Fake It

[Ashton]

Nox's arm wasn't forceful he just held out his arm to stop him. The man with him left and didn't say a word to him.  Ashton had seen him around the house talking to Nox and the kids. He'd been there that night Jaxen had cornered him too. Though he'd snuck off somewhere before the night got exciting.  He had been there the next morning though.

Nox didn't look right. His fake arm didn't feel the same either. He had gotten a new one and this was the first time he'd put it on it seemed.  Ashton looked at Nox who tried to urge him back into the warmth of Kallisti.

"I can't go back in there right now."

Nox nodded and turned on his heel. "Let's go have a coffee then."

Ashton shrugged and followed Nox through the streets.  Though Nox tried to slow and let him catch up but he always slowed to stay a step behind.

Nox stopped and rolled his eyes. "You aren't my peon or slave or lesser. You either walk with me or we just end this now."

Ashton turned around before Nox grabbed his arm. "Okay. Not the words to use to someone who's gonna take them literally."  He didn't seem angry or sad or happy or concerned. He didn't seem anything.

"Just walk at my side. Please."  Nox added though there was no added warmth. "I need to talk with you and I don't want to do it out in the fucking cold."

Ashton sighed and nodded.  He didn't follow Nox, but the other man lead on in silence. He wasn't happy nor sad or even boastful he'd gotten his way. He just walked in silence.

[Nox]

Nox didn't ask why Ashton couldn't go back inside. Probably had to do with why Elyse lost it again. And Ashton wasn't very good with confrontation to begin with which he made the mistake of adding to with the devil may care attitude he had going on. Caring was going to be difficult. People mattered to Nox and he didn't want to hurt them anymore than already necessary.

He wasn't sorry so he didn't apologize he just asked polietly which seemed to work.

Ashton was happy to walk in silence -- or to afraid to say anything. Not that he could do anything. Well he wasn't completley helpless he could break his neck and kill him still if he really wanted to. It wouldn't be difficult. But there was no reason to, and not something he wanted to do either. He like Ashton. Even after he kidnapped, tortured and fed him to monsters. He was a good kid.

Nox opened the door to the cafe and let Ashton to the counter. "Get whatever you want. Nox didn't say anything to the barrista standing behind the counter she was already busy making his large black coffee. He was a regular here.

Ashton ordered [color=#bad]"Just a pepperment hot chocolate." Nox would remember the order for the future. He knew everyone's order at Kallisti and could order a round without missing anyone.

Nox lead Ashton over to a table by the window and unzipped his jacket letting both him and Lily breathe a little. It was hot and stuffy in the big puffy jacket that kept them both warm. Nox warmed his hands on the coffee cup and took a sip before he looked across the table at Ashton.

"So your voice can trigger emotions and commands over a recording?"