âWell, wellâ well.â
Tone is not condescending in nature, but the hint of mirth is drowned out by something more. It had been a long time since his friend had dared to stop by the his office, for business or otherwise. Files was pushed aside as hand gesture welcomes the man in.
He doesnât honestly feel the need to get up to greet him, regardless of the otherâs title. It was a formality anyways. They had know each other long enough to push such formalities aside, unless there was a job that needed to be handled.Â
âI was wondering when you would decide to drop by.â  A pause, punctuated with a laugh, âHas your new job been keeping you busy?â
âHey -- â A parcel is delivered onto the other manâs desk, the thin rectangular package tied up with a pink ribbon patterned by white polka dots. Inside is a collection of delightfully decorated chocolates he had selected from a chocolatier on his way over. âI come by bearing gifts and here you are attacking me. You hurt me, Maes.âÂ
He doesnât sit just yet, instead, taking the chance to look around the office that heâs found himself visiting for the first time in so long. All the lived-in details and embellishments are all there and his gaze lingers on each of them in nostalgic fondness. Inside, he feels a tug of regret, even though he knows that Maes understands the strong grip of work and duty, it still doesnât lessen the feeling of guilt from not keeping in touch with his best friend.
âSomething like that,â he replies, pulling a chair out and comfortably settling himself upon it. Roy leans forward and plucks at a crumpled ball of paper on the other manâs desk, playing with it as he spoke. âHawkeye has been trying to increase productivity in the office -- by the way, it is exactly what you think it is -- but each time I even look at a sheet of paper, I fall asleep.âÂ
He aims the ball at Maes, tosses it, and watches it bounce right off his chest. âBut nothing else is different. Shiny title, same old responsibilities, if not more. Any exciting news on your end to tell me? How are Gracia and Elicia doing?â