It wasn't the next day but a few days after when XR came to see Nos who was arriving at the shop on time. "Hey you're here!" XR grins.
"Why are you here early?" Nos walks over to the door and places his key to unlock it and XR merely shrugs and follows him. "Was hoping to get a small look around the town, it's kinda pretty old fashioned here but I like it is unique." XR follows him inside, and getting a real good look, it was pretty big but there were statues of different sizes and materials but what caught his attention were the small ones in the front display, they look like they were a small civilization made out of gems. He wished he was more curious before when he was waiting for Nos that day. "So, gotta ask this question cuz it baffles me: how did you get a shop like this?"
Nos stretches and sets up the lights to the displays. "My adopted father owned it but originally he used it as storage." Pointing to the cafe from the view of the window and was already heading to the counter and working on the next commission which was to draw it out.
"You got adopted?" XR was dumbfounded but wondered how and even why. 'I thought it was a lie.' "I mean good for you, but did he know who you were?"
"He knew what I was, pretty certain he knew about my past." Nos walks up to the counter, letting XR look around. "It was surprising but I am happy to be part of his family." Nos smiles a bit "I can pass for his son in my disguise so it was not hard to do the paperwork."
"Really? So your disguise looks like his son? Is the guy around?" XR was pretty curious and could imagine two Nos standing like twins.
"He died a long time ago." Nos walked into the back and not long came bringing up a new statue he made for a commission.
XR frowns but sees Nos bringing a statue that appears to be a nude man. "Wow! You are really detailed in your work." He was a bit embarrassed to see how detailed it looked but it was too awkward to even ask Nos how he could do that with a straight face. "Who paid for this!?"
Nos was going to answer when the doors opened and Gravitina came in.
"Oh I came in just in time!" Gravitina shouted, floating over but forcing XR out, hearing a yelp through the doors. "This is perfect! Straight out of my imagination!"
"I am glad to hear that but Gravitina, please do not toss my guest out." Nos asked calmly as XR tread back in groaning.
"Darling I love you but that bucket of bolts is not suitable for company! Also a little birdy told me you made a success in a peace treaty~" Gravitina grins and Nos keeping calm, looked a bit peeve. "Let me guess, that loudmouth?" He mumbles.
"Actually it was Zurg. Oh I got juicy gossip for you!" Gravitina was filled with glee, "We need to talk!"
Nos was well aware and nodded but heard XR clearing his non-existent throat. XR even wrapped his arm around Nos by the shoulder. "Yeah too bad that can't happen, Gravitina. Nos is hanging out with me today to catch up~! So get in line."
"Well too bad, as you see, we," She gestured to herself and Nos. "Are besties, meaning I have more rights than you."
"I knew him longer! He was my enemy and tormentor and-!" XR stopped and realized what he said. "I mean I knew him when he was- well he ain't now-"
Nos steps away from either side. "XR and I are reacquainting ourselves but unfortunately I cannot talk for a while as I have work to do but perhapsyoutwocan talk to each other and sort this out." Nos pulls away, leaving to go to his workshop and closes the door and locks it.
XR kicked himself for saying that but he was now with a deranged globe headed villainess who would kill him.
"He is upset because you hurt his feelings!" Gravitina glares.
"Me!? You did it too!" XR scowls. "I mean you don't even know him well-"
"Did you ever wonder how hard it was for him outside the Villainy? Ever wondered how he lived? Nos and I are besties because I have been there for him when he needed it. Do you know how hurt I was hearing that he died!" She glares ready to cry. "Out of all the villains in this galaxy, Nos has not ever betrayed me."
XR glare turned into a surprise. He remembered how relieved and happy he was, he never thought Nos had some people who would be sad about him gone. "I can't say I do; and I-" he sees her walk away, he just follows up. They got to the cafe Nos pointed out and saw the old man who he was surprised to see did have some similar features to Nos if Nos could age. He could imagine Nos a little older being just as-
"Since we are both going to see each other often, we need to make things clear." She crosses her arms.
When XR sees the old man that Nos talked about was happy to see Gravitina and lead her up the stairs and he tried to follow until she made him float to the second floor. XR felt it was some two story building but it had a view to the park and not too far was Nos's shop in the view. Gravitina took a seat and XR did the same.
"Your usual my dear?" The old man smiled at her and she gave a smile back, something XR was surprised to see was Gravitina, top villainess and only had eyes for Buzz, being nice. It was definitely different today. When the old man left, Gravitina's soft features became solemn and he didn't know what to say.
