[That finally gets her off-balance, expression shifting to surprise and then guarded uncertainty. It could just be a lie. It could easily be a trick to get her off guard, make her easier to catch.

But he really doesn't seem the kind of person to do something like that, as much as she distrusts his sort regardless. She leans down to scoop Arashi into her arms, who seems relieved to turn the situation over to her rather than keep himself puffed up and ready. She holds the kitten close against her chest, eyeing Matthias over his head.]

Yeah, well, it's about time people recognize my genius or whatever.

[She scuffs one heel against the ground.]

I only drew mostly on the back walls anyway, it's not like they're in the way.

[A petty justification for vandalism, but still, it's just chalk. So he really could let her go, hopefully.]