch.'

"I'm...I'm okay. I'm sorry- I'm so sorry."

"I- I'll be good," Nova promises, barely registering Zev's words or presence. "I- I'll be good, and pleasing, and- and I can make you feel- just don't hurt him. Please. He'll be okay. Please."

"Hey, hey, no. No. I don't want- no. Neither of you are in any trouble. I promise. It's okay."

"Nova-" Zevran pleads, trying to make himself louder. He- Zevran couldn't let him do that again. Couldn't let him relieve his worst nightmare just to keep him safe. Zevran would rather die. 

Zevran forced himself up, his hands not quite obeying him, but he managed to half put himself between him and Nova, even if his vision was blurry. "Don't...don't..."

"I'm not going to do anything. To either of you. Sparky? Can you-?"

'Chelle breathes carefully, manages to stop the sparks on her skin. "Nova, can I come closer? Can I help Zev up?"

"No, please he-"

"I'm gonna help you and him to the bathroom. And then you're going to lock the door. Okay? Please?"

Zevran can barely get words out, but he needs them to know. "Take...take me instead-"

Aaren's backed away, and turns to go into the utility room.

"No-one is taking anyone," 'Chelle promises, open and genuine. "But won't you feel better with a door between us and you? Then we can't hurt Zev? But I think Zev needs some help?"

Nova's shaking, but he steps a little away from Zev, watches 'Chelle closely.

She moves forward slowly, and kneels down next to Zev slowly, one hand hovering. "Can I touch you?" she requests.

"Yes, yes- just leave him alone-"

Zevran only half knows what he's saying right now, the only thing he's sure of is his need to keep Nova safe, to throw himself on any sword to protect him.

"Honey, I'm ace," she tells him, touching him oh so gently. "I'm gonna help you up now. Nova, grab that bowl of soup and the spoon huh?"

She'll worry about bathrooms not being the most sanitary place to eat when these two aren't panicking.

Nova obeys, not looking away from 'Chelle.

"Please don't hurt him. I tried to stop them, I-"

'Chelle puts one hand on him, gentle and careful and Zevran nearly breaks. He can't remember a gentle touch before Nova's. He cannot remember easy affection. He lets her help him up, dazed eyes looking for Nova all the time.

"Not hurting anyone," she promises, giving him a gentle squeeze, a hug, she can feel his reaction to the touch, can't imagine not knowing what a gentle touch felt like, what comfort felt like. "I know you tried. I can see it, honey. And he wants you to not be hurt as well. And so do me and Dad."

She guides him towards the bathroom, lets Nova back in ahead of her, before helping Zev in and helping him to sit.

"Can you wait two seconds before locking the door?" she asks Nova. "The cupboard just out here," she points, moving slowly back towards the door. 'It has blankets and pillows, and I want to get some for you, okay?"

"I- uh- yes, ma'am?" he agrees.

"Just 'Chelle," she assures him, quickly pulling the cupboard door open and grabbing an armful of blankets and pillows. She tucks them to the side of the door. "There. You go ahead and lock the door now, okay? It's okay."

And she goes back into the kitchen.

-It takes Nova a moment to make himself close the door, but he needs to keep Zev safe.

He leans against the door, until he can make himself push the lock home.

Then he turns back to Zev.

"Z-Zev?"

He lets himself be led to the bathroom, eyes on Nova the whole time, even though what he desperately wants is to curl into the gentle arms holding him up. 'Chelle gently sits him down, and he tries to keep himself up on one arm, attempting to look like he wasn't as dizzy as he felt. He thought he was doing the right thing, giving extra food to Nova. He was supposed to be stronger than this. If they had- if Aaren or 'Chelle-

He looks up at his name, tears already forming in his eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Nova, I should've- You should never have to-"

Defend me.

"I- no. No. You- you- we look after each other?" Nova picks up one of the blankets and goes as though to tuck it around Zev and- stops, just holding it out. "I- you couldn't. So I did. Like you do for me."

Zev holds out his arms for the blanket, wishing that he could reach out a little more and just pull Nova to him. "I don't deserve you," he says quietly in Spanish.

Nova doesn't know what Zev's saying, but he hands him the blanket, and then goes to fetch the bowl of soup he left on the sink, and holds that out as well. "Eat," he says, with surprising force.