"When he was destroyed, I begged Zurg to put him back together." Gravitina spoke, holding her hands together. "You had no idea how hurt I was when he told me he found nothing left to put back together and how he was just a failed robot. Nos was programmed to be a villain but failing, it was one thing he did not want and feared so much knowing what Zurg would do. To him, he'd do what he must to succeed even just one objective," she hated how obsessed he was to prove Zurg wrong. "Even by the means of dying and he did." She was mad and gripped her hands. "Yet he never got the recognition from Zurg like he deserved because he was always thwarted by you and Star command. Did you know your own space rangers tried to make it a game to catch him? He made them regret it after."
XR remembered that, but they said Nos-4-a2 was the one that attacked them. He was uncomfortable but he kept listening, and Gravitina talked a lot. But he did learn Nos had it hard being evil, having to struggle without support and even having Gravitina, Nos tried to live on his own. He wondered would he have known about what the other space rangers did? Who could he believe? All XR did was listen to Gravitina and was surprised by how sincere she was.
"So you guys are friends? I thought XL was his partner in crime." XR was surprised but saw what Nos have with Gravitina; it was like him and Booster. "Has Nos ever found love?" It was sudden but he was curious.
"Nope, I've tried to but even now, he won't. He is so focused on Vanet and his shop. Along with that tycoon tyrant that sent those bots after him."
"You mean those droids were after Nos?" XR was shocked, so Nos was right about the droids!
"It turns out that the plan to stop a peace treaty was a setup because that tycoon found out about who was keeping the child safe but he does not know where Nos lives. He sent the droids to annihilate him but it failed."
XR was so confused. "Gravitina, why is this guy after the kid?"
"I don't know, though the only person who knows is Nos and he won't tell me." Gravitina leans back. XR crosses his arms, Nos would know-
"Now that I told you about the gossip," Gravitina leans forward and smirks. "What is Buzz up to?"
XR perked up and knew this was probably why she told him and so he talked. It was only fair but he had a good bargain. "if you keep telling me about Nos."
Nos entered the café, finished for the day, to check on the two, hoping they did not destroy the cafe.
"Fiu, you know Gravitina is a lady, she respects you so much." Nosfer brought a tray that held a teapot and a can of oil and batteries.
Nos raised a brow, "I know that but XR, he is who I worry about." Nos was more concerned about XR because no matter what, he is a space ranger and he can get Gravitina in trouble. "I can bring that up." He insisted after seeing the other employees were working but the café was nearly full.
"Alright fiu, I will see you after." Nosfer watches Nos leave and as Nos goes there, he sees Gravitina and XR talking away.
"So Buzz is single?" Gravitina grins.
"He already is but he seems heartbroken to know Sally is not gonna be working at the diner since she is heading back home for family."
"Oooh! I cannot wait to make a move!" She giggles.
"Just do not threaten star command. Again." Nos walks over bringing a tray. "So you two made a truce?" He asked.
"In a manner of speaking, but we also wish to apologize to you." Gravitina frowns. "I am so sorry my friend."
"And I'm sorry for earlier, I'm still new to this friendship- or acquaintance; your pace I'll follow. Just give me time." XR gave a small smile and he grinned when Nos nodded.
"Thank you. Now it is near time to pick up Vanet from school. Gravitina, do you mind staying a bit longer?" He asked.
"Not at all." She smiles and sees XR was a bit sad and even when Nos left. "Why are you feeling sad?"
"Me? What? I'm not sad, I mean he gotta pick up his- the kid."
Gravitina hums. "You know as much as I don't want to understand you, why areyoutrying to get close to him?"
"Because he changed and he's… different. Like he's not gonna eat me anymore." XR was not seeing what she was getting out of this.
"But you want to be his friend." Gravitina uses her telepathy to add three cubes of sugar. "There could be more like revenge but you seem to not aim for that, so what is it that you want from Nos?"
"Can't it just be that I want to be his friend?" XR glares. "After all he helped me save a peace treaty, and I didn't want to expose his true identity, I just thought he might be different."
"Then you will have to try better. Nos doesn't have many male friends, much less would interact. But it was because of Zurg he is distrusting with men." Gravitina glares.
"What do you mean?" XR asked, what more could it be?
