Jiyan has always been an observant man, especially when it came to the researcher that effortlessly occupied his thoughts. So, while he couldn't read minds, he could sense the sudden shift in Mortefi. One moment, their gaze made his ears burn, nervousness he wasn't familiar with blooming in his stomach and chest. The next, they were pulling away, wouldn't even glance his way or at least offer a quip to tease or make him feel more at ease. To think he had been so nervous and worried about their opinion when they were more entertained by the reports on their desk. He had been... foolish. "Is it that strange?" He supposed it was. He was a war general. Needless to say, these things didn't suit him, this entire situation wasn't like him.
"Right, thank you for the advice. And... forgive me. These past few weeks, I've been taking your time for granted, haven't I? I'll be more mindful from now on." Jiyan's voice was quieter than usual by the time Mortefi left the laboratory, as if he was saying those last sentences more to himself than to the researcher. But their words and indifference repeated in his head like a broken record. Mortefi never called him General. Even if it was just a word, it had meant the world to Jiyan, the fact that he could be just himself with them, that his title had no impact in how they saw and treated him. But now... had he overstepped? Was this their way of saying that they wished to keep some distance from him and take a more professional approach? "..."
The door closed and, alone, Jiyan thought of all the times he called just to talk, the pastries and gifts he brought. He didn't return to the city often but, when he did, he always ended up dropping by the Academy and... He had troubled them, hadn't he? How embarrassing. Those thoughts were pushed to the back of his mind the moment the door opened again, a faint smile already in place when he greeted his two friends. "Let's get this over with, shall we?"
The dinner with Conall Cernach barely registered in his head, all teasing remarks meant to get under his skin or make him turn bright red completely flying over the young general's head. His mind was somewhere else, still trying to find a more logical solution as for why Mortefi was mad at him. Perhaps he was overthinking things and their coldness was the natural result of talking to the representative of the Mictíre House? They said the Ghost Hounds trust could be put in jeopardy the more he talked to the aristocratic class of the New Federation. Maybe they had been talking for themselves? And yet, he still kept going to them for advice...
He thought of looking for Mortefi, but they said they were busy and if they wished to be alone, then he didn't want to intrude and make himself more of a nuisance. So he decided on waiting outside their apartment. Time passed and Jiyan wondered if he made the right call. If Mortefi was busy, then perhaps they returned to the Academy? He was about to send a message to Xiangli Yao when he finally saw the familiar figure of the man who had been occupying his thoughts. Quickly, he stood up and cleaned the dust off his pants. "Mortefi, I believe there are things we need to discuss. I would prefer to hear it directly from you before making assumptions that won't benefit either." After all, even though he dreaded what they could say and a part of him wished to avoid the topic altogether, it wouldn't be right to jump to conclusions.
At least, that was what he thought until he paid closer attention to the researcher's current state. Golden eyes widened in shock as he rushed to them. "What happened to you? Mortefi, are you hurt?"