---- Nox ----

Nox never imagined being in a guild headquarters. From the moment he was identified as a universal guide he told himself he would never limit who he cared for. Private guilds did that by definition, so naturally Nox had never considered them. He’d had offers sure. His paper recycling was a graveyard of increasingly outlandish salary offers for every guild in the country. 

But as it had been for the past decade, Daedalus Kane was the exception. When he was contacted by a representative from Titan instead of Kane himself, Nox was more than a little annoyed. He was annoyed at first. 

The rep had informed Nox that Kane instructed the guild to give Nox ‘whatever he wanted.’ A paradoxical offer since all Nox wanted was to speak with Kane after all these years. Fortunately, such a generous offer, when applied correctly, allowed Nox exactly that. 

So Nox found himself sitting in the waiting room for the guildmaster of Titan. Nox had no experience signing on to a private guild so he couldn't be certain as to their inner workings. But even to an outsider like Nox, it seemed odd for the guildmaster herself to go over a guide's contract face to face. 

Nox wondered if he would have felt less out of place in a gate than in this opulent room. The waiting room was the size of Nox’s entire apartment. He was far enough from the secretaries’ desk that he couldn’t make out what they were whispering to each other.

All of the furniture was sleek, minimalist, and either chrome or grayscale. The couch Nox was sitting on had a crossing design on both of its sides that resembled the cross section of treebranches. The coffee table was just a slab of glass held up by a similar metal structure. Nox was hesitant to set down the tea offered to him for fear the table would tip over if he put it in the wrong place. 

He settled for clutching the teacup tightly and glancing around the room. Sipping anxiously from time to time. There were several paintings. All of them taller than a full grown man and featuring various optical illusions. The painting ahead of Nox, behind the secretary’s desk, featured primary colors in a shape that suggested either an eye or a mouth. 

Just as Nox began to lose himself in the illusion of the painting, the elevator opened. Nox’s posture remained straight and his face expressionless even as the noise startled him. Sipping his tea and keeping his eyes trained ahead, waiting for the new arrival to address the gossiping secretaries. 

Instead, a familiar voice echoed across the marble tiles. 

“Oh I see why he-” Nox jerked his head up in time to see Esper Jin-Won Song cut herself off as she stared directly at Nox. Nox's expression remained steady as his pupils dilated in surprise. His lack of reaction amused Song. She crossed the room to stand directly in front of Nox. 

Nox had seen Esper Song on multiple occasions. She was the senior most S-rank at Titan and one of the higher ups in the guild as a whole. Song did public outreach and appeared in press conferences from time to time. He’d even seen him briefly at the gate. She was different in person and off duty. 

For one she was shorter than Nox assumed. When Nox stood to shake her hand he was shocked to find himself taller than her. Her presence was so commanding it gave her an intimidating air. She also looked much less harsh outside of field gear. In her official public outings she always kept her hair in a tight bun, not a strand out of place, her clothing was always well tailored and professional. 

Now, Nox could see smile lines on her face. She also had light freckles that either didn’t show on camera or were covered by makeup. Nox could imagine this woman allowing anyone to do her makeup even if it was ordered by the guild. Her hair was in a loose braid, strands sticking out and waiving in the air with static energy. 

Right on que, an arch of electricity pricked between Song and Nox’s outstretched hands. Song just laughed and took a firm hold of Nox’s hand. Song’s casual appearance helped Nox feel a little less out of place with his generic brand button up and department store slacks. The excited sparkle in Song’s eyes as she observed Nox was comforting, in a way that also managed to be terrifying. 

“I’m Guide Nox Levi. I’m here to sign with your guild.” 

“Oh I know who you are. It’s nice to officially meet you.” The smile on Song’s thin lips didn’t reach her eyes and Nox felt a chill creeping up his spine. He’d forgotten he should never lower his defenses in an Esper’s presence, “I don’t need to pretend you don’t know who I am, right?” 

Nox smiled politely and tucked one hand behind his back in an imitation of standing at attention. With the other he clutched his tea cup tighter, “No you do not ma’am.” 

“Don’t call me ma’am, Nox. It makes me feel old.” 

“Yes, Esper Song.” 

Song paused and took a step back. Gentle sadness tinged her features and she adjusted her posture to the professional persona reminiscent of her public appearances. 

“I understand, Guide Nox.” Her tone was less warm, more professional. Nox was afraid he’d done something to upset her. Still, it was better this way. Addressing each other professionally and keeping personal feelings aside.
The empty kindness Nox had perfected in his time as a guide fit much better next to Song’s militaristic attitude. Nox knew he would need that empty smile to get what he wanted from the guild. Nox had been told he could have whatever he wanted, but everyone had limits. He was certain his request would test Titan’s. 

“Well, Guide Nox,” Nox ignored the mocking lilt Song used to address him, “I am also here for your official welcome into our guild. Follow me.” 

“I was told to wait here, Esper Song.” Song side eyed Nox. Nox ignored her and continued, unbothered, “I was told the guildmaster is in an important meeting.” 

Song’s head whipped towards the secretaries, who’d grown strangely still since she arrived. She pointed at them and mouthed something before turning to flash a fake smile at Nox. 

“I’m sorry, our staff must have been mistaken, the guildmaster is waiting for you to come in.” Song was at the door to the guildmaster's office before Nox could properly process the fear on the secretaries’ faces. Nox scrambled to follow.