Gravitina hesitated and shook her head. "If you want to know, ask Nos himself. There are some things I will not say, his reasons for wanting to kill Zurg are only his to answer. And we need to discuss schedules and days we will share Nos." She crosses her arms.
"I thought we were getting along?" XR glares.
"Ha! You think I would get along with you? I still don't like you." Gravitina grins evilly.
"I don't like you either…. But I want to know him better and you care about Nos…" XR mumbles.
"Then we hate each other in silence when he's around." She uses her telepathy to pour tea.
"You mean like girls do?" XR was perplexed but he was ok with it.
It wasn't long till Nos came back with Vanet who was asleep on his back and came to check up on the two frenemies. He carried Vanet up to see Gravitina and XR were now…. Scheduling?"
"So we agreed Christmas eve is your day but Christmas is all together." XR glares.
"Yes but it will be on my planet." Gravitina glares.
"No way! Look how about this, this year we celebrate Christmas here, next year is yours and then here and then there." XR was so annoyed by this that it took an hour!
"Fine." Gravitina looks away and smiles gushing to see Nos and Vanet. "So adorable!" She took out a camera and took a photo.
XR turns and smiles to see Nos with the kid but it was so weird. But it wasn't bad either.
"Gravitina, are you ready to go?" Nos asked and saw her join him but she wrapped her arm around his but Nos was not bothered and they left. XR on the other hand, didn't like it much but it did not bother him much. But being alone was not much better. But he's got good for now with the scheduling he made, three times a week was better than getting supervision around tin- Gravitina.
"Dare I ask how it was? Nos asked
Gravitina hums. "Could have been worse. I still do not trust him; but do you trust him?"
Nos was quiet but he thought of trusting XR wonky with information. However, when it came to Vanet, "I do not trust him like I trust you with Vanet, he will not stay forever in her life."
"Do you want him to?" Gravitina was watching him and despite his lack of emotions on his handsome features, Nos's eyes are a dead give away. "You can always wait until it comes to that point."
Nos holds Vanet who was asleep and he sighs. "I do need to get her dress ready for the winter gala in two days."
"Do you need it extravagant?" Gravitina was giving ideas away as Nos listened away.
School art Winter ball.
Nos was dressed in a simple dark purple collared shirt, his sleeves rolled to his elbow and wore a silver vest. He was not wearing his cloak, not being neither Nos-4-a2 or agent Atu, but as a father. He had to thank Tina for helping him choose the style that matched the dress. He hears Vanet coming down and sees her in a simple purple dress that had ribbons but he added what she asked which were stitched bats flying around little stars. He smiles seeing how adorable she looked.
"Păianjen mic, you look like a little princess!" Nosfer smiles and Vanet was shy about her appearance.
"Thank you." Vanet feels happy and sees her papa hold his hand out for her.
"Ready little bat?" Nos sees her take his hand and they step out to see Ryder there.
"Chariot awaits little princess." Ryder opens the door for her. He sees her go in and Nos thanks him.
"Thank you." Nos goes to the copilot seat and Ryder goes on his side. "It's important that you dance the father daughter dance. So you're not missing any chances."
Nos understood as they drove off.
It wasn't long but they made it on time and Vanet was surprised as Nos saw it was a family ball But it was held in the auditorium
He saw the art gallery by the wall but the theme was a winter wonderland with ornaments hanging over them Like snow and stars.
"Since it is early, let us go see your picture." Nos processed the films and when ready, he let Vanet choose on her own. Of course she chose only if she can surprise him.
"Yes please." Vanet was excited and walked with him to the wall but was surprised by all the photos, the one that was in the middle was Vanet's picture and it was of her and Nos in his organic form, in the field of wildflowers making crowns together. He remembered it was when it was their first outing as a family.
Vanet was beaming to see it in the middle and did not care about winning or losing. She wanted to show how proud she is of her family. 'I feel bad that Bunicul couldn't be seen (being a vampire).' But she remembered that it was the best day ever.
Nos did not know how or what to say as he saw the picture. He felt proud and happy yet overwhelmed by this new sensation. "Vanet this is the best picture." He spoke but felt liquid coming out of his eyes. He did not know he could do that.
Unfortunately the moment of bliss was ruined when a girl was whining. "I'm in 2nd place?!"
Nos glares at the girl but is reeling his rage when he sees a very irritating space ranger.
"Hey this can't be right! My niece took an amazing shot of me fighting a criminal!"