Zevran takes it, and half smiles, like only the left corner of his mouth can lift. "I think that's my line."

He does eat, however.

That gets a small smile as Nova curls up next to him - forgoing a blanket in the immediate. He also hums approvingly when Zev eats.

He hadn't even realised how hungry he was, but purposefully makes himself eat slowly. He's already fainted, he doesn't want to add vomiting to the list. He manages to finish the whole bowl, and carefully deposits it to one side. 

"That's better than we've had for a while, no?" Zevran asks, his head just tilting back onto the wall. The dizziness hasn't really abated, but he feels better just knowing he's had food.

"Yeah," he agrees. "I- wish I could've eaten more." And he does, to try and erase the worry he sees in Zev's eyes, and because it was so good.

"You should always eat as much as you can stomach. Especially if you like it..." If Zevran intended to say anything else, it's lost as his eyes flutter shut and his breathing evens out. 

After a moment, his head slips down the wall to land on Nova's shoulder.

Nova goes still when Zev's head falls onto his shoulder, barely daring to breath because he doesn't know what to do.

The he shuffles carefully closer to Zev, doing his best not to disturb him, until he's close enough that they could legitimately be considered to be cuddling.

He's determined to keep watch while Zev sleeps.

Zevran lets out a tiny, pleased moan, and tucks his head further into Nova's warmth.

His smile widens slightly.

-despite his best intentions, he's too tired to stay awake.

Zevran's back hurts. His arm is numb. But he's warmer than he remembers being since- before. He slowly starts coming back to himself, remembering what happened, but when he opens his eyes and tries to lift his head, he finds there's a weight on it. He shifts slightly, confused, and sees Nova, still sleeping, cradled around Zevran just close enough that they could be cuddling. 

Zevran's heart just about stops. He doesn't want to move, doesn't want to disturb this. He's wanted it for so long, and seeing Aaren and 'Chelle's easy affection made that longing burn. Being this close to Nova is like sitting in the sun. 

He savours this closeness one last time, before gently lifting his head, holding Nova's in his not-numb-hand. He carefully lets Nova's head droop onto his own shoulder, and moves away slightly, so Nova isn't frightened. He then works on getting feeling back into his hand.

Nova, amazingly, doesn't jerk immediately awake, but he wakes fairly soon afterwards. "I- I'm sorry. I- meant to stay awake. And keep watch."

(There's no indication that anyone has tried to get into the bathroom at all.)

"It's okay. It's my fault. I didn't even give you the knife."

Zevran stands, with some effort, his knees are sore, and goes over to the door. The lock is still in place, and nothing indicates they tried to get it. If Zevran is truly honest with himself, he didn't think that they would. He just doesn't know why anyone would care about them. He knows why he cares about Nova, and that's about the only sure thing he knows.

"What...what are we going to do next?" He says, half to himself. He doesn't really expect an answer.

He doesn't get one beyond a shrug.

The smell that is slowly permeating the bathroom from the kitchen might suggest 'eat breakfast' is a viable option if he cares to investigate.

It does smell good. And Zevran is still hungry. One bowl of soup will not make up for a week's starvation. 

He turns back to look at Nova. "Do you want to stay?"

He doesn't know. But maybe Zev'll get more food, and look healthier again and-

"I, yes? If you think- it's safe?"

Zevran looks back around to the door. Everything about this seems safe. Warm clothes, lock on the door, plentiful food. 

But he remembers growing up like that. He was given much. While Nova-

"I don't know if it is. I- I admit, I'm lost."

Nova gets to his feet slowly. "I- we can leave later? Can't we? He- he said we could?"

That does put Zevran on more solid ground. "True. And we may as well have a few warm meals while we can get them."

He gives Nova a reassuring smile that he himself doesn't quite feel.

Nova relaxes some and smiles back - Zev will keep him safe.

"All right," Zevran says. The demon voice in his head chants takehishand! but Zev doesn't, knowing that it isn't right. "Stay close."

He unlocks the door.

There's a backpack propped up against the cupboard door. It appears to be stuffed with blankets, there's two of the throwaway plastic rain ponchos, and also an entire box of energy bars.

Aaren can be heard humming in the kitchen, along with the sounds of cooking.

Zev kneels down to inspect the backpack. It's enough supplies to last them a while, if they're careful. 

He shoulders the pack, taking it with them into the kitchen, not trusting it to not be gone if they leave it.

