[ He laughs gently at the dry response, brief and low. ]
I suppose I did. I was wondering what to do if I'd stumbled on something related to the Administrator. Whether to examine it myself or seek company from someone else, or if it might pose a risk -- so it was a pleasant surprise to realize it was only a friendly acquaintance.
[ Note: 'friendly acquaintance,' not 'friend.' Because something tells him Cinnabar would balk at the latter. And Vangeance doesn't draw any closer, either. Because as much as Cinnabar treats him with caution, the reverse is also true. Though Vangeance worries less about any underhandedness or malice, and more that he might inadvertently scare Cinnabar off.
So he only gives his usual, genial smile -- friendly without being too intimate, warm but maintaining a certain distance. And though his gaze does briefly fall on that tree and its little birds, he notices the way Cinnabar quickly looks away, and decides not to mention it. Instead, he settles for: ]
I do prefer working during the day. But I've been having some sleepless nights lately. [ A small tilt of the head. ] Are you about to embark on your patrol?
no subject
I suppose I did. I was wondering what to do if I'd stumbled on something related to the Administrator. Whether to examine it myself or seek company from someone else, or if it might pose a risk -- so it was a pleasant surprise to realize it was only a friendly acquaintance.
[ Note: 'friendly acquaintance,' not 'friend.' Because something tells him Cinnabar would balk at the latter. And Vangeance doesn't draw any closer, either. Because as much as Cinnabar treats him with caution, the reverse is also true. Though Vangeance worries less about any underhandedness or malice, and more that he might inadvertently scare Cinnabar off.
So he only gives his usual, genial smile -- friendly without being too intimate, warm but maintaining a certain distance. And though his gaze does briefly fall on that tree and its little birds, he notices the way Cinnabar quickly looks away, and decides not to mention it. Instead, he settles for: ]
I do prefer working during the day. But I've been having some sleepless nights lately. [ A small tilt of the head. ] Are you about to embark on your patrol?