'Rocket Crockett.' Nos recalled this space ranger, rather his insults and his ego to use his arrest as some trophy! He remembered how he and some other rangers thought mocking him behind a cell was smart. 'But now they cannot forget how alowly criminaloutsmarted a bunch of rangers and trapped them in a cell.' He controlled his anger, reminding himself he was not his past or as an agent. He is here for Vanet.
They all looked to see who won and saw that Vanet was the winner.
"Uncle Rocket, they made That creepy new student the winner!"
Vanet was startled and hid behind her papa.
"Chin up, it's only because she's new." Rocket waves it off.
Nos grips tightly but calms when he senses Vanet clinging to him, he calms. "Really? Because I was looking at the main focus for this project and it said father figure. So unless you believe yourself to be the prime focus, I do not see that.
All these other arts and photos show something special, but a space ranger in action? Hardly special and hardly recognized." Nos spoke calmly.
Rocket's smile went thin and Nos interrupted him before he could say something else.
"By the way, I am Nosferatu Atu. 2nd agent of GAF." Nos smirks and sees the man steaming. "If you excuse me, I want to dance with my daughter." He leads his daughter away. He ignores the Space Ranger, walking with Vanet and he carefully dances with her. He did not exactly understand why his tata taught him to dance. He did not see the function helped in his job until he was dancing with his daughter. It was fun to dance, making memories knowing there can be a chance it may not happen again but to see her smile after everything. Giving himself a chance to be a father, was something he is proud to be. They danced and had fun until it was close to bedtime and his daughter was yawning away. "Time to go home."
Vanet nods and nos picks her up in his arms and carries her out. He had already texts Ryder to meet up soon and about to leave when he's blocked by Rocket outside.
"You think you're some mighty big shot like Buzz and can do anything you want-"
"I do not need to be one, I know I am better." Nos smirks. "I do not have to say it or show it to prove to get what I want. Tell me, how does it feel to be beaten by an agent?" Nos sees him raise a fist and grips it tightly. How dare he did this while his daughter was there. He did not care about his identity, he grips and makes Rocket shake in pain. He had to admit, he wanted to make this foolish man pay for his arrogance and this was Rocket downfall. he hears him plead mercy and holding Vanet, he lets him go but pull him by the collar. "Do not ever try that again. You will lose a hand for this." He glares toss him out and walks away when Ryder drove up.
"You are late." Nos stated and gets in the back with a sleeping Vanet.
"I'm fashionably late. Besides, I brought dinner." He hands Nos batteries and a bag of a kids meal.
"Thank you." Nos bites into the battery but he was enraged a bit but he got to see that ranger beg. He keeps Vanet safe during the drive, even with the seat belt on.
"If looks could kill." Ryder mumbles but saw Nos did not hear him much less care but noticed Nos's antimatter was not rising nor was it phased, but did noticed he drained actual energy from an organic. He took data as he drove but wondered if Nos noticed the change.
Nos held his hand that gripped the fist, all he thought about was stopping the force if it hit his daughter. He did not expect to drain some energy from a person. When he bit Ty Parsec, he identified blood. Through hand contact, he felt pure energy. He would have delved into this but he refused because he had Vanet. If he was draining energy from the fool, he might have had on vanet. He lowers his hand when he stopped sensing Vanet was awake.
"Papa?" She asked.
"I'm here… did you feel any drained feeling earlier? Are you feeling weak?" He was worried now if she did.
She sat up and shook her head. "I feel happy." She smiles looking to him who look happy.
Nos was relieved and hugs her. "Did you have fun?" He asked.
"I did, and I can't wait to do another one next year." She beams and perks at the bag of food.
"Go ahead and eat kid, it's for you." Ryder spoke and using the new detection, he saw she was not infected by the incident. 'It could be his focus was solely on the idiot and Vanet was safe ' But he saw Nos was terrified at the idea of hurting her, that was the relief Ryder had. Nos-4-a2 was no different than a caged bird doing the same song and dance for Zurg. But now that he is out of the cage and free to spread his wings, there's also a setback to his hunger. That and whatever the hell that thing in him is that wants him to kill.
Why, though? Why the malevolent nature? Why the need to kill? Was this thing a parasite that hopped on Nos or was it a part of him that was from his old evil self? He would have believed it to be him if it didn't take a form bigger than him. Things added and then mixed and Ryder was nowhere close to the answer. Unless he tries his luck with the old man. The old man knew something and it was odd how he's been careful with nos. Either way, he wants answers.
