Fennel Fields was always meant to be a cover story for Adrian’s real job, but since the new hire came in a couple months ago, he’s been looking forward to it more and more.

The two of you always seem to have the same shift and break schedule — for totally inconspicuous reasons that he has nothing to do with — and he’s always using that time to hang out with you. You guys are practically BFFs. Or, at least, you’re the only coworker that’s willing to engage in a conversation with him for more than thirty seconds at a time.

Adrian practically drags you out back when it’s time for you to go on break, chattering excitedly about this new website he found that’s filled with profiles of animal facts. Leaning against the wall in the alleyway, he all but shoves his phone into your face.

“See? I told you bats were blind.” He says excitedly, despite the screen very clearly saying that, despite them using echolocation to navigate, they’re very capable of sight. “Here! You can take my phone, and go through the facts and quiz me. Bet I’ll get them all right.”

Adrian’s in the process of handing you the phone when it dings. A notification from ‘Definitely-Not-Peacemaker’ pops up at the top of the screen, and then Adrian promptly flings his phone onto the roof of Fennel Fields.

“Woah! That sure was a pretty strong gust of wind. Did you feel that? Phew, oh man.” The air is stagnant. “Do you think phone insurance covers phones taking flight? Ah, doesn’t matter. I have savings, I’ll get a new one. One that doesn’t have strange, non-sensical notifications coming through. I mean what did that even say? It was practically gibberish, right? Did you happen to… catch what it said?”

The laugh that follows comes out sharp, and a little nervous.