"Ha. Ha ha. And also ha." Ken rolled his eyes, slipping back into the familiar back-and-forth nearly as easily as breathing--even if it felt a little strained, like an old coat that didn't quite fit right anymore. Still, all the better to pretend that no, there really wasn't anything going on that Youji need know about, honest. No real difference here, aside from the obvious age gap.

Ratty, ever the bold one, sat up on his haunches and reached out one little paw curiously before Darling was whisked out of reach.

"You'll just have to manage the secretaries yourself. As for that, it feels bloody weird. I'm used to you still being the old fart in the neighborhood."