[ to begin with, it isn't like his face is well-known even within the n109 zone, or its city-equivalent. while his name itself is notorious as well as the organization in which he's established, the details remain murky, furtive, and difficult to trace at best. it's why he doesn't often encounter a meeting like this one.
if one could truly label it an encounter, that is. in all his attempts at reaching some invisible, unforeseen objective in the distant future, it seems like there is but one individual in which all these roads lead to— ishmael. hence, sylus had erected the proper plans to be within her proximity for some time. perhaps, even poising under the guise as someone who could assist her on her missions. unfortunately, fate has other plans. while he had attempted to appear before her at a more opportune time, perhaps one in which he could have actually invoked his own abilities, and appeared far more convincing—
instead, he ends up passing by her a bit earlier than planned, and while he asked mephisto to watch over her, it appears things have gone horribly awry. so just by passing one another in the streets, he realizes... they've somehow been handcuffed by an energy link between the two of them.
this really is inconvenient. it isn't often his plans don't pan out the way he intends and it likely shows in the way he eyes their attached wrists. ] I suppose this is one way to capture a kitten. [ sighs so deeply already... as in me personally sighs. ]
from what i can remember the last time i played lnd (crying), she was busy gathering as much intel as she could in order to track down the eponymous organization that was presumably responsible for the terrorists attacks in the city, particularly the one that killed her peers with a well-hidden bomb. she'd been obsessed with the case ever since, practically begged her superiors to be allowed to investigate despite her mental state, and had barely slept and ate since. it'll all be worth it, though. she will find whoever is responsible and crush them with her own bare hands, and then...
well, she hasn't figured out what'll happen after that. but it's because of her restlessness that she didn't notice her intended target to walk past her, and she's slightly yanked backwards when an energy cuff links their wrists together. ]
Wh-- Kitten? [ bro that's so cringe... ] I don't have time for this. What are you even arresting me for?
[ because that's clearly what's happening here. totally. ]
[ sylus has to wonder if she intended for that question to be asked out loud, if just because of how outlandish it was in the grander scheme of things. hence, he can barely hold back an almost dark noise from the back his throat; not exactly a laugh, but not exactly a simple exhalation in breath either. despite her initial confusion, he looks at her with a deeper intensity, almost as if he were trying to peer into something deeper than she was permitting him to on the surface.
but, he decides now was too early to use his eye.
hence, he purposely tears his gaze away, instead finally opting to answer her question. ] Can you really call it that when you've walked directly into this trap? Or does it not count as one as long as you don't acknowledge it? [ he gives the handcuffs a tight tug, letting it drag her towards him.
his own eyes seem to scan over her body, as if trying to determine what her next step would be. would she pull out her weapon? would she raise her voice? attempt to push him away, despite the impossibility of it all, considering they were both literally attached to one another? almost as if attempting to encourage some sort of retaliation response from her, his other hand comes behind her, firmly pressing against the small of her back. ]
[ hi, this is where there is office au. presuming he isn't the ceo in this universe, if just to save myself the pain of having to play this again.
anyway, fast forward to company party hour.
sylus didn't necessarily go out of his way to attend to such trivial events. compared to the various side hustles he's likely dabbling in (help, not crypto), he's barely invested any real time or attention into his 9-5. but, if there is one person he did have an interest in, well... he'd like to think he made it evident enough. when he sees that familiar shade of orange-red hair, he approaches her without any real hint of reservation. likely knowing full well she wouldn't be too happy to see him.
yet, with a glass of wine as his peace offering amidst the crowd of their fellow co-workers, he slides it over to her. letting the slight chill of the glass touch the side of her cheek. ] I thought it looked like you had something to say to me. So I came to you first.
[ per usual, it's just another pretense to say he wanted to strike up a conversation with her.
but, he's probably made himself obvious enough by now. ]
[ tbf, ishmael didn't want to come at first. in fact, she had plans on doing some overtime work instead. but her peers in her department really, really wanted her to come, and there's the prospect of that new brand of alcohol they'll be serving at this particular partner, so... why not?
and here she is, wallflowering with nobody in particular, in hopes that nobody will bother a loner like her. but she should've known sooner that she'd stick out enough for someone to approach her. someone she's not keen on encountering anytime soon.
it's her fault for even glancing at him for a few seconds. ]
Not really. I was just mildly surprised that you're here, is all. [ she takes the glass, not yet drinking it. ] I thought you're too good for get-togethers like these.
