001: Rooftop Refugee

[holydemon]

[Nero, like most others, was not happy to be here. Upon finding the dorms a few days ago and realizing that they lacked any real sense of privacy, he took it upon himself to use his Devil Bringer to haul a mattress and sheets up to the roof. Nero tucked this bed away in a corner behind one of the entrances to the roof and decidedly called this his temporary "room".

"Home" wasn't a word he'd allow himself to use, but it was here he retreated after the last few fights he'd been in and here that he sat curled up in the sheets thinking of Kyrie back home.

It was pathetic, when he thought about it, but he'd already gone through the whole building. Even his Devil Bringer failed to break down the walls, and there was some sort of invisible barrier keeping him from simply leaping off the roof.

So as Nero lays on his side on the bare mattress, he stared intently at his Devil Bringer. There was a sick churn in his gut as he wondered that maybe this was for the better. After all, if Kyrie and the rest of the Order found out about his arm...they'd likely exile him. Dealing with this place was better than dealing with the pain of what might happen if he went back home, but that didn't mean he didn't want to try...for Kyrie.

Or maybe just himself.]

((ooc: so basically Nero is sulking, oh no! made this post because I have some thread plans, but anybody is free to find him and tag o/ ))

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[itisntmyfault]

[It's been a couple of days now, since certain events occurred which shook Pyrrha to her very core... She couldn't get it out of her mind; it remained with her as she slept, even.]

[In all honesty, none of it felt real. Even now, it doesn't feel like something she's done herself- but rather, something that she watched an entirely different person do from afar... Or maybe that's just her natural instinct to run away and avoid taking responsibility for any of it. Either way, the guilt of having hurt someone so badly made Pyrrha feel absolutely awful- but the fear that she now held in regards to herself- in regards to her own capabilities- was almost too much for her to take.]

[Normally, she'd be able to flee from the scene of the crime, at least... Run away to a new town with new smiling faces and a clean slate. But here, in this building... There was no escape. She could do nothing but remain here; doomed to never live such things down. That's why, in this place- she has to be extra careful... To never lose control like that again.]

[Plagued by her worries and feeling particularly trapped, Pyrrha eventually decided to journey up to the roof; hoping for a moment of peace. She's been here once before, with Link... It seemed like the best place for a little assured privacy.]

[For the moment, she merely walks over to the edge and blankly stares out at the stars; completely unaware of anyone else's presence.]

[holydemon]

[Nero was holding his face in his hand, wrestling with his thoughts and the fact that, no matter how badly he wanted to, he couldn't go and see Kyrie right now.

The only reason he's snapped out of his thoughts is because when Pyrrha walks out to the roof his Devil Bringer throbs and gives off a bright, fluctuating aura.

He quickly sits up, grabs his sword and ducks behind the jutting entrance out to the roof. Peeking around it, he gets a look at Pyrrha. Still looking incredibly tense, Nero straightens up and steps out from behind the wall to talk. His expression is sour.]

Haven't you ever heard of knocking?

[itisntmyfault]

[Oh no... Even before hearing the voice, there was that familiar tinge of heaviness in her chest. And then, as if to confirm her thoughts-]

-! [There he stood; looking quite displeased. Confused, Pyrrha blinks at his words; furrowing her brow as she frets.] Kn-knocking? But... but I....

[As she looks to his weapon, she can feel her heartbeat increasing, somewhat. Pyrrha takes a few steps to the side; obviously somewhat fearful at the prospect of having to fight again.] I-- I'm sorry! I just....

[And then she pauses. Looking past Nero a bit, Pyrrha gets a small glimpse of what appears to be... A mattress? That would explain his words, but she's still quite confused.]

...You're.... sleeping up here...?

[holydemon]

[Despite holding his sword, Nero didn't appear to be ready to leap at her. His stance was tense, but that seemed to be more out of Pyrrha making him uncomfortable than him being ready to attack.]

[Nero glances back towards his bed at the question and then looks to Pyrrha again with a scowl.]

Yeah. I am. You got a problem with that?

