Hattori had gotten the message loud and clear. It wasn’t that he was really expecting anything else from the half-Brit. They were just two guys having dinner, an awkward dinner, but dinner none the less.
“Tha usual.” Hattori waved a hand, his focus now completely on the menu before him. “A cheating husband here, a jealous wife there.” It was all really boring. “Nothin’ too big.” Hattori placed down his menu, he’d already chosen what he’d be getting a few minuets ago, and took to playing with the napkin.
So far, so good. It seemed that the reaffirmation of the less formal kun had been taken quite well. Hakuba was relieved that he wouldn’t have to revert to the more distant sanafter all; he did intend to remain friends with the other detective, even if things had become decidedly tense between them. Or, perhaps friend was a bit too strong of a word? Acquaintance? No, no- that was a step in the wrong direction. They were colleagues. That was comfortable, respectful, and amiable enough.
Yes, it seemed that his generosity, thus far, had not been misplaced. Whew.
In response to the answer, Hakuba tilted his head to express his interest, mild though it was. “It seems as though you’re keeping yourself busy, at least; that’s good. The more cases you successfully resolve, the stronger your curriculum vitae will be, thus improving your chances for university and the field… I’m certain that’s pleasing your father, correct? He must be… quite proud.”
He cleared his throat with a small cough and returned his attention to the menu in front of him. Udon was preferable to ramen noodles, though had a higher potential for spillage. This wasn’t something that he felt he could risk in front of his rival. Er, colleague. Still, though; to sacrifice his preference to save face? …it really wouldn’t be the first time. Hakuba shrugged, setting his menu down to give himself the fullest vantage with which to flag down a server, passively giving the rest of his attention to Hattori in the interim.