Safe For Now

[Nox]

Sterling made to call her folks and Raffe gave him a look. Nox wasn't sure what it meant but the moment Raffe wrapped him up in his arm being careful not to jostle him too much. He said nothing, just the simple press of his forehead to his, and his arm around his body and Nox felt the last shreds that were holding him together fell apart. He sank into the other man pressing his face into the crook of his neck and fighting off the tears. Tears from the sorrow of losing Nova, of being the cause of Nova's death, the last tie to his sister. Of putting Raffe in danger. The pain of what had happened to him. That was a newfound horror in and of itself. With the adrenaline faded and the drugs seeping from his system the pain of what was left of his arm tore through him.

Nox wrapped his arm around Raffe and held on. He tried to hold it together and he managed - but just barely. He didn't know how long they stood there in a silent embrace. But Nox pulled away first. Eyes puffy but no tears had fallen. He was on the verge of tears even as he smiled at Raffe, this time it hadn't been faked, it was weak but Raffe was there and he'd take that any day. Nox held out his hand to Raffe and prayed that he'd always take his hand. "Let's get you to Julianna, she should be at work by now. There is a cafe along the walk we can stop and get food." Nox's stomach growled but it was the hunger inside he had to feed. One way or the other that hunger had to be feed and right now Nox wasn't sure any other outlet would be good. And he didn't want to inflict the need he felt on Raffe. Not now - not ever. The hunger dwelled in a dark place and it strove to take root in the light. But Nox fought it just like he fought the power with in. Fought through the sludge now, and the control of the power he craved. And something inside him told him that whatever that hunger was wanted that power too.