Gavin's on his way somewhere when she stops him; he turns, quick, amber eyes narrowed.

He's never liked the ones that come up from behind.

"Miro."

His eyes flick to the Persian before returning to its master.

"Formal complaints are usually filed in my office," he says, dry, "but I suppose I can make an exception."

He leans against one of the trees that sprouts from imported soil.

Unlike that of Calem Pollet, @madeleine's smile does not frighten him.

He doesn't smile back, though his expression is not unfriendly. It is carefully neutral, instead, as placid as the ocean waters visible outside the courtyard's window.

"That child is a member of Rocket, so naturally has the run of it."

With the exception of the laboratories after a few incidents but apparently, Eris Halla has found ways around that, too. The thought is fond, rather than disgusted.

"And why would you like me to do that?"

"Shall we also disregard that Rocket killed that child's parents?"

He doesn't roll his eyes at her justification, though exasperation takes root within his thoughts. It's quick to shift to anger as @madeleine continues. Yet when Gavin speaks, it is with unerring calm.

"You overestimate the power you have over these decisions."

What Rocket wanted, they would take.

"Your requests will be met within reason. I can speak to Eris, though a few cookies are not going to do any harm. Do you have other complaints?"

"Oh, I'm not expecting you to care." She didn't even care about her own daughter. "I'm reminding you why she's here. Rocket's been known to take in the children of the... indisposed."

Her smile is met with the stillness of ice, his anger invisible against a schooled expression.

"Be sure that you don't underestimate mine."

He could be a steadfast ally or a dangerous enemy.

"She's in a prison cell, Madeleine. I don't know where you think she's getting more than a few."

She steps forward and he does not shy away.

"If any Rocket harms a prisoner without express consent, they'll be dealing with me." But it's not @madeleine's consent that Gavin concerns himself with. It's his own, or Chu-e Choi's — or, most importantly, that of Declan Walsh. "I'm also known to be rather protective over my family."

Gavin's laugh is sharp, humorless.

"I don't need to be indirect with my threats. I was talking about Kanto."

She's encroaching on his space but still, Gavin does not move from his relaxed position against the tree. He huffs at her crude remark.

"The only one swinging their dick around is you."

Gavin seems equally unimpressed by her posturing.

"Rocket is my family." Which would include @madeleine if he didn't find her so insufferable in the moment. "So allow me to offer an actual threat: overstep your rank and deal with the consequences. Lay a hand on any of my Rockets without my permission and lose it."

He remains as ice, still and cold.

"I take no pride in that massacre."

He had participated in it because he was told to. He's nothing if not obedient.

So when she mentions Walsh, Gavin's thrown for a loop.

Rocket's boss is enough of an enigma that Gavin isn't sure whether he's interested in anyone... but, similarly, there's no evidence to suggest that he isn't.

"Get out of my