[Nox listens, and unlike Amal, he's fine with touch from people he knows and cares about. When his friend places his hand on his shoulder, he doesn't shove it off- instead, his eyes show that it means a lot, even if he can't put it into words.]
...yeah, I think I did, in the end. Ended up learning to ignore everything and just live my own life. Went on and made an orphanage with- [Nox actually frowns at this, frustrated.] Kyrie. [The name both sounds unfamiliar and so familiar his heart aches. He feels if he's not careful, it might destroy him.] She was part of the adoptive family I got brought into. By then we were- [It's not a sheepish look, but it sure is a look and a handshaking of a "you know what I'm implying, right?" God, he wishes he had any memories of her. This empty space in his heart is killing him.] We learned to make the lives of other orphans better, is what I'm saying. That, and adding in the devil hunting business, I think I kinda got used to doing things how I wanted to, without anyone else driving me towards a stereotype.
[His own person, and a protector of the entire human realm. Nox relents, if only to give something of a softer smile.]
Yeah, yeah I know. How I grew up here was by my choice, even if my situation was a million times better. I still think- I still think I'd choose to protect people all over again, if someone asked.
[He huffs, amused.]
And it was Nero, by the way. [A beat, and he gestures.] My old name. For the blanket they found me in.
Ah. [So there was a girl. Amal smiles a knowing smile, but he doesn't tease beyond that. He's glad that at least in that horrible other world, Nox was able to find some happiness.] An orphanage. That's a worthy thing... I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it myself, but I'm too young to retire just yet, [he says with a wink.] Still, I'm glad you were able to carve out a place for yourself and live the way you want. Freedom is... it's the most important thing for us to grow and learn.
[Of course Nox would choose to protect people all over again. Amal would, too.]
Nero, huh...
[He tilts his head, as if rolling the name around in his mouth. Then he wrinkles his nose.]
I'll keep calling you Nox, if you don't mind. You're more than just Nero—you're the guy who grew up here, too. You're a guard, a man who started an orphanage, a damn good fighter, and also a badass teacher on top of all that!
[A beat.]
Also, the Nero I know is kind of... [He grimaces.] Obnoxious. To put it simply.
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...yeah, I think I did, in the end. Ended up learning to ignore everything and just live my own life. Went on and made an orphanage with- [Nox actually frowns at this, frustrated.] Kyrie. [The name both sounds unfamiliar and so familiar his heart aches. He feels if he's not careful, it might destroy him.] She was part of the adoptive family I got brought into. By then we were- [It's not a sheepish look, but it sure is a look and a handshaking of a "you know what I'm implying, right?" God, he wishes he had any memories of her. This empty space in his heart is killing him.] We learned to make the lives of other orphans better, is what I'm saying. That, and adding in the devil hunting business, I think I kinda got used to doing things how I wanted to, without anyone else driving me towards a stereotype.
[His own person, and a protector of the entire human realm. Nox relents, if only to give something of a softer smile.]
Yeah, yeah I know. How I grew up here was by my choice, even if my situation was a million times better. I still think- I still think I'd choose to protect people all over again, if someone asked.
[He huffs, amused.]
And it was Nero, by the way. [A beat, and he gestures.] My old name. For the blanket they found me in.
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[Of course Nox would choose to protect people all over again. Amal would, too.]
Nero, huh...
[He tilts his head, as if rolling the name around in his mouth. Then he wrinkles his nose.]
I'll keep calling you Nox, if you don't mind. You're more than just Nero—you're the guy who grew up here, too. You're a guard, a man who started an orphanage, a damn good fighter, and also a badass teacher on top of all that!
[A beat.]
Also, the Nero I know is kind of... [He grimaces.] Obnoxious. To put it simply.