'Chelle gives them a warm smile. "Good to see you on your feet, Zev," she says. "G'morning."

Aaren looks back from where he's stood at the stove and smiles at them. "Morning."

Nova stays half hidden behind Zev.

Zev nods back at the greetings. 

He motions to the backpack. “For us?”

"Yeah. No cost. Just. In case you were going to skip out before breakfast. Or any time after this."

"You are staying for breakfast right? What would you like to drink? Take a seat."

He looks behind him to Nova, eyebrows raised in question. Yes?

He half-shrugs, half-nods.

"We've got tea, coffee, hot chocolate, we're out of milk, but water, orange juice, apple juice, I think we have squash somewhere..."

“Coffee, thank you. And tea for Nova,” he says it a little harsher than he meant, though he doesn’t want to take it back. He holds the right to still be suspicious. 

'Chelle just smiles. "Really do sit down, you look better, but the kitchen looks unneat." It's soft, teasing, warm, no bite to her words as she makes them drinks.

He can’t deny how much he would like to. He still feels shaky, even after a full night’s sleep. He directs Nova to a chair first, then pulls the one next to him closer, not enough to touch but enough that he can get in front of him easily. 

Aaren puts plates down in front of them, scrambled eggs and toast, and goes back to the pan.

'Chelle comes back with two steaming mugs, putting those next to Zev, and, after a moment, she risks giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze before retreating to her own seat and mug.

The food smelled incredible, and they weren’t given measly portions. Zevran looked at Nova and gave him a small, encouraging smile. 

And then ‘Chelle squeezed his shoulder and he had to stop himself reaching out and keeping her hand there. The gentleness was nearly overwhelming. 

He shut his eyes for one steadying second to take in a shaky breath. 

...She's gonna keep doing that then. Because it hurts her how much he needs that.

Aaren brings two more plates over, sits down next to 'Chelle and strike up a domestic conversation about school and how Aaren would appreciate 'Chelle not turning up in the society pages of the local newspaper again as the school secretaries actually read those.

They don't mention the night before, and while they don't ignore their guests exactly, they aren't paying them much mind either.

Zevran relaxes a bit once their eyes are off him and Nova. Normally, and what he did last night, he would stay on guard every second until he and Nova moved. But after last night- 

Its too soon to say he trusts them. But he does appreciate what they’ve done for Nova. And for him. 

Zev starts eating, catching Nova’s eye and nodding at his own food. 

Once Nova's sure he's eating, he starts on his own meal.

He can't finish it again, but this time he pushes the remnants towards Zev with a very pointed look.

Zevran smiles at Nova, and shows him is own half-finished plate. 

“I can’t finish either,” he whispers conspiratorially.

The gets a small smile in return, although Nova still looks worried.

"If you're done, I'll take your plates?" She lowers her tone to a conspiratory whisper of her own. "I don't think Dad ever learned that portion control was a thing."

"Hey," Aaren complains. "I learned it was a thing. I just ignore it. Big difference."

“We- I haven’t eaten large meals in some time.”

Nova, he doesn’t say, never got them. 

"I'll try to match the portions better than. And there's food in all the cupboards, please help yourself."

Beat. "And there's literally two cases of energy bars on a shelf in the utility room, help yourself to those as well." (Doesn't say 'please don't hoard anything perishable'.)

"I- can help?" Nova offers.

"I got it covered, sweetie," 'Chelle promises, whisking their plates away.

Zev stays quiet, watching them carefully, leaning his body almost sub-conciously towards Nova, like he was drawn into his orbit. 

'Chelle hums quietly while she deals with the dishes.

"Now, neither of you are in any trouble, but I do need to talk to you both about last night, if you don't mind."

“Why would we be in trouble at all?” Zevran says coolly. 

Nova's shaking slightly. "I- I'm sorry, sir, I didn't mean to- I just- lost control. It- It won't happen again!"

“Nova, you didn’t do anything, you have nothing to be sorry for,” Zev says firmly, but in a gentle tone. His eyes are on Aaren, accusing him. 

"Absolutely not!" Aaren agrees. "And I'm glad you tried to protect your friend, even though it must have been scary to do so."

Pause. "Besides, you didn't set anything on fire, or fuse the whole house like Sparky over there," his tone is nothing so much as fond and amused. "So, no harm, no foul."

