Erskine at least had the wherewithal to act outraged at the idea that he'd let himself go, although his idea of outrage was more a kind of weak indignation given that it was Hopeless. Given that just being around Hopeless left him a little dazed (in a good way). Even the vitriol from some of the others was easier to bear with Hopeless nearby.

"Day-dreamer." Erskine ducked his head, felt a slight flush creep across his cheeks. Of course Hopeless knew he'd been watching him. Mind-reader.

"Not doubt," he said quietly, trailing along after the other man, trying to erase the blush from his face as if there were something he could consciously do about it. He didn't blush. He never blushed. "Just awe. You've settled in nicely if you're already scheming."