[Not questioning why it was Raven's voice that answered him, Nero instead shifts - turning over to look at him. He'd see the stump that was Nero's right arm now (wearing a prosthetic to bed wasn't comfortable, it wasn't a perfect science), torn from below the elbow and... jarring, in its vulnerability.]
[Nero had been watching Raven's tattoos ebb against his skin in the dark, but the question pulls his attention back to his own arm. Without meaning to, he rubs it - suddenly a touch self conscious.]
...Sometimes it still aches. Usually after a memory where I still have it.
[While he normally sleeps in a t-shirt, there's none in sight. Just faint scars from old games scattered across his skin. Nero tenses in surprise when Raven touches him, a flush rising in his face immediately. He can't watch more for a second before his gaze darts off Somewhere Else in sheepishness as he tries to play it cool.]
[Nero could've corrected him - no, he still had Kyrie, and... support, probably. An engineer. But that wasn't what Raven meant, was it.
He didn't have anyone to protect him, and make him feel safe after being brutally dismembered. Certainly not Dante. He sighs, closing his eyes and murmurs,]
[His eyelids flutter, unsure but wanting to just... let himself be protected for once. With a slow, deep exhale, he loosens his hold on his right stump.
[His right arm starts, like he was about to extend it before remembering-- it's not there anymore, and it lowers, disappointed. Nero can't help but huff a pained laugh in his chest, the corner of his lips twitching.]
Out of anyone, you probably wouldn't mind touching a demon hand...
[Nero's gaze hovers over Raven's, itself unusually nervous and longing for acceptance. He doesn't move, but he does chew his bottom lip before muttering,]
[It's true, he hadn't known him long. Couldn't even claim to know him that well, either, all things considered. But all the same, Nero knew it had to take a lot for Raven admit such a thing.
His face softens, with a small smile that was at once fond and proud. Reaches out with his only hand to smooth the hair out of Raven's dark eyes.]
[raven's caught up in nero's gaze, in that fond smile, and when nero's hand brushes his hair he holds it to his cheek. for a few moments he just keeps it there]
I... did say you were easy to confide in. It seems I'm... drawn to that.
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[Not questioning why it was Raven's voice that answered him, Nero instead shifts - turning over to look at him. He'd see the stump that was Nero's right arm now (wearing a prosthetic to bed wasn't comfortable, it wasn't a perfect science), torn from below the elbow and... jarring, in its vulnerability.]
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raven's gaze moves to the stump of nero's arm, but he doesn't touch it--just lets his open hand rest between them]
Does it hurt?
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...Sometimes it still aches. Usually after a memory where I still have it.
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And you're still so strong...
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I-I had to be.
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... I know. You had no one to rely on.
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He didn't have anyone to protect him, and make him feel safe after being brutally dismembered. Certainly not Dante. He sighs, closing his eyes and murmurs,]
...Would've been nice.
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You don't have to be strong now. Just rest.
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Quietly, he admits,]
...Y'know what I miss most? I miss holding hands.
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I... would you want to? With me.
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Out of anyone, you probably wouldn't mind touching a demon hand...
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[hopeful, but trying not to sound it. it's hard to keep out of his voice when they're already so close and he feels... safe]
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...I do trust you.
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... I trust you too. I want... to rely on you.
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[It's true, he hadn't known him long. Couldn't even claim to know him that well, either, all things considered. But all the same, Nero knew it had to take a lot for Raven admit such a thing.
His face softens, with a small smile that was at once fond and proud. Reaches out with his only hand to smooth the hair out of Raven's dark eyes.]
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I... did say you were easy to confide in. It seems I'm... drawn to that.
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...You probably were alone too, weren't you?
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[closes his eyes for a moment, unwilling to let go of nero's hand just yet]
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[His thumb idly strokes against the sharp edges of Raven's cheekbone as he shifts closer. Almost close enough for their faces to touch.]
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I... I'm not afraid. Not right now.
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[He smiles and, after a moment of pause, rests his forehead against Raven's and closes his eyes, contented.]
I will do my best. To keep you safe. I swear it.
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raven swallows and shifts closer, just by a few inches]
... thank you.