Ellie leaned lazily against the doorframe, a small, mischievous smile playing at the corner of his lips as the pounding from the other side echoed through the room. The first few knocks had been firm, almost commanding, but the second set — oh, that one carried impatience. He recognized that rhythm anywhere. Eberhard.
He'd been halfway to opening the door until the man's commanding voice reached him. That tone, that self-importance dripping from every word, it made Ellie's fingers freeze on the handle. Then a slow grin crept across his face. Maybe he'd let him sweat a little. There was something deeply satisfying about needling the great former Beta until his composure cracked.
A low chuckle slipped from him before he quickly covered his mouth, shoulders shaking as he tried to stifle the sound.
"Ellie!?" Eberhard's voice boomed from outside, rough and accusing. "I know you're by the door. Don't play games with me, boy. I clearly heard that laugh just now?"
