[open] when it untangles in the moonlight

[Nemeon]

“For what?” She asks and Nemeon does not answer right away. He lets that question hang in his mind for a few moments. It has not ever gotten easier, explaining that side of him. Because it is vicious and cruel and Nemeon has no desire to be either of those things. That his body could cause harm that he does not consciously wish to inflict is of the highest betrayal.

He forgets, for a moment, what it is that they are searching for - because he is so thickly wrapped up in his own thoughts. Half enjoying having the company, half reminding himself that he should, at the very least, warn her. Because he wants to be her friend, but he can't be - not if she doesn't know the dangers of it.

And as tempting as it always is to avoid the subject just to enjoy someone's presence for a while - not saying anything makes him feel cruel, because then he is taking a more active part in the harm he can cause.

It is both possible to hurt someone by not telling them, and by telling them, and Nemeon grows bitter over this trap of an existence.

“I’m glad to have met you too, Neuna.” And though he does smile when he says this, because it is true, it fades away. “I wish I could spend the whole night searching for your friend with you, but I… I shouldn’t stay too much longer.” He knows he still has more time, or at least he’s pretty sure - it’s been a while since he’s had any more than quick, passing conversations with someone else.

A shadow ahead causes him to pause, distracts him, but it is merely an overly large raccoon that passes through a shrub and them works its way up a tree, it’s eyes glinting in the low-light.

NEMEON