[b]"Nero?"[/b] Clover's surprised voice was a mixed bag of emotions at best. Not only was she shocked to see an old face still alive, but she was still pissed that he'd been choking Carter. She wanted to punch and hug... Her face scrunched up. Hug wasn't the exact word she'd use but she was happy to see him nonetheless.

[b]"You're alive?."[/b] She took a few precarious steps toward him, still not entirely sure it was him. The light slipping past the curtains splayed across his face, the shadows of raindrops on the window dancing on his skin. They accentuated the rough features of his face and the solemn look in his eyes that never seemed to disappear, even while he was smiling.

[b]"Oh ya... that's definitely Nero's ugly ass face I'm looking at. How the hell did you make it out of that herd? I swear it over took you."[/b]

Carter slowly rose to his feet from the knee he fell into, his chest still heaving and his lungs grasping mouthfuls of air. His body had become somewhat numb, his neck already so and he found it difficult to move his limbs. However he could still hear everything that was being said. When he could finally manage, he turned to look at Nero only to confirm what he'd said.

[b]"You son of a bitch... You're alive."[/b] He said as he sheathed the knife in his hand. [b]"I nearly cut your dick off."[/b]

Clover covered her mouth in mock surprise. [b]"Holy shit.. you mean this entire time he had a dick?"[/b] She finished with a smile on her face, the first genuine smile on her lips in months. She hadn't the need for them since Skylar passed. Looking past him, her eyes fell on the figure that'd been sitting in the corner. Now that he was standing in the light, she could finally better make out his features and put a face on the man pointing a gun at her. Of course she quickly realized he wasn't nearly a man yet but more a kid a few years her senior. Watching his habitual motions, she'd realized he was a little more skittish than she'd expected.

[b]"Shawn..."[/b] She gave him a quizzical stare as she tried to figure him out. The way he was acting was characteristic of someone who'd been sheltered from the realities of the world as it currently was. She was familiar with them because she'd acted the same way once upon a time. He had a lot of work to do and plenty to learn but she knew he'd do fine. He was at that very moment surrounded by the best. However, that didn't excuse the gun in her face... even if they were being cautious. [b]"...I don't like people pointing guns at me."[/b] She squinted her eyes, giving him a hard stare. [b]"Don't let it happen again."[/b]

[b]"Clover..."[/b] Carter shook his hand at the boy, trying to excuse Clover's show of defiance even as they both knew Nero and Shawn had every right to hold them up. [b]"Sorry Shawn... takes a little while but she'll grow on you...and it's very nice to meet you too."[/b] He finally turned toward Nero, now standing upright after his body had recovered. He stared the man in the eyes, his feelings mirroring Clover's earlier sentiment. He wanted to punch him too, a good strike to the jaw, but it wouldn't help his neck feel better and he doubted it would change how he really felt. In truth he was happy to see a familiar face again. [b]"Nero... glad to have you back."[/b] He extended his right hand took Nero's in a strong handshake, both men beaming smiles.

[b]"So...I guess that makes us even?"[/b] Clover tried to hide her smile.