Izzy's outburst drew a quiet, immediate grin from Aren. As he glanced between her and the owl, his expression settled into something far too calm to be entirely sincere.

[color=79c875]"…Talk?"[/color] he echoed. A small pause, followed by a faint tilt of his head. [color=79c875]"I'm pretty sure it just blinked."[/color]

He took another casual bite of his apple, like that settled the matter. [color=79c875]"You might want to slow down a bit,"[/color] he added, his tone almost thoughtful. [color=79c875]"We haven't even started the job yet, and you're already seeing conversational wildlife."[/color] Though he fought to keep his expression neutral, his suppressed mirth was betrayed by the slightest smirk and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Miyu's comments pulled his attention next. Aren followed the thumb pointed his way, then let his gaze drop just enough to take in the height difference.

The smirk on his face deepened.

[color=79c875]"[i]Kid,[/i] huh?"[/color]

He shifted his weight slightly, rolling one shoulder.

[color=79c875]"You won't have to worry about me,"[/color] he added easily. [color=79c875]"Walls like that are half the job most nights, and I can hold my own in a fight."[/color]

Then, after a brief pause:

[color=79c875]"...and if you have trouble reaching the handholds, I can always rig up a backpack for you,"[/color] he casually went on, his tone just serious enough to make it unclear if it was a joke or a genuine offer.

Aren's attention drifted back toward Neo and the building, the smirk softening into something more focused. [color=79c875]"Either way, I'm ready to go whenever."[/color]
[hr]Abilities:
1: Deadpan | Grade F
[quote][Deception] F
0 post cooldown
[i]Is he joking? Is he serious? Or perhaps...both?[/i][/quote]