"Nope. Sounds good."
"When the cameras get here, you'll have to go with them to make sure there are no ugly surprises."
"Yes, ikira," Darian replied.
Jenn's eyes narrowed.
"Meant respectfully," he added.
"Watch it, ikir," Larry said, smiling. "She'll take you out."
"I imagine so," Darian said. "I've pissed her off enough for one day."
"I've got to check in with Jonny," Jenn said.
"I'll walk you back," he said and held out his hand. He kept his voice casual. He was worried about her, more than he'd let on. She was too independent for him to voice his concerns for her. He thought she'd refuse him but she caved and took his hand.
They Traveled to see Jonny pacing in front of Jenn's window. She pulled loose from Darian and strode to him. Darian hung back and watched, arms crossed. The two spoke, and he felt Jenn's magic in the air as she exerted what control she could over Jonny. The young god seemed in a good humor, though his gaze flickered nervously to the vamps awaiting him. After a short exchange, Jonny walked away, joining the vamps.
They walked past Darian, with the Black God hesitating before continuing on. Darian watched them leave, not surprised Jonny didn't approach. They'd been almost friends at one point, but they'd both change dramatically since the days of squabbling over cookies Jonny's sister, Bianca, made.
"He wants a daily headcount of how many Others you killed," Jenn said, approaching him.
"He can't tell me that himself?"
"That's not the way he works. Basically, he trusts me fifty percent of the time, Xander fifty percent of the time, and no one else."
"I take it you and Xander don't necessarily see eye-to-eye."
"It'll be easier to get my way when Xander isn't here," she said with a faint smile. "It's rough going toe-to-toe with an Original Being."
"You're brave," he said, genuinely impressed she'd attempt such a thing. "I like that."
"We're both foolish."
"Speaking of which, I need to go set up monitoring shit and kill some Others."
Jenn raised an eyebrow but didn't ask to accompany him this time. He suspected she was relieved he was leaving, even if he didn't understand why.
"Keep this. If something happens, I'll contact you," he said and handed her his phone.
She took it. "I'd tell you to be careful, but I don't think you'll listen."