Last I checked, they weren't yours either. [ he says with a languid, half-shrug. there's something relaxed in his posture as he watches the way she takes the glass from him. his hand doesn't withdraw immediately. his eyes drift down momentarily before focusing back on her face.
his lips twitch just slightly, as if he were on the verge of laughing. instead, he keeps his expression in check. even if the amusement is still evidently laced between his words. ] ... and I thought the only thing you had enthusiasm for was overtime.
Looks like we're both doing things out of our norm tonight.
[ he gets a light chuckle for that, along with a shake of her head.. ]
You think I liked doing overtime? [ a lot of people do assume she does, but she doesn't know this 🧍♂️ ] I was just picking up the slack of my fellow coworkers at my department. If I work hard enough, they'll eventually see that I'm capable enough for that promotion. Anytime, now.
[ the grind truly never stops for her, which is why she doesn't really like to pay attention to sylus here. she got better things to do, like career advancement.
she shrugs. ] But a little deviation from the norms doesn't hurt. What do you usually do when you're not at these parties, anyway?
Can you blame me? After all, you did it with such zeal. I can still picture your expression, with your eyebrows knit— [ he lifts a finger, almost as if to touch her on the corner of her brows, and yet his fingers stop short. he draws his hand back with the same curiosity lingering in his eyes. ]
You could say I have my own business. [ fruit vendor, skye.... jk.
his words are purposely vague, and it's clear by his tone that he's fully aware of this and yet does little to mitigate this. ] Instead of working up to a promotion, don't you think you might be better off working for me?
[ she eyes his finger closely, her gaze sharpening the more he blathers on. see, this is why she doesn't want to be seen with him. he just... says things, mostly to rile her up, leading to some of her coworkers to believe that he might have a crush on her.
which is ridiculous, she thinks. just like the utter joke that is his job offer, and she huffs through her nose. ]
I don't want to work for someone who can't seem to keep his eyes off me.
[ it's presumptuous, she knows, but she's got to snark back somehow. ]
Besides, if you already have your own business, why bother working here in the first place? You can probably hold better parties than this, I bet.
[ tfw you wonder how the mc could ask sylus "are you doing this because you hate me?" but, then office au ish is right here thinking it's all a joke. then again, he isn't entirely blind to fact that he also does little to minimize the risk for misunderstanding.
which is precisely why he gives a small exhale in return. ]
Isn't it all the better to see you perform well?
[ in theory, is it always a bad thing to have your boss be interested in you(r work)? he says this even when it's obvious to the two of them that it's not what she means. ]
I could. [ there's no doubt about that. ] But, you could say that my personal business is [ his eyes drift back down towards her, stopping at where her collarbone begins, before his lips curve upwards just slightly. ] missing something. Just like every party, but this one.
[ this convo is really giving HELLO, HUMAN RESOURCES??? but it's okay, ishmael can hold her own. especially when it comes to the guy every single woman in her department is currently swooning over.
the way sylus is looking at her feels like he's stripping her with his gaze, though. not sure if she should be turned on or not. she will, however, take a longer sip of her drink because if she's going to talk to him, she may as well not do it sober. ]
is that really the case, or are they actually tripping over themselves over how reliable and stuco miss ishmael is? not to mention, that she's clearly attracting enough attention on her own. perhaps, there's something about a venue that serves alcohol that leaves people feeling aptly... unbridled, no longer held back by the conventions of the office. however, sylus appears unaffected by the stares they receive. nor does he think much on the (inevitable) gossip come monday.
at her inquiry, however— ] Something with a bit of color and shine. [ he idly rubs his fingers together, letting his gaze leave her momentarily. ] You could even see it for yourself if you look to the other side of you. [ cue there being random mirrors as decor in the venue. ]
[ it's not that she cares that much about office gossip, but if it's all about her, it's going to piss her off for a while. it would've been nice if she won't be lumped with the company's most eligible bachelor (or so the rumors say) too, but her luck hasn't been in her favor lately.
still, she does turn to her side when sylus prompts her to, and she finds herself staring at her reflection in the mirror, clad in a little red dress and a slight flush on her cheeks from her drinks... totally. yeah. she turns her attention back to sylus with a scowl, pushing her now-empty glass towards him. ]
...I don't want to be sober for this. [ help ] If you still want me around, the least you can do is get me more drinks.
