Then I consider this exchange quite mutual. Love that.

[ Nothing to build, huh... Midnight holds position quite still, obedient and quiet in a way that would drive his dear commending officer up a wall to see. When prompted, he looks into the bag, finding the tool in question quite handily, and passes it to Kaveh, peeking over his shoulder to watch him work. Clever man, clever hands. Much to admire. (Much to fall for, if one was so inclined.)

He holds the partially dismantled chandelier instead of answering straightaway. He does have an answer to this question, yes, but he'd rather be delicate about it. He doesn't mind being misunderstood, but only when he never intended to be understood in the first place. ]

It is tiring. However, I've found that when I don't keep track of my debts, others are quite happy to do so for me. I'd prefer having the power to shape those sorts of relationships.

[ ... A short bark of laughter. It's both harsh and deeply abashed, somehow. ]

I like giving gifts. Those I give for free. But I need to have enough to give first.