~H~
The drive did not take long but as soon as they got home, Nos carried Vanet in Ryder's coat as Ryder was not used to the temperature.
"Oh stop being a big baby about it." Nos carried Vanet into the house.
"N-not m-my fa-fault I was made in the summer." He shudders and hurries in when Nos lets him in. It wasn't the first time Ryder was in his friend's home. Thanksgiving, Christmas, new years he's been in it and no he did not like Nos like that, he was happy to have a friend that openly will talk back to him.
Nos walks in carrying Vanet as Ryder walks in to see the old man happy to see Nos before carrying Vanet up. When the agent hears Nos was not in hearing shot, he went straight to the point.
"We need to talk." Ryder stated.
"Is everything ok?" Nosfer was worried but tense when Ryder revealed a vial with black ooze but it was pushing to return back to its owner who was upstairs. He pulls away when Nosfer tries to take it but he stops him.
"I want to protect Nos too but I need to know everything." Ryder stated as Nosfer leads him to the kitchen to talk.
"What do you know?" Nosfer grabs two cups but pours hot water in the pot to heat up.
"I know there's a Jiminy antimatter in him trying to get make him kill." He spoke and ignored Nos who was listening in.
"AL-2-4D is still around." Nosfer spoke but Ryder could see the old man looked more sad.
"Imma go on a limb this guy was the bad egg-"
"He is- was not…!" Nosfer growls and frowns. "If I have to describe Al-2-4D, He is Nos's real father- the one who turned him."
"Zurg says otherwise but you seem to know the method better." Ryder knew about Nos and his background but there was something that bothered him. If Zurg made Nos with a basic of an energy vampire is, why use antimatter?
"The method is no different than a vampire but back then, It is impossible to make a robot hunger the same as a vampire. My deceased son traveled through possible leads to find what he sought until he made a discovery of it and used magic to control the ooze. He needed to find the perfect soldier.
2A_9 was a robot I made who is like Nos but he was more reclusive. He was my second son I was happy to create." He smiles until he frowns, "I wished he never met my other son. 2A never wanted to be a soldier or fight, he wanted to understand what this world he lived in. But when my eldest saw weakness…." he stopped, he felt tears thinking about 2A was suffering beneath his feet without ever knowing until it was too late. "He figured he could erase that weakness. He erased 2A and gave life to AL-2-4D. An indestructible living monster; a creature that made nightmares."
Nos who was listening held his head and saw an image of the figure.
"Al-2-4D of course wanted peace: all death and destruction of everyone and everything that was matter. It pained me that I could not pull back 2A, I was a bigger fool to aid DRAC in sealing AL away."
"Now I see why you're hoping Nos never meets him. But why the kid?" Ryder was curious why Nos is protective of Vanet.
"Vanet is the only living organic that can be Immune to antimatter. But I think- no I know that the antimatter in Nos from Al and possibly 2A. 2A had protected the Helsings before he was tortured, he had hoped they would end the tyranny."
"And that role to protect her is now Nos's but it seems he's protective of her like a father. Is that the effect of 2A?" Ryder asked.
"That is all Nos. 2A has cared about life, but he never tried to be a any role model or be close to someone. That is how I know Nos is not 2A or my other son. I am happy Nos is in my life and my family. But I will say this now,"
Ryder shook a bit when the old man was changing.
"If you dare let anything happen to my son," Nosfer's voice deepens."Iwill destroy you and all that of the galactic Alliance and hunt down anyone who dares make my son and păianjen mic cry or hurt. I swear it."
Nos floated up and hurried, pretending to be coming down but saw his tata was normal. "Is…. Everything alright?"
"Fiu!" Nosfer smiles. "I was just talking to your friend here about some past history that I want to talk to you about, but it has worn me out."
"Tata it is alright, I know there are some things you cannot tell me yet. I just want you to know that I love you father and perhaps when we are both ready to have it, we'll talk then. Right now I am tired and Ryder is too, he did get Vanet something to eat."
"Oh thank you Ryder!" Nosfer smiles to hear. "Fiu can you go get his coat for him. I just need to say one more thing."
Nos was about to leave when he felt Ryder grab his arm.
*Don't leave me.]
*You'll be fine.]
Nos pulls away and leaves to get the coat.
