Felix Caelus

His eyes are flitting open at the murmur of Jim's voice followed by the familiar tread. He swallows hard but doesn't speak immediately, too stuck for words. The pain and overwhelming fear have been replaced by the haze of sedatives and the guilty knowledge of what he's done. The knowledge that now he has to face Jim.

"...Feeling like an idiot, but at least it doesn't hurt so much now." He tips his head to peer at Jim better, though it makes him wince and roll back again. That's far too much work. There's more color in his face now, though, no ragged edge to his breathing.

"As you should." Stratos drops the veil, eliciting a soft groan from Felix though the elder Imperial's face is lined with worry as he leans over and gently brushes Felix's bangs from his eyes.

"Hey Stratos... didn't expect to see you."