That voice chills Noel to the bone far more than the snow does.

For a moment, he doesn't move, frozen in place. His breath is steady but shallow, clouding the cold air in front of his face. Part of him wonders, with a pang of regret, if this isn't the afterlife --whatever kind of place that might be-- after all. Whatever the case whatever the reason...hearing that voice again is not easy. He never thought to prepare himself for this possibility, not after the man's death. Not after Noel killed him.

"Yeah? That'll be hard to get used to." He gives a short laugh, without mirth, and that's when he turns to look at the man, confirming that it is indeed him. That he's real.

"...I never expected to see you here, Caius."