Aftermath

[Nox]

Liam dotted on him and not because of the crush, though it was part of it. Nox knew the kid was just a general caretaker, his entire life he'd spent helping take care of those foster kids with Ashton and Liv. And now he was using those skills on him. Liam didn't seem the seductive type and wondered if it had been difficult for him. Or maybe he was just turning over a new leaf. Whatever the reason Nox let the younger man take care of him, he might not be of age yet, but he was damn fucking close and had seen more than any one person should have had to.

Hayden moved around his kitchen like he owned the place, he probably used it more than Nox had since he'd been here, but that wouldn't remain that way long.

Marta helped. And Hayden included her guardian into the conversation. Nox wondered where his brother had gotten to when a bunch of hands and arms circled his body from various positions as the younger kids all came up and gave him a tight hug and nearly toppled them all to the floor. "I'm fine. Liv healed me."

Jackson thumped Nox on the head with his index finger. "You can't be stupid and reckless. Who's gonna take care of us? The state?" There was an audible groan from the foster kids who had been through the system too many times before landing in the Blackthorn's home -- not that it had been great but it had been a home. And Nox understood the found family.

Nox nodded. "I'll try to be more careful." Nox promised. It seemed enough for Jackson, and the others all started their normal routines of helping around the house. Setting the table that was new. Plates and silverware and glass glasses. It was starting to look like a home.