"Listen-!" Ryder shook when a knife stabbed through a steel table.
"I stand by of what I said.DONT HURT MY FAMILY." Nosfer growls at him but changes when Nos walks back bringing Ryder's coat.
Ryder takes his coat and walks with Nos out. When in the clear Ryder was the first to speak. "Look buddy…. I'm sorry I didn't tell you this before. I needed to figure it out without telling you until I had all the information."
Nos looks to the sky. "I had a sense to keep little trust with you Ryder, and I am irritated you did not tell me. My father, I cannot get mad, this too affects him but how do I know I can trust that you won't spread this secret out. Not as a partner from work, but as a friend." Nos crosses his arms but sees Ryder takes out the vial.
"Here." Ryder gives the vial to him and Nos hesitates but takes the vial. "Look I know that you have control, you won't follow this old vampire but-"
"Ryder, I want you to keep a promise." Nos gives him a flash drive. "If I lose control, if this thing overrides me, eliminate me with this."
Ryder sees its a kill code that can keep Nos offline for good. He looks at it and Nos before crushing it. "I won't do that. You better not let it get to that point and I won't either. Got it?"
Nos was alarmed but he felt a sense that made him feel relief but worried. "I cannot promise that."
"Then I will. Nos we're friends now and I can't lose a friend. Now better head in so I can get out of this damn cold winterland." He curses under his breath and leaves.
Nos watches Ryder leave but he looks to the sky and feels relief but scared. Knowing this truth, he needed to think what to do about this thing, he was now wondering was he a threat or is he different? He held the vial of the antimatter and decided one thing. He needed to make a secure nullifier against this. This became a chance to take down the other antimatter vampire. Nos walks back into the house, already planning and designing a weapon against DRAC.
The next day
Meanwhile
XR was enjoying his morning with a bit of Low fuel but he felt pretty good because he was going to have a good day-
"And that jerk cheated my niece out of winning the chance to show off her skills! I swear that the new agent is giving a bad name."
XR stops hearing Rocket talk but he recognizes the new agent. "What happened?" XR treads up and sees Rocket and other rangers, including 42, looking annoyed. But he noticed Rocket's appearance looked drained.
"That new agent the Galactic Alliance has been talking about! He was with his foster-"
"You mean adopted." XR corrected and felt all eyes glare at him.
"Whatever she is, cheated but my niece took a good shot of me in action! I mean how can an 8 year old use a camera?! And this guy comes at me and nearly breaks my hand and forces me to beg! And I was feeling tuckered out after I- he gripped my hand. " Rocket sneered.
"That's such an awful man, Rocket!" 42 gasped
XR however, knew better. "You sure that's what happened? Because you've strung a lot of tall tales." But he tenses when the Rangers looked at him like he was saying the most messed up thing.
"XR, how can you say that to Rocket! Look at his hand!" 42 glares and points out his wrapped up hand. "And you can't side with the bad man-"
"Hey, Nosferatu isn't a bad guy!" XR cuts her out but stops when he saw the hurt look from her. "42, you can't-"
"XR how can you be so mean. I didn't raise my voice." 42 backs away.
XR felt bad. "42-"
"Hey XR didn't raise his voice, he's being honest." Mira walks up. "Besides, this Nosferatu guy helped and protected your boyfriend's life during a bombing. If XR doubts Rocket's telling the truth, it's because he knows Rocket would twist the truth."
XR was quiet as 42 flinches. "We-well how should I know that?" she pointed out. "XR hasn't told me-"
"It's been all over the news 42 and you may have heard it faster if you didn't ditch him to go across the galaxy for a mission." Mira stated, she really was getting irritated by 42 since she started distancing herself from XR. She could say she's spreading her wings as a space ranger but 42 was leaving XR in the dark on missions. She was worried about him with the sudden changes.
"XR has been supportive of me Mira!"
"But have you?!"
"Mira it's fine." XR stops the fight, not seeing the smirk on 42 but it melted. "But I'm not siding with you. I know about Nos enough that he wouldn't fight people just because. Nosferatu is a dad that wouldn't throw fists out with his daughter there."
"He would have if that brat in his arms-" Rocket stopped but it was too late.
"So how could he act out like you said when that was putting her in danger? You probably tried to hit him first." XR saw the others were not agreeing but they were quiet. "So if you're going to lie, try to make it believable." XR saw 42 look guilty but could tell she didn't really believe him. XR just treads away but ignores everyone.