[itisntmyfault]

No..! [The usually-quiet girl exclaims; growing increasingly frustrated.]

I was just saying-- I mean--

[Pyrrha fumbles her words as usual; equally tense as she tries her best to be as inoffensive as possible.] I...

I'm sorry...! [It was the only thing she could ever think to say.]

[holydemon]

[Nero quickly turns his face away from Pyrrha's, jaw clenched.]

Stop apologizing!

[He turns to look at her again, eyes narrowed. There was a slight twinge in his brow, as if hurt.]

I don't want to hear it! [Nero takes a slight step back as his anger reaches a boil. When he speaks again, it's harsher than before.]

I'm already a monster, right? So just go away.

[itisntmyfault]

[Pyrrha visibly jumps.] I'm s--

[Catching herself before the words leave her mouth, the girl goes silent. His words cut straight through her like a knife; a sudden reminder of her own harsh words.]

[Guilt-ridden and defeated, Pyrrha lowers her head; turning to leave the roof as instructed...]

[...But then, she stops.]

....


No. [The word was spoken so softly that it was barely audible. And then, with a clenched fist and a knot of worry in her stomach, the girl turns to repeat herself.] No... I.... I wont leave yet.

[holydemon]

Why? [Nero barks back, holding his hand out at his side.] I've got nothing to say to you. You're just a demon.

[While he sneers, his eyes trail off to look down at his Devil Bringer. He clenches his fist, the light within it shining brighter. When Nero speaks again, it's softer, but just as harsh.]

And I kill demons. So get out.

[itisntmyfault]

S-stop it... [Pyrrha furrows her brow; clearly hurt by his words.] Please stop trying to push me away.

[The girl swallows as she eyes his corrupted hand; voice wavering.] ..Do you really... hate me that much...?

[A moment of silence. And then-] Then... If that's how you feel...

...Do it. [She steps forward; almost challengingly.] -Kill me now.

[holydemon]

[Nero has nothing to say as she goes on. Her pleads and questions go completely unanswered as he stares wide-eyed back at her.

Did he hate her? Maybe, in part, because she reminded him of himself.]

Well...if that's what you want. [He tightens the grip on his sword before swinging it upward to point at her.]

How can I resist? [Nero forces a smile and takes a few daring steps forward.]

[itisntmyfault]

[As Nero approaches, Pyrrha goes entirely rigid; face pale and body trembling. She's not just nervous- she's scared to death... but... she stands her ground.]

I'm not... I'm not running this time.

[holydemon]

[Nero keeps approaching until the blade of his sword is mere inches away from her throat. His lips draw into a tight line as he studies her face carefully and takes note of her trembling.]

You know... [Without warning he pulls the blade back and slams it blade-first into the floor, effectively grounding it there.]

...You're as stubborn as you are cute. [Despite the compliment, he's still frowning.]

[itisntmyfault]

[And with that, Pyrrha suddenly exhales a breath; only now noticing herself that she had been holding it in the first place. The blonde reaches up to her neck; fingers still trembling with residual fear and anxiety. She really didn't want to die.]

[Normally, she'd be quite embarrassed at the compliment... But she's a bit too busy being happy that she's not actually dying.] N- Nero...

[She catches her breath.] I... I have to tell you something...

[thatcatfrom101]

[The roof is definitely the best place for privacy, which just might make it the worst place for privacy, incidentally, since Roy had the bright idea to come up here as well. He hasn't really had much time to dwell on things, especially since he's been trying so hard not to allow himself to be alone with his thoughts. But he knew he'd have to face them eventually.

Like now. After he found a cigarette in his pocket from before, he decided now would be the perfect time to head to the roof and think about what to do next. Try and leave? That wasn't working out too well. Just stay and enjoy the shelter and astonishing lack of mutants, radiation, and raiders? But what about his father? What about home?

He's so lost in thought, that he doesn't catch the other person's presence right away as he makes his way to the edge of the roof, cig already lit and dangling from his mouth. It's about halfway there that he notices, turns around, and silently curses his very existence because only he would end up running into one of the last people he'd want to see when he needed it the least.]