[ he watches as she turns around, and can't help finding it sincerely amusing. the touch of a reaction, the bit of color on her cheeks. there's a soft chuckle he releases 💸, as his fingers wrap around the glass she's pretty much foisted on him. ] I don't recall you being so bossy in the office.
[ there's no actual rebuttal, however. he gestures fluidly to one of the waitstaff at the party, advising them to bring another glass. he swaps the empty glass for a full one, before holding it back out to her. ] Actually, [ do you feel regret yet... ] I'll have two. [ he just nearly wraps his arm around her waist, but instead reaches around her to grab another glass. ] She gets very thirsty. [ not him saying this to a complete stranger...
still, his eyes seem to study her reaction as he swirls the liquid around in his own glass. ]
the world seems to freeze around her the moment his arm brushes against her waist. that's a little too close for comfort, enough to send jolts up her spine, but miraculously she's able to hold on to her dignity save for a slight hitch of breath when he reaches for his glass.
she turns to scowl at him, the flush more evident in her cheeks, before grabbing her glass and downing it all in one go. apparently he's right in that regard. how annoying. she'll show him. ]
Oh yeah? Is this a game to you now? [ there's a slur in her voice as she sizes him up. ] Might as well add four more while you're at it.
[ it'd be a lie to say he didn't notice the minute changes in her reaction. maybe it's all in thanks to the fact that he hasn't really torn his eyes off her. not for long, at least. of course, it's calculated on his end, just as much as he takes a sip of the glass between his fingers before holding it out to her. ]
Instead of a game, let's call it a wager.
[ thankfully, the server hasn't left yet and so sylus can place her finished glass down. ] You should be careful for what you wish for. Last I checked, normal people can feel inebriated after four glasses.
[ it is patronizing, but she's going to let that slide for now. she takes another glass with a wide smile, her gaze hazy as she bodily leans against sylus's arm. ]
Yes, well... You'll find out that I'm far from normal.
[ says the girlie who isn't the type to stick out too much, at least in the workforce,
but it's too late now. bottoms up, and the devil laughs. she may not be totally drunk yet but she is getting there, and their other coworkers begin to shoot furtive looks at the two. why is the nonchalant ishmael suddenly clinging to their office's most eligible bachelor? wouldn't they like to know.
she reaches for another glass, throws that back quite easily, then another. at this rate it's going to get harder for her to stop......... ]
[ when she leans into him, he doesn’t pull away. on the contrary, his hand fluidly moves to hold her around the waist, not unlike the way he encircled it moments prior. he pulls her in closer and for a moment, he matches the gazes in the room, before turning his full attention back to her.
it’s clear there’s an instant improvement to his mood, and he makes no secret of being pleased. that same smile on his lips, he gives her a nod. ] Do you think I don’t know that? [ his tone is light, almost teasing. as if he’s holding back the start of a deep, dark laugh. but, he doesn’t get it out at least.
( sylus voice ) i’m not mocking you. ] But, I think you can afford to share. If you’re going to be greedy, I’d prefer it be for something else. [ with his free hand, he reaches to grab hold over her hand, and by extension, her next drink of choice. he then moves her hand to bring the drink to his lips. it’s deliberate and he clearly makes it a point to make direct and indirect contact with her.
an impromptu couple shot, thanks… if he spills a little, oh well. ]
[ not him making eye contact with the rest....... the rumor mill is going to have a field day after this weekend. too bad ishmael's already becoming too drunk to care, as she watches him snatch her drink from her nose and swallow it down for himself.
that's so hot. she's not going to admit that out loud, though. she is feeling the stares of practically everyone in their vicinity however, and the urge to run and hide her face is rising. but instead, she's going to get on her tiptoes and whisper into sylus's ear. ]
What if I don't want to share?