"You ok XR?" Mira was by his side and he slowed a bit, he was actually pretty glad she was there. "Yeah I'm just," he pauses and frowns. "Just angry that Rocket could say these things, and twist it like that. What if there were criminals that weren't doing something bad bad."
"Yeah, but it's hard to find the truth behind some because of their background." She frowns. "So you're friends with that moody agent?"
"Something like that but he's… He doesn't fully trust me." XR frowns.
"Huh, And it's bugging you?" Mira asked.
"A little but I can't help but want to get to know him. Don't get me wrong, he can be so insufferable when he doesn't talk much but he's pretty nice. I met his friend Gr- Tina, a real bossy prissy woman but she's really nice to his daughter. I know I just met him but I wish I could be on that level of trust."
Mira was surprised. "You know it takes time XR but you did pretty good defending him."
"I did, didn't I!" XR grins, he couldn't wait to tell that grump about it! "I'm gonna head out but I'll be back later!" He treads off.
It didn't take long but he made it in time when Nos was leaving from the job.
He smiles but startled to see him talking to that tall robot. He shook it off and tread to see Nos. The said giant ran back inside and was confused. "Did I come in at a bad time?"
"He is just a fan of yours. I see you came early from star command?" Nos walks with XR to the diner to wait for the giant.
"Nah I needed to get away from there. Heard Rocket gave you a hard time." XR was actually worried thinking now. "You ok?"
Nos nodded, leaning back in the booth. "In my defense, he tried to lay a punch at me while I had vanet in my arms."
"I knew Rocket was a jerk, but he hit a new level." XR glares at the thought of Rocket.
"You believe me?" Nos asked dumbfounded.
"Of course I do." XR hesitated. "I know Rocket's behavior is intolerable."
"But…?" Nos was expecting XR to be defending his fellow space ranger.
"But he shouldn't have done that. What if he hurt Vanet?! I wish I was there to help." XR grumbles but sees Nos was surprised by the agreement.
"I handled him as I have but," Not hesitated. "I did something else that I did not know I could do." Nos felt bothered by it.
XR perked, seeing Nos was not exactly proud of it. "You wanna talk about it?"
Nos looked at him and had to think but perked when XR added to it.
"Or not, we could talk bad about Rocket? Or talk about Vanet's piece she did." XR insisted.
Nos was surprised by XR's patience and felt it was only fair but that XR was being kind. "Can we talk about Vanet and her piece?"
"Definitely, what was it on?" XR sees Nos showed from his device the picture and some of the other work and XR beamed. "She's got an eye for photography and she's 8?"
"Indeed." Nos smiles talking more to XR.
Ryder rushes out but stops to see XR and Nos talk. He knows they were building a bridge but he can see something there. He instead let them talk and went to a different spot to chill. "Plus I'll bug them in 20 minutes." He smiles as he lets them bond.
XR grins hearing about the school ball and he was watching Nos talk. He never saw him smile like that. The evil smile was obvious but not the natural smile he has now.
"I hope this summer and when that antimatter vampire is gone, maybe I can take Vanet to explore her photography skills."
"I know some good spots." XR adds and even shows him on the map of the galaxy.
"From missions or free time?" Nos asked.
"Bit of both, I don't really take vacation being in the team Buzz. That and when your home is star command, you really don't get much to do."
Nos hums. "Since living neat Valder town, there are some things to do and there are festivals there."
"I gotta ask why does Vanet go to that school? In the capital city?" XR was curiousand he figured it would be nice to get some answers about this.
"Since she is under protection, she needs to be at close range. I do not like that she has to go there, but as soon as I get rid of this monster, it will make things better."
XR thinks about it and sees Nos getting up. "I need to go pick up Vanet soon."
"Mind if I join?" XR got up but his com beeps and he knows it's his team.
"Another time." Nos smiles but XR frowns.
"Nos it could be nothing-"
"XR, you gotta come back!"
XR was startled by 42 talking and he sees Nos only gave him a reassured smile and leaves.
"I'll be there."
"See you-"BEEP!
He hung up and felt annoyed that just when he can get somewhere with Nos, something stops him. He groans and instead shuts his comm and leaves. Just as he did, he saw Nos was entering the car with that robot! It really bothered him to be like this with that bot…. And he doesn't even know why. He leaves, ignoring the feeling and flies off.