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[color=92278f]“if you want to get some of that aggression out on some of us… monsters. Challenge me at the arena during self-defense.”[/color]

Max merely grunted in response to Victor's proposal, turning his eyes briefly from Aaron to keep an impassive watch on the vampire. Count Astronomy was having far too much fun with this, but his interest in Flower Boy specifically suggested a bigger game than mere entertainment. The mage could've just been overthinking things - the Astorios weren't exactly known for their subtlety, after all - but it was better to be safe than sorry around leeches. Besides, as he stood now he couldn't take him up on that offer even if he wanted to. It wasn't like he had enough of a grasp on fighting to take on the Astorio even if Victor were mortal, let alone with vampiric abilities. Max would only have to get grabbed once and he'd be done. Something to work toward, then.

Max followed Aaron wordlessly out of the room, content to meander along casually at his would-be babysitter's side with his hands in his pockets until the Retriever spoke. 

[color=f0d705]“What was all that about?”[/color]

[color=8585ad]"I think Count Astr- [i]Astorio[/i] was just bored,"[/color] he half-lied. The vampire definitely looked like he wanted to be entertained; he was far too dismissive of Max's flippant attitude to have actually had his pride wounded by Max's uppity comment about a mage's place, but he was too deliberate in his goading to be simply trying to provoke a reaction without rhyme or reason. [color=8585ad]"He came up, called me a slave, and your friend that wears too much flowery perfume stepped right into the little web the leech was weaving. Do tell him to be careful, apparently he's on the Crown's bad side?"[/color] Max finally cocked his head toward Aaron and arched a brow innocently.

The Retriever keeps interesting company if he's willing to associate with a suspected rebel. Either the rumors were just that, rumors, or he was caught up in the scandal somehow. 

[color=8585ad]"So what about you, you just the teacher's pet or do you make a habit of licking boots?"[/color] He kept his voice level enough, more snide derision in his tone than outright vitriol. It always helped to know the standing of those you associate with - as horrifying as the thought of the Retriever being "someone he associates with" was.

[hr][@Obscene Symphony]