[ wow ]
give me an ish megane icon so i don't feels self conscious anymore
[ her breath is close enough to his skin that he can feel the heat just from their proximity alone. or maybe it's the alcohol that's coursing through both of their systems. instead of giving any real response at first, he moves her hand a little higher. he then presses his lips against the underside of her thumb. he pretends like he's savoring whatever bit of wine may have spilled. in reality, there could have been none at all, but who would be none the wiser?
when he speaks, his voice comes out quiet. a vague hint of intimacy steeped in every single one of his syllables. ]
Then you'll have to take it from me. But, oops. [ there is no hint of remorse in the way his voice draws lower. ] I already drank it, so what will you do now? [ they really doing this in front of god and everyone... ]
i dont have one even tho she'd be perfect w it, cries
[ the people at HR are probably drunk off their asses at this point, because one of them would've pulled her away from her by now. if not them, then her coworkers who could take this opportunity to escort ishmael away and hit up sylus instead. but no, they're staring -- some with jealousy, some with secondhand embarrassment because girlie can do so much better than this tbh.
back to ishmael, she doesn't care about that right now. she has to prove to sylus that -- that...
what is she trying to prove to him again? ]
That's a surprise for another time.
[ she pulls away her thumb that she was stroking against his bottom lip and brings it up to her own lips for a taste. damn ]
Anyway, I shouldn't be keeping you. My friends are waiting... [ she says while she takes a step back from him and turns around, only to stumble on her feet a little. girl, help ]
[ when she pulls away, however brief the touch may have been— he feels a natural swell of disappointment. (but, maybe it's for the best when sylus' next move may have been to [redacted] it.) it's laced in the way he releases a soft sigh, barely heard now amongst the whispers and distant conversations.
however, while most would have potentially called it a night and recouped their losses, sylus has no intentions of doing so. instead, when she steps back and she stumbles, his hands are already moving to steady her.
to begin with, sylus wasn't one to squander a clear opportunity. ] Another time? But, it looks like your friends have other plans. [ ... and when she says her friends are waiting, he seems to look at them, an easy, almost relaxed quirk of his lips. he even gives them a small wave, as if to indicate that he was taking her home. is this where she sends the signal to be saved, or was she going to graciously accept his help?
he should be more worried that this could all unravel in seconds, but...
sylus was never lacking in confidence. (unfortunate) ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
⛓️
if one could truly label it an encounter, that is. in all his attempts at reaching some invisible, unforeseen objective in the distant future, it seems like there is but one individual in which all these roads lead to— ishmael. hence, sylus had erected the proper plans to be within her proximity for some time. perhaps, even poising under the guise as someone who could assist her on her missions. unfortunately, fate has other plans. while he had attempted to appear before her at a more opportune time, perhaps one in which he could have actually invoked his own abilities, and appeared far more convincing—
instead, he ends up passing by her a bit earlier than planned, and while he asked mephisto to watch over her, it appears things have gone horribly awry. so just by passing one another in the streets, he realizes... they've somehow been handcuffed by an energy link between the two of them.
this really is inconvenient. it isn't often his plans don't pan out the way he intends and it likely shows in the way he eyes their attached wrists. ] I suppose this is one way to capture a kitten. [ sighs so deeply already... as in me personally sighs. ]
no subject
from what i can remember the last time i played lnd (crying), she was busy gathering as much intel as she could in order to track down the eponymous organization that was presumably responsible for the terrorists attacks in the city, particularly the one that killed her peers with a well-hidden bomb. she'd been obsessed with the case ever since, practically begged her superiors to be allowed to investigate despite her mental state, and had barely slept and ate since. it'll all be worth it, though. she will find whoever is responsible and crush them with her own bare hands, and then...
well, she hasn't figured out what'll happen after that. but it's because of her restlessness that she didn't notice her intended target to walk past her, and she's slightly yanked backwards when an energy cuff links their wrists together. ]
Wh-- Kitten? [ bro that's so cringe... ] I don't have time for this. What are you even arresting me for?
[ because that's clearly what's happening here. totally. ]
no subject
but, he decides now was too early to use his eye.
hence, he purposely tears his gaze away, instead finally opting to answer her question. ] Can you really call it that when you've walked directly into this trap? Or does it not count as one as long as you don't acknowledge it? [ he gives the handcuffs a tight tug, letting it drag her towards him.
his own eyes seem to scan over her body, as if trying to determine what her next step would be. would she pull out her weapon? would she raise her voice? attempt to push him away, despite the impossibility of it all, considering they were both literally attached to one another? almost as if attempting to encourage some sort of retaliation response from her, his other hand comes behind her, firmly pressing against the small of her back. ]
ignore how i reused this post
anyway, fast forward to company party hour.
sylus didn't necessarily go out of his way to attend to such trivial events. compared to the various side hustles he's likely dabbling in (help, not crypto), he's barely invested any real time or attention into his 9-5. but, if there is one person he did have an interest in, well... he'd like to think he made it evident enough. when he sees that familiar shade of orange-red hair, he approaches her without any real hint of reservation. likely knowing full well she wouldn't be too happy to see him.
yet, with a glass of wine as his peace offering amidst the crowd of their fellow co-workers, he slides it over to her. letting the slight chill of the glass touch the side of her cheek. ] I thought it looked like you had something to say to me. So I came to you first.
