"No." The reply is immediate and just as simple and bold as anything the mage tends to say, as if inviting Ulysse to disagree, to fight him over the matter.

Rook has learned to live his life hard and fast, getting used to changes. And while this is a change that does challenge him quite a bit, he doesn't let it show on the surface. It's not that he doesn't trust Ulysse, or that he is already putting fences between them - he's not, surprisingly enough - he's just learned that he gains absolutely nothing by whining and fretting.

"It's new," he says as he finally leans back, bringing Ulysse with him as he lays back on the bed, the man held firmly against his chest. He looks up at those dark eyes that are far too calm to be completely honest with him. "Does it bother you?"