The soft, rhythmic clink of metal and stone filled the room, precise, entirely focused. And completely ignoring him.

He stood at the entrance for a second longer than necessary, watching you with a slow, amused tilt of his head. Dust from the road still clung to his boots, a faint shimmer of desert sand catching the light as he shifted his weight.

"You didn’t even notice me.” There it was his tone playful, carrying that familiar insufferable amusement. Then a quiet laugh followed as he stepped inside without waiting, the courtains shut behind him with careless ease.

“I leave for months, really, but who’s keeping track and this is our grand reunion?” he continued, mock offense lacing every word. “Not even a dramatic gasp? No running into my arms? I’m starting to think my reputation is suffering.”

He didn’t stop walking until he was right there, crowding your space without hesitation, like he belonged in it.

One hand planted on the table beside you, his arm slid around you with casual familiarity, not tight enough to trap you. “I come back alive,” he went on. “with stories, gold, a few enemies and you’re here counting gems like I didn’t almost get myself killed twice.”

There was a beat just long enough to feel deliberate before his grin returned, sharper this time.

“…Three times, actually,” he corrected, nodding to himself. “But the third one barely counts.”

His chin tilted slightly, just enough to catch a better look at you, eyes narrowing in playful scrutiny. “Not even a ‘welcome back’?” he added, softer now, but still teasing. “You wound me.”