[ per usual, it's just another pretense to say he wanted to strike up a conversation with her.
but, he's probably made himself obvious enough by now. ]
not my shame
and here she is, wallflowering with nobody in particular, in hopes that nobody will bother a loner like her. but she should've known sooner that she'd stick out enough for someone to approach her. someone she's not keen on encountering anytime soon.
it's her fault for even glancing at him for a few seconds. ]
Not really. I was just mildly surprised that you're here, is all. [ she takes the glass, not yet drinking it. ] I thought you're too good for get-togethers like these.
no subject
his lips twitch just slightly, as if he were on the verge of laughing. instead, he keeps his expression in check. even if the amusement is still evidently laced between his words. ] ... and I thought the only thing you had enthusiasm for was overtime.
Looks like we're both doing things out of our norm tonight.
no subject
You think I liked doing overtime? [ a lot of people do assume she does, but she doesn't know this 🧍♂️ ] I was just picking up the slack of my fellow coworkers at my department. If I work hard enough, they'll eventually see that I'm capable enough for that promotion. Anytime, now.
[ the grind truly never stops for her, which is why she doesn't really like to pay attention to sylus here. she got better things to do, like career advancement.
she shrugs. ] But a little deviation from the norms doesn't hurt. What do you usually do when you're not at these parties, anyway?
no subject
You could say I have my own business. [ fruit vendor, skye.... jk.
his words are purposely vague, and it's clear by his tone that he's fully aware of this and yet does little to mitigate this. ] Instead of working up to a promotion, don't you think you might be better off working for me?
[ is this a joke, or a genuine offer? ]
no subject
which is ridiculous, she thinks. just like the utter joke that is his job offer, and she huffs through her nose. ]
I don't want to work for someone who can't seem to keep his eyes off me.
[ it's presumptuous, she knows, but she's got to snark back somehow. ]
Besides, if you already have your own business, why bother working here in the first place? You can probably hold better parties than this, I bet.
[ she's kidding, but. ]
no subject
which is precisely why he gives a small exhale in return. ]
Isn't it all the better to see you perform well?
[ in theory, is it always a bad thing to have your boss be interested in you(r work)? he says this even when it's obvious to the two of them that it's not what she means. ]
I could. [ there's no doubt about that. ] But, you could say that my personal business is [ his eyes drift back down towards her, stopping at where her collarbone begins, before his lips curve upwards just slightly. ] missing something. Just like every party, but this one.
[ that meme where, hello hr? ]
no subject
the way sylus is looking at her feels like he's stripping her with his gaze, though. not sure if she should be turned on or not. she will, however, take a longer sip of her drink because if she's going to talk to him, she may as well not do it sober. ]
Mm? Such as?
[ can't he just spell it out for her already ]
no subject
is that really the case, or are they actually tripping over themselves over how reliable and stuco miss ishmael is? not to mention, that she's clearly attracting enough attention on her own. perhaps, there's something about a venue that serves alcohol that leaves people feeling aptly... unbridled, no longer held back by the conventions of the office. however, sylus appears unaffected by the stares they receive. nor does he think much on the (inevitable) gossip come monday.
at her inquiry, however— ] Something with a bit of color and shine. [ he idly rubs his fingers together, letting his gaze leave her momentarily. ] You could even see it for yourself if you look to the other side of you. [ cue there being random mirrors as decor in the venue. ]
no subject
still, she does turn to her side when sylus prompts her to, and she finds herself staring at her reflection in the mirror, clad in a little red dress and a slight flush on her cheeks from her drinks... totally. yeah. she turns her attention back to sylus with a scowl, pushing her now-empty glass towards him. ]
...I don't want to be sober for this. [ help ] If you still want me around, the least you can do is get me more drinks.
