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“Nero? What's wrong?” Kyrie asked gently as she found her boyfriend in their shared bedroom. The white young man sitting at the foot of the bed, looking lost in thought as she had opened the door all the way. He had been more avoidant the past day, more quiet then she was used to from him. She had watched him cover it up around the kids they were taking care of but that feeling of something wrong couldn't be shaken off.
“It's nothing, I'm fine.” Nero hummed half-hearted. Shrugging his shoulders to dismiss her concern. He made no effort to pretend and meet her eyes, to smile and change the subject like he would do when everything was alright.
She could see the darkened rings under his eyes, from lack of a good night's sleep. His short hair was messy as if he had run his hands through it a dozen times already. She knew that he needed to talk to somebody about what was plaguing him. “You don't look fine. Be honest with me.”
Nero sighed, jet to look her way he seems to deflate more into himself. His gaze set on his demon arm that rests on his lap. It's faint glow a pretty shine if Kyrie was asked. She had noticed it on some sleepless nights, the intensity of the glow depending on a demon nearby or a strong emotion overwhelming her boyfriend.“ I just. . . Sometimes I look at my arm and wonder. . . Maybe I am a monster after all.”
Kyrie's expression became sympathetic as she approached her boyfriend. He didn't back away when she sat by his side, didn't flinch when she rested her hand on his left arm. The tough skin of the demonic arm warm under her touch. He made no attempts to meet her eyes.
“Oh Nero. . . you are not a monster.”
“I'm sure many people would disagree when they see my arm.” Nero huffed irritated as his fingers flexed to emphasize his point, the faint glow getting a little stronger for the briefest of moments. Kyrie didn't seem phased by it. Her other hand gently reached for his cheek, resting on soft smooth skin. With a little nudge their eyes met and she smiled tenderly.
“Your appearance is not defining you, Nero. Your actions define you. And I think you are as much human as everyone else." Her voice was firm, confident. The fingers resting on her boyfriend's arm started to trace along the small patterns. They had talked about this once or twice before. The events of what happened in Fortuna still haunting their memories and dreams at times, but they had each other to lean on when they reached their low. Building each other back up until they could go on with their regular lives.
“Do you remember what you told me a while back? You said your arm changed when you tried to keep the kids and me safe from danger. . . The arm might look like that of a demon, but you use it to protect others. Those you care about. . . You are different from Sanctus and the others that tried to become something greater than humans. . . Your change came from the desire to protect, not from a greedy heart.” Kyrie kept going as Nero listened to her every word. She didn't hesitate to lean forward and plant a kiss on his temple, the small tremble of his jaw not going unnoticed by her.
As she leaned back, their eyes meeting again, Kyrie noticed Nero's eyes shining with nearing tears. He didn't know what to say, the heart in his chest that had weighed so heavy before, felt lighter from his girlfriend's words. How could such a perfect person be always there for him? Love him without bounds. Even after everything that they've been through.
“Kyrie. . .”
“Hush now. You don't need to say anything. I already know.” Kyrie, reassured him in a quiet tone before pulling him closer for an actual kiss. His free arm coming to rest at her side while his devil arm moved until their fingers intertwined.
Nero's heart was fluttering as that familiar feeling of content settled into every muscle of his body. There was only one that could make his darkest fears quieten down, easing the storm of emotions and tension with their presence alone. He was always going to protect Kyrie. With his life if needed, for her and her brother.
“I love you.” Nero murmured once their lips parted, barely centimeters apart as they loved to gravitate towards one another.
“I love you too.”