[He sighs, his tone a drawl.] A whole wing of dorms and you're sleepin' outside?

[Does not compute. Though maybe he's a little biased, having slept outside mostly since leaving 101.]

[holydemon]

[Upon hearing Roy's voice, Nero immediately hides his arm underneath his blanket and sits upright. He leers over at the other man, and then flashes him a self-confident smile.]

Bunk beds cramp my style. But hey, thanks for reminding me that I need to install a lock on that thing. [He gestures to the door onto the roof with his gun.]

[thatcatfrom101]

[Roy snorts.]

What style?

[Oooh, sick burn.

He takes a drag of his cigarette, looking around at the rest of the roof as a steady stream of smoke blows passed his lips.]

Tch, sorry. Didn't realize you'd claimed the roof, cat.

[holydemon]

All the style you don't have, pal.

[Nero lowers his gun-totting hand, instead using it to ensure his Devil Bringer stays covered. Unfortunately, even from under the sheets, a faint glow can be seen.]

Well, I was here first, wasn't I? Finder's keepers. [He nods his head and quirks a brow.]

[thatcatfrom101]

You wouldn't know style if it sucker punched ya in the balls, guy.

[Nope, Roy's not budging. In fact, he decides to make himself comfortable by walking over to a random crate not too far away and sitting on top of it.]

Sorry. It's a public space 'n all.

[Roy shoots Nero a smug look, though it falters slightly when he spots the faint glow, just now noticing how he seems to be hiding his arm. Totally staring with no shame now.]

[holydemon]

Oho, now that's a good one! [Nero quips sarcastically, rolling his eyes a moment later.]

[He's about to say something else too, but stops when he notices Roy staring. Nero responds by moving his arm behind his back, hiding that embarrassing glow.]

Anybody ever tell you it's rude to stare?

[thatcatfrom101]

Thanks.

[He knows he's not very clever, but he'll pretend to be anyway.

[Now what could he be so embarrassed about that he's going through so much trouble to hide his arm? Probably has something to do with that glow, he figures. It was probably an irradiated glow or something. Poor bastard.

But he lacked the symptoms of radiation poisoning, which was strange. Great, all those books his dad made him read were really fucking sticking to him.]

All the time. But I don't really listen. [Another drag of his cigarette.] So what was it? Did a Glowin' One bite your arm or somethin'?

[holydemon]

I can tell. [After pausing, Nero narrows an eye at Roy. There's a sudden, genuine growl to his voice now as opposed to the snarky, but overall casual feel it had before. Whatever happened to his arm was clearly a sensitive subject.] I don't remember agreeing to share my life story with you, pal.

[thatcatfrom101]

[Roy doesn't really seem affected by the tone Nero takes with him. It's a bad idea to press further and he knows it, unless he wants to get his ass kicked. Not in the good way, either.]

Was only curious, guy. Just never seen a person radiate such a glow on any part of their body 'n still manage to look good.

...

I mean, "not sick."

[holydemon]

[Nero wouldn't have even questioned that wording had Roy not pointed it out, but now he has to; because it's the easiest way to divert the topic.]

Well, I would say I look pretty good. But I don't take compliments from dudes.

[thatcatfrom101]

That ain't even how I meant it.

[Though it's not actually how he meant it, he still sounds a little defensive anyway. Fuck his life, really. Ever since he left the Vault he's been acting really stupid(er) and thinking far too much. He misses the simpler times when his stupidity got him a punch in the gut and that's it.

Using this opportunity in which he has no idea what to say to pay more attention to his cigarette for a moment.]

If I were into that kinda thing I'd have better taste, thanks.

[IT'S NOT LIKE YOU'RE CUTE OR ANYTHING.]

[holydemon]

[Nero scoffs and cants his head at Roy.]

You're right, you would have better taste. [He lifts his hand up in a shrug as he continues on with his sarcasm.] But as it stands, what can you do, am I right?