"Ah, logic," Devin replied, as though the concept were a very quaint thing.

He glanced down at Anani; apparently the cat wanted his attention now, so he ran a hand along the creature's back. It was a weary acceptance of the fact that Anani seemed to have taken to him for reasons Devin didn't understand.

"I concede that particular battle," he allowed, mustering a strained smile. It faded after a moment, and he sighed. "Old habits die hard, and that's one of my oldest. I don't know how to be any other way yet."