Nova half reaches for Zev, because- he needs-

He can't believe that, no-one had ever-

"They- they said- that I-"

“Fire? What is he-“ The look on Nova’s face is enough to explain things for Zev. When he fell, Nova must’ve...

“Nova,” he says softly. He takes Nova’s hand because how can he deny him when he reaches for him? 

"I haven't done that in years!" 'Chelle complains good-naturedly, grinning.

"M'sorry," he repeats miserably. "M'bad. I know."

"You are not," Aaren states firmly. "You're no more bad than 'Chelle is for accidentally fusing the whole house when she fused the house. You were scared, and protecting Zev. Your flames would make that easier. You were merely using what you had."

Zev tightens his hold on Nova’s hand, only just quelling the urge to press his lips to it. “You’re not. You’re not bad. There’s not a bad bone in you, you’re so good. You’re so good, mi vida.”

"The main reason I bring it up, is because I wanted to point out that our cellar is...bascially fireproof if you need to let off steam. And ask whether you received any elemental training?"

Nova shakes his head slowly.

“They...they didn’t want him as a solider.”

"Didn't want me to use it..."

Aaren pauses, looks between the two boys. "Zev, you don't have to answer this, but do you have any magic?"

Zevran shakes his head, eyes still on Nova.

"And did-?"

"Dad, quit with the questions, huh? You guys wanna go see if there's any crappy cartoons on TV?"

Zev gives ‘Chelle a puzzled look, though he does feel grateful for the change of subject. Nova’s hand is shaking in his. 

"...you've never watched crappy cartoons on TV, have you? C'mon. Both of you, living room. We'll see what we can find."

She heads out of the kitchen.

Zev runs his thumb over Nova’s hand. “What do you want to do? We can go...” he whispers, leaning close. 

...He shrugs again, no idea how to respond to that.

"I'm not going to make you stay," Aaren says. "But I've asked a healer friend of mine to come over. Take a look at you, maybe get you in better shape before you head back out. Easier to protect yourselves."

Nova’s shutting down, Zev has seen this before. He thinks that the best thing to do is pull away, as much as it hurts him to do that. 

Nova makes a quiet distressed noise as Zev starts to pull away, and then flinches slightly. (He shouldn't be asking Zev for this, Zev never seemed to want to touch him.)

"You can still leave at any time," Aaren assures, getting to his feet. "Just. I'd feel better knowing you're both in good health."

And he leaves the kitchen.

Zev’s heard Nova make that sound. He made it last night when Zev moved away from him. Is he-

Is he trying to ask for comfort? 

Heart in his throat, he tucks his hand in Nova’s tighter, and slides closer to him. 

Nova relaxes a tiny bit. Zev isn't going to leave him, Zev's staying, that's good. "Thank you."

“I don’t want to let go. I thought...I thought it’d be better if I did.”

He shifts closer again. "I- it's- nice. Doesn't- hurt."

“Doesn’t hurt?” Zev’s leg is pressed against Nova’s. It’s the closest they’ve sat in...months. The effect is dizzying. It’s addictive. 

For a moment he is desperate for more. 

He nods. "I- Everything. Before. And you don't. And I- I- like it."

“You-” Zev’s breath leaves in one, huge rush. Months of keeping his distance, all so he doesn’t hurt Nova, traumatise him and...

Zev’s smile is bigger than he can remember it being in a long time. He knows he looks dopey. He...he’s making things better. Maybe not fixing anything, and he still doesn’t feel like he deserves it, but...

He’ll take what he can get. 

Nova smiles back. He hopes this means Zev will touch him now. He likes it.

"...are we staying?" he asks after a moment, and he needs Zev to make this decision. He's barely had to make decisions before this.

“I am curious about this healer. Maybe they can fix my shoulder,” Zevran says, rubbing the old wound absent-mindedly. 

Nova looks away, guilty, because if they hadn't run, if Zev hadn't decided he was worth...something, Zev wouldn't have been hurt. He doesn't move away.

"O-okay."

Zev sees his guilty look, and finds himself matching it. He doesn’t want Nova to blame himself. “I’d rather take one bullet to the shoulder than leave you. Mierda, I’d take a bullet to every inch of skin I have to keep you out of that place.”

He touches the tattoo on his own face, looking at the matching one on Nova’s. He reaches out and gently touches it. He hates it. 

