[ Ephemera tips his head to the side, watching Felix, but lets him fuss. Lets him arrange Ephemera's hood how he wants. Fussy, precise, like it's armor and he's doing a maintenance check. Just like how the sergeant would. The first time Felix tried it, Ephemera flinched away. Hated himself for doing it. Hated himself more in the aftermath, even though it eventually settled. They've got a balance now. Only question is how long it holds.

Breathe, soldier. Don't act like a crazy person.

Ephemera twitches, then forces himself to breathe. He flashes his teeth at Felix, follows it up with a weak smile. A ghost of how they used to sass each other. Like they're both still sane, about to get some grub after a hard drop. Like the old days. ]

You're such a prick. How anyone stands you long enough to fuck you is beyond me. There are things even liquor can't explain.

[ He steps into the hallway, scanning his corners instinctively. He clocked the security cameras earlier, he knows where they are. But paranoia's a good old friend of his and he refuses to be caught stupid. ]

And you're buying.