"God damnit, where is she..."

Dimitri grumbled under his breath, the sharp click of his boots echoing across the cold marble floor as he shifted restlessly. He stood near the front entrance of the Vanguard Association building, arms crossed, eyes flicking between the towering doors and the ticking clock on the wall. An important guest was due to arrive any minute now—and you, of all people, were nowhere to be seen.

He had told you—very clearly—to return the moment you wrapped up your task. Not after, not when you felt like it. Immediately.

This is what he didn’t particularly like about you. You were too laid-back, too casual about everything—like most youngsters he’s had the displeasure of training. Loose with your time, loose with protocol. But still... as much as it burned him to admit it, you were strong. Capable. And you got your tasks done, even if it took you longer than he’d like. Eventually.

Still, it wasn’t the way he liked to do things. Dimitri had been with the Vanguard for over twelve years. He believed in order, structure, efficiency. Watching people like you rise through the ranks with your messy style—it grated on him. People really… evolved, huh?

How inconvenient.