He takes his hand from Nova’s face, but keeps the others entwined. “Let’s go find out about these “crappy cartoons”, yes?”

"O-okay," he agrees.

They'll find 'Chelle in the living room, curled up in a chair, watching Scooby Doo.

“That dog is unreasonably large.”

"He also speaks. And he is a great dane. They're massive."

“...speaking dog. I suddenly do not feel bad for missing out on television.”

It feels kind of like holding out an olive branch to the girl who has taken care of them. 

"Mystery-solving talking dog. Sit down and be delighted," she says. And it's an order, in a way, as she points imperiously at the sofa, but her smile takes away any seriousness, and her eyes are twinkling and warm.

Zev regards her for a moment, and then swings the backpack off, placing it in arm’s reach, before leading Nova to the sofa and sitting down. He keeps their hands together, but tries to keep a slight bit of distance between their bodies. 

For propriety’s sake, he tells himself. 

Scooby Doo plays, and the monster is unmasked, and 'Chelle occasionally narrates something, explains something.

Nova shuffles slightly closer to Zev, wanting to be pressed against his side again.

Zev keeps up a running dry commentary, clearly unimpressed by daytime cartoons. It’s almost...easy. Like getting a glimpse into a life that could be his own.

He notices Nova’s timid shuffle, and can’t help a smile. He should’ve realised this months ago. He moves closer to Nova, almost non-chalantly, until they are pressed together shoulder to foot. 

Nova, very hesitantly, rests his head on Zev's shoulder.

'Chelle loves having his commentary to riff off! Arguing her point.

She has to stop speaking for a moment when she sees Zev and Nova shifting out of the corner of her eyes, because if she keeps speaking, the adorableness is going to make her squeak.

Zev leans his head on top of Nova’s in return. “Te amo, mi vida.”

It takes one more cartoon for Zevran to fall asleep. 

...that's far too cute. 'Chelle smiles, turns the TV down slightly, and stays quiet.

Nova smiles slightly as he feels Zev drop off. He needs the sleep.

Maybe an hour later, the doorbell rings.

Zev stirs slightly. In his sleep he has tucked his feet onto the couch, and curled almost entirely into Nova.

There's the sound of the door opening, and then a dog trots into the room.

"Esca," a deep voice calls.

Zev’s eyes open, and he sees a dog. A real one. “Is he here to solve mysteries?” He mutters, mostly into Nova’s hair. 

Apparently, he's here to deposit his massive head between them and woof softly.

"He wants strokes," 'Chelle says.

Aaren leads two new people into the room at this point.

A tall, built man who is looking at the dog in betrayal.

And a slender woman who moves like she just stepped off a catwalk.

Zev pokes the dog. “That is another unreasonably large dog.”

He then notices the two strangers and sits bolt upright, already pulling Nova closer, one hand going to the pocket his knife is in.

"We think Drex bribed one of the druids," the woman says cheerfully. "But this one," she taps the large man's arm, "will admit to nothing. Aaren, cher, I think me and you should go and make tea."

"-if you think that's best."

He lets the woman tow him out of the room.

Zev watches the man warily.

'Chelle's moved over and is tugging him down to her level so she can kiss his cheek. "Hey, Uncle Drex."

He goes easily. "Hey, pup."

Then he folds himself down to be sat cross-legged.

"Aaren said he mentioned I was coming."

Nova is hesitantly petting the dog now.

Zev relaxes somewhat seeing ‘Chelle’s reaction, and Nova seems okay with the dog. 

“He didn’t mention anyone by your description,” he says, still wary. 

"Uncle Drex is the best known healer."

Drex points at 'Chelle in a gesture clearly meant to indicate: 'what she said'.

“He did mention that.”

Zev looks Drex up and down. “You don’t look much like a healer.”

"Heard that before. Call it a natural talent."

He holds his hand up, and green light suffuses his hand.

He’d only ever seen Nova’s flames, so seeing another kind of magic is rather...well...spell binding. 

“That...looks convincing. Not that I’m any kind of expert.”

He smiles, surprisingly warm on his stern face.

"Aaren is concerned. Said you were out in the rain. Mighta been in a fight. Wanted me to check you over. That okay?"

“Nova first,” he says, gesturing with their joined hands. 

