The ex-Interpol officer raises a brow upon hearing his name, having not expected for someone to openly recognize him, but looking across from the table, he manages to spot the red-haired woman trying to sneak a glance at the card. He smiles somewhat awkwardly as she mentions the International Police.

”Not exactly, but I’ve been to the branch a few times to help train and demo some of the new tools that you might’ve used.” he responds much more curtly than before, trying to avoid the fact that he’s actually left the organization on bad terms.

He casually glances down at the card before leaning in, resting his elbow against the table and his head against his hand. ”Andrea, right? I’m surprised you’re in Hoenn since, you know, you’re from the Kalos branch.”

---
Andrea Benoit

Hendrix can feel warmth washing over his face. His cheeks flush red from embarrassment as he meekly restates the woman’s words. ”Alola, right, Alola.”

The awkward tension between the two is discomforting as the ex-officer turned vigilante fidgets about, only nodding at the mention of her brother. The term ‘Gadget Boy’ only worsens his anxiety. He slips his hand underneath the table, invisibly balling his hand into a fist.

Beneath the table, the veins on his hands nearly pop with how tight his grip is. He masks his anger well beneath false nervousness as he forcefully chuckles. ”You could say that. I’ve certainly been busy messing around with my projects.”

His relationship with the International Police did sour, after all and his departure being anything but mutual.

He intakes a deep breath, exhaling loudly to calm his nerves. His hand touches against the edge of the table, pushing his body away to lean against the chair. ”I’ve actually been busy, volunteering and helping with Hoenn’s restoration.”

---
Andrea Benoit