"That could explain it," he agreed, perhaps using the remark as a way to stall.

Anani had evidently not forgotten him, and Devin gave the creature a blank look for the affection it was demonstrating. At least he was passingly familiar with the cat, unlike the bibiru Leo kept shoving in his face. (They are cute, but he'll never admit it aloud.)

"Not exactly." Devin shifted his weight over his feet uncomfortably, eventually reaching into his pocket to extract the dark red knot he'd tied a day or two earlier. He held it up between his fingers. "Apology accepted." A slow breath. "And I owe you an apology as well."