no subject
[ there's no actual rebuttal, however. he gestures fluidly to one of the waitstaff at the party, advising them to bring another glass. he swaps the empty glass for a full one, before holding it back out to her. ] Actually, [ do you feel regret yet... ] I'll have two. [ he just nearly wraps his arm around her waist, but instead reaches around her to grab another glass. ] She gets very thirsty. [ not him saying this to a complete stranger...
still, his eyes seem to study her reaction as he swirls the liquid around in his own glass. ]
no subject
the world seems to freeze around her the moment his arm brushes against her waist. that's a little too close for comfort, enough to send jolts up her spine, but miraculously she's able to hold on to her dignity save for a slight hitch of breath when he reaches for his glass.
she turns to scowl at him, the flush more evident in her cheeks, before grabbing her glass and downing it all in one go. apparently he's right in that regard. how annoying. she'll show him. ]
Oh yeah? Is this a game to you now? [ there's a slur in her voice as she sizes him up. ] Might as well add four more while you're at it.
[ damn ]
no subject
Instead of a game, let's call it a wager.
[ thankfully, the server hasn't left yet and so sylus can place her finished glass down. ] You should be careful for what you wish for. Last I checked, normal people can feel inebriated after four glasses.
[ this sounds so patronizing, but... ]
no subject
Yes, well... You'll find out that I'm far from normal.
[ says the girlie who isn't the type to stick out too much, at least in the workforce,
but it's too late now. bottoms up, and the devil laughs. she may not be totally drunk yet but she is getting there, and their other coworkers begin to shoot furtive looks at the two. why is the nonchalant ishmael suddenly clinging to their office's most eligible bachelor? wouldn't they like to know.
she reaches for another glass, throws that back quite easily, then another. at this rate it's going to get harder for her to stop......... ]
why did this feel so hornty
it’s clear there’s an instant improvement to his mood, and he makes no secret of being pleased. that same smile on his lips, he gives her a nod. ] Do you think I don’t know that? [ his tone is light, almost teasing. as if he’s holding back the start of a deep, dark laugh. but, he doesn’t get it out at least.
( sylus voice ) i’m not mocking you. ] But, I think you can afford to share. If you’re going to be greedy, I’d prefer it be for something else. [ with his free hand, he reaches to grab hold over her hand, and by extension, her next drink of choice. he then moves her hand to bring the drink to his lips. it’s deliberate and he clearly makes it a point to make direct and indirect contact with her.
an impromptu couple shot, thanks… if he spills a little, oh well. ]
it's the megane icons
that's so hot. she's not going to admit that out loud, though. she is feeling the stares of practically everyone in their vicinity however, and the urge to run and hide her face is rising. but instead, she's going to get on her tiptoes and whisper into sylus's ear. ]
What if I don't want to share?
[ wow ]
give me an ish megane icon so i don't feels self conscious anymore
when he speaks, his voice comes out quiet. a vague hint of intimacy steeped in every single one of his syllables. ]
Then you'll have to take it from me. But, oops. [ there is no hint of remorse in the way his voice draws lower. ] I already drank it, so what will you do now? [ they really doing this in front of god and everyone... ]
i dont have one even tho she'd be perfect w it, cries
back to ishmael, she doesn't care about that right now. she has to prove to sylus that -- that...
what is she trying to prove to him again? ]
That's a surprise for another time.
[ she pulls away her thumb that she was stroking against his bottom lip and brings it up to her own lips for a taste. damn ]
Anyway, I shouldn't be keeping you. My friends are waiting... [ she says while she takes a step back from him and turns around, only to stumble on her feet a little. girl, help ]
this has to change...
however, while most would have potentially called it a night and recouped their losses, sylus has no intentions of doing so. instead, when she steps back and she stumbles, his hands are already moving to steady her.
to begin with, sylus wasn't one to squander a clear opportunity. ] Another time? But, it looks like your friends have other plans. [ ... and when she says her friends are waiting, he seems to look at them, an easy, almost relaxed quirk of his lips. he even gives them a small wave, as if to indicate that he was taking her home. is this where she sends the signal to be saved, or was she going to graciously accept his help?
he should be more worried that this could all unravel in seconds, but...
sylus was never lacking in confidence. (unfortunate) ]