"Doesn't have to be your shop for you to be a meat shield," Zephyr says, mostly joking. He angles himself to better hide behind Rutile, and then considers Rutile with some thoughtfulness. "Or. Not meat. You know what I mean."

Probably. Also possibly Zephyr has unintentionally been an asshole, which, well. He prefers to do so on purpose, really.

"I dunno, I think you're plenty respectable." This has to be made clear before Zephyr gives up on hiding behind Rutile and just sits down on the floor. "Let me know when it's clear, will you?"

Or they might both get thrown out. Either way.