Firestone Hot Springs leave the weak, leave the young

He knows Phillip is lying when he calls him nice in return. Zephyr is can think of several things to call himself: a stubborn survivor, a loyal friend, even a protector of sorts, though he's yet to truly demonstrate that. He knows he has something to offer, or else Phillip and Firestorm would never have bothered with him. But he's never been a nice person, even to those few he likes. He's selfish, and moody, and he knows it better than anyone.
Still, the compliment feels nice. And Phillip's next words even seem like they might be true. I'll stay with you as long as you want, He promises sleepily, voice still muffled by fur. He could continue, explain his reasons and his feelings, but it's dark and he's tired, and he's never been very good at expressing his feelings anyway. They've never seemed to matter much to anyone else, except when they ruin everything.