"...this is easier if I'm touching you. Even just the smallest contact, touching finger tips, massively helps. Can do it without if that's a problem."

...Nova doesn't know how to answer that, just presses a little closer to Zev.

He leans his head back onto Nova’s. “I’m right here.”

Nova very cautiously reaches out one hand.

Drex shuffles around close enough to touch Nova's fingertips when he reaches out, closes his eyes and-

Green light suffuses him, flows down his arm and through his fingers, into Nova.

Panic does flare in Zev to see anything he doesn’t understand affecting Nova, but he...trusts ‘Chelle. And she clearly trusts Drex.

He keeps a tight hold on Nova’s hand, stroking his thumb back and forth, trying to keep his touch soothing. 

It's only five minutes before he pulls back. "There. Feel better?"

Nova nods hesitantly.

Drex looks over to Zev and tilts his head, holding his hand out.

Zev squeezes Nova’s hand once Drex is done. 

He takes his other hand out of his pocket, and reaches out to Drex, putting his hand calmly into his. 

Drex doesn't close his hand, closes his eyes again, and the green light flows down his arm. It feels warm as it flows through Zev, comforting as it makes it's way through him.

When it reaches the wound in his shoulder, it seems to- coil around it, goes warmer for a moment and then- moves on. And Zev's shoulder feels better than it perhaps ever has.

If he had a free hand, he would touch his shoulder in wonder. As it is, they’d need a crowbar to force him to let go of Nova.

Drex pulls back, breathes out, opens his eyes. "Better?"

Zev took his free hand back and quickly dived below the collar of his shirt and hoodie to feel out the place the bullet had entered. 

There was nothing. 

“It’s....it’s like it didn’t happen,” he said, tone full of wonder. 

"See what I mean? He's the best."

"C'n get rid of those tats too," Drex offers. "Not right now. But if you want, c'n come back and do that."

His hand goes straight to the tattoo. Zev can’t remember what he looked like without it. 

What Nova looked like. 

"Think 'bout it. Can't do it right now anyway."

He wants it off Nova’s face. Wants any proof that those monsters ever thought they owned him. Nova wasn’t anyone’s property, wasn’t anyone’s toy. He was free now. Zevran would die to ensure that. 

“Thanks.” He nods at Drex. 

Angelique comes back in at that point, carrying a tray with a tea set on it. "All done?" she asks brightly.

He doesn’t smile at the woman returning, but he also doesn’t go for his knife. 

He shifts his shoulder a bit to make Nova more comfortable. 

Drex nods and shuffles himself around so that he's leaning against one of the chairs.

Esca doesn't budge, just nuzzles into Nova's hand, and pokes at Zev with his nose.

Aaren comes back in, balancing a tray of scones in one hand and pulling a chair with the other. "'Chelle?"

'Chelle immediately moves over to relieve him of the tray.

"That wasn't what I wanted you to take," Aaren chuckles.

Zev raises an eyebrow at the dog, but does gently pat it a few times. “You are a large dog,” he informs it. 

Proud woof!

Angelique is pouring tea from the pot. "So, reason number two I am not just dragging this lummox away," she pauses to press a kiss to Drex's head, "is that Aaren said that Nova is a fire elemental who's received no training?"

Nova shrinks a little against Zev's side - more reflex when someone brought up his curse than anything else.

Zev nuzzles Nova, then let’s go of his hand, quickly replacing it with the other, and then wraps an arm firmly around him. 

“They didn’t want him trained,” Zev says. “He wasn’t allowed weapons.”

There's a frozen moment where the woman looks furious and then she clears her face. "I assume the people who raised you were... Not of a magical persuasion? Only a fool would try to get an elemental to not use their abilities."

Aaren puts plates with buttered scones spread with jam on the side of the coffee table closest to them.

“They were-” Zev begins, furious, but stops himself. He doesn’t want Nova to flinch away from him. He takes a deep breath, taking comfort himself from Nova. 

“There were no other magic users that I knew of.”

"...that's concerning," Aaren comments.

"Indeed," Ange agrees. "And requires looking into, but later. For now, it is more important that we provide you with training, Nova. I am a fire elemental myself, and while Aaren and 'Chelle have techniques that will help, it is...wiser to learn from someone of the same element if that is amenable?"

Her gaze switches between Zev and Nova as she speaks, clearly intending for this to be a decision both of them make.

