Even a few years out, it’s still so easy to fall back into being a soldier, into the habits drilled into him for over ten years. Get in, take care of any opposition, get out, protect PC at all costs. It’s what makes him listen out for the sounds of Nick’s footsteps just as much for the sound of more robots or another incoming threat, what makes him turn automatically when he hears Nick stumble.

He slides his arm around Nick’s waist without asking permission, slinging Nick’s arm over his own shoulder at the same time so he can help support him. “Working on it,” he replies, scanning down the hallways.

Goddamn what he wouldn’t give to have his wings. Then again, they might not be much help, in small quarters like this.