💘 ic inbox for hadriel

[synthedick]

Comments

[requiemshark]

Nothing that's gonna impact my performance.

[ Which sounds formal and snotty as all fuck. Ephemera winces. Takes a breath. ]

Shit went down, back home. Got bad. Think being here is - I dunno, something like a second chance. I don't wanna fuck that up. And you and Drake, you need more fighters.

[synthedick]

[It was a blunt answer, but it tells Nick about all he needs to know. He can't help the way the corner of his mouth turns up.]

You wouldn't be the first one getting a second chance here. Let's hope you make the best of it.

[Better than some people, at least.]

Glad to have you back, Ephemera.

[requiemshark]

[ He nods slowly. ]

I'm not the best with orders, but I'm solid. Whatever you and Drake need, I'm your guy.

[ A pause. ]

Drake's important to me. And this shit means a lot to him. So it means a lot to me, now.

[synthedick]

[And that gets more of a genuine smile out of Nick.]

It means a lot to all of us who are just trying to make this city a better place. Drake's done a lot of good, more than most folks will ever know. Heck, I'm not sure even he knows it.

[Which makes Nick think maybe he should say it more. He continues after only the slightest pause.]

He was a mess when you left, but he's held it together.

[His voice darkens just a bit, hardens with an edge that betrays his protective nature.]

Don't let him down if you can help it, understood?

[requiemshark]

[ Ephemera hesitates a moment, then lifts his chin to meet Nick's eyes straight on. No hesitation. ]

I won't. You can count on that.