The first voice cut through the night's silence, shifting Aren's attention immediately. The man who spoke carried himself as if he were used to being underestimated and let it work in his favor. Short stature, controlled posture, eyes that did more calculating than relaxing. The kind of presence that didn't demand attention, but expected it anyway.

Aren let a small breath out through his nose. Profit-minded. Defensive framing. Already thinking about division before acquisition.

That told him everything he needed for now.

[color=79c875]"Valid question,"[/color] he replied easily, keeping his tone light enough not to escalate anything. [color=79c875]"If I were here to argue about profit splits, I'd have brought a ledger instead of an apple."[/color] He paused briefly before shrugging. [color=79c875]"Relax. I'm not in the habit of splitting things that don't exist yet."[/color]

His gaze lingered on the man a moment longer, measuring the edges of him, before he added his own name without ceremony:

[color=79c875]"Aren."[/color]

He took another bite of his apple as he continued sizing up the man, when suddenly—

		A weight hit his back.

Familiar. Heavy. Unapologetic.

Aren didn't flinch, instead chuckling lightly as Izzy's presence announced itself in the loudest possible way a single person could manage.

Of course she was here.

He took the flask without protest, turning it once in his hand before taking a swig. [color=79c875]"You know, there are better greetings than violence,"[/color] he said, flashing her his most charming smile as he handed it back. [color=79c875]"Though I guess old habits die hard."[/color] His eyes flicked over her briefly, confirming she was intact. [color=79c875]"You look great. I don't think I've ever seen a finer lady that just broke out of prison,"[/color] he added with a wink.

He paused briefly, then, almost as an afterthought: [color=79c875]"Be careful with that stuff. If you pass out somewhere, I don't mind carrying you out, but it'll cost you."[/color] A faint, mischievous grin followed.

Aren listened to Neo's explanation without interrupting. When the briefing ended, he gave a small nod. [color=79c875]"Alright,"[/color] he said. [color=79c875]"So, don't get seen, don't get caught, don't get weighed down, and don't overcomplicate it unless it forces you to."[/color] His eyes drifted to the building. [color=79c875]"Entry point is solid. Getting in is the easy part. Getting out?" He glanced at the rest of the group. "That's usually the hard part."[/color]