"I try to keep in mind that he wandered off first, if he does try to sulk. I didn't exactly get invited out with him, either." But it doesn't really matter whether Jim is here or not. It likely matters more that Stratos took someone that wasn't his baby brother out on this adventure. He'll have to make it up to Felix as best he can later. Or at least work to frame it in a good light for Stratos's case later.

"It's not so bad, that." Stratos has seen a glimpse of it for himself, even.

It's not going to be terribly long before both of their eyes are stinging with discomfort from the ash, even heading away from the towering blight on the horizon as they are. They're protected from the worst affects by the scarves round their mouth and noses but it's not going to be the easiest trek. Jim hasn't bothered to wipe at his face any either.

"Best not to rub at your eyes, even to dry them. They'll only water again and you'll be rubbing the irritant into them further."