for @valentinsocorro
It was a matter of time until they saw each other again, as doggedly as Magnai had been avoiding the councilman. He'd humiliated himself thoroughly, said several things that shouldn't have been voiced, no matter if they were true. If Valentin still wanted anything to do with him, surely he would have approached the varcolac himself by this time, Magnai was certain. He would wait, stoic as he ever was, to see if there was any salvaging the camaraderie between them or it he should satisfy himself with distant professionalism from hereon. That would not have been so horrible, he argued with himself, it was Magnai's natural state, after all. Still, it had seemed like Valentin had wanted to indulge in something more. Something different.
Brooding on such fraught, emotion-based quandaries was not the alpha's way. What's done was done. But he still felt that stiff discomfort in his spine when he first glimpsed the Spaniard across the ballroom, Valentin unmistakable to him even behind the dramatic mask. The long coat over his suit nearly looked like a housecoat instead, domestic and refined all at once. The thought only made Magnai feel more uneasy which in turn only ignited a stern determination, contrary against his own discomfort. If there was going to be professionalism, it would have to be addressed. Perhaps Valentin had not approached him because Magnai was on the hook for it first, having been in the wrong. He ground his teeth a long moment, irritated by the revelation, before he arranged the right words.
"Councilman Socorro," The words came out level as the alpha approached the elder, inclining his head, eyes lowered, "I won't disturb you for long." Magnai lifted his chin again, expression carefully blank beneath his mask. "I believe I owe you an apology for my conduct the last time we met. I have no intentions to repeat the behavior, be assured. And no ill will towards you for yours. It was... a reasonable interference." The slightest grimace creased his lips, "It won't happen again."
