#h... hey...

     it’s still taking some getting used to , but not in a bad way . they don’t know each other as humans as familiarly as they are with the way warfare ( yes , it was warfare , it was always with an opponent in mind , it always ended with waxy stares , with nothing behind them ) pulled on their limbs , sat on their brows . it’d been strange , at first . unnerving , even . phil laughs , and it stirs a boyish thrill in his chest . he’s pink in the cheeks ,and he wants to hear that again .       heugh takes the poke like a champ , and shakes his head at the food before him .     “     i let you in my house . i buy food for you . you insult my goods . you know what     ---     neither do i . we’re a perfect pair .    “