Nova looks at Zev as well, uncertain.

He lifts his head from Nova’s to look at him better. “Learning to use it would make it less frightening for you,” Zev says gently. 

He nods hesitantly. "I-if you think that's best, ma'am?"

She smiles warmly. "I definitely don't think it would harm anyone. Zev, you are more than welcome to sit in on any sessions as well. I certainly think that is wiser than not."

He smiles. Smart woman. 

“What was your name?” 

"Angelique Ouroboros," she introduces herself. "Heavens where did my manners go. Call me Ange, or even Aunt Ange if you like. Whatever you're most comfortable with."

“Pleasure.”

He’s surprised to find he almost means it. 

"Now. I would prefer to start sooner, rather than later-"

"Ange," Aaren chides.

"But do understand that you may wish a little time before we do start. I am bad for being overeager..."

Nova shrugs a little. "Don't mind? I-whatever you think best?"

Angelique looks to Zev and tilts her head very slightly, asking for his assessment.

Zev is startled by this. Now? But...Nova's only had one night of sleep and it was spent mostly propping Zev up. Surely a bit more time to rest would be better?

But then again, he's not the expert here. Not even close. He squeezes Nova gently. "Ready?"

"I- yes?"

"Honestly, what I'm going to ask of you here isn't much. It's simply getting used to doing something small with your fire. Igniting your hand, or lighting a candle."

He wants to help. He doesn’t know how. 

"When I was younger, I found that contact with something that...grounded me, helped a lot with my focus."

"Sh'used me about half the time."

Nova nods cautiously again.

"Now. I should be able to contain anything that gets out of hand, so don't worry about that. Just breathe, and light up just one hand for me, please?"

Zev kept his hands tight on Nova’s hand and on his shoulder. 

Nova breathes carefully, and then holds out his hand and-

He doesn't make the flames happen, it's more like he lets them happen.

"Very-" Angelique starts, but is cut off-

-by flames lighting up on both her hands. "What-?" she breathes.

Nova flinches at that response, and immediately tamps down on the flames, a reflexive apology falling off his lips.

“What’s wrong?” Zev demands. 

Esca has pressed closer to Nova, trying to offer comfort.

"Nothing, not really," Angelique says. "There's nothing to apologise for, Nova, I promise."

He shrinks into Zev's side anyway.

"I just wasn't expecting my fire to respond to yours."

She manages to dismiss her flames. "See? Everything's fine."

Zev’s half risen out of his seat, eyes narrowed. He hasn’t let go of Nova, but he’s ready to leap in between him and the rest of the room. 

"You can't go half an hour without being dramatic, can you, Ange?" Aaren complains.

"Oh, you know me," Angelique says cheerfully. "Now. I think perhaps we should leave it at that for today, and eat these no doubt delicious scones Aaren has prepared for us."

“Yes, I think we’re done.” 

He goes to stand and pull Nova with him. 

Nova is pliant, immediately moving with Zev.

Esca gives a distressed whine, but shuffles back as they move.

"...You leaving then?" Aaren sounds concerned.

“The room? Certainly.”

He guides Nova out, conspicuously leaving the bag. 

Esca follows close on their heels.

'Chelle follows at a more reasonable distance. "Hey. Want somewhere a bit more comfy than the bathroom?"

“I want to remove my- I want to take Nova out of a situation almost designed to make him upset!” He hisses. He’s not mad at ‘Chelle. He’s confused and scared for Nova, who hasn’t spoken a word since it happened. 

"I promise it wasn't designed to upset you, Nova," she speaks directly to the silent boy, although her words are meant for Zev as much as Nova. "I'm just thinking that if you two need time, you could use my room? There's a lock on the door, and the bed's more comfortable than the bathroom floor?"

Nova shifts a little closer to Zev. "S'fine," he mumbles.

“No, mi vida, it’s not fine. They should’ve warned you something like that could happen.”

"From Aunt Ange's face, I don't think she knew it could? I'm not trying to make excuses, because you're right, we should have but. I've never heard of anything like this. And if Aunt Ange hasn't encountered it before..."

She sighs, shakes her head. "All I can do is apologise, and promise we'll try to do better."

Zev is quiet for a long moment. 

When he does speak, he sounds tired. “He needs rest. We both do. If you wouldn’t mind giving us your room, we would appreciate it.”