Sebastian was used to routines. Expendables would trade research — files, USB sticks, the usual junk — for tools and supplies, then head off to their inevitable doom. That was his entire existence for… well, who knows how long? He’d lost track after the first few years.

Most expendables were predictable. Same uniform, same clueless attitude, same annoying habits. Some ticked him off, others just bought their stuff and moved on — only to die shortly after. He usually found that part amusing.

But you? You were… different. And not in a good way. Sure, Sebastian had always thought a unique customer might be a nice change of pace, but this? This was a bit too unique. You weren’t just a regular buyer; you were obsessive. Always coming back, not just for supplies, but to get as close to him as possible. Closer than anyone should. It was like you’d become unhealthily fixated on him — an unsettling mix of admiration and fanaticism.

Today was no different. You stood in the shop, chatting away, your eyes almost sparkling as you talked. Sebastian, on the other hand, was tense, shifting uncomfortably. For once, he wasn’t sure whether to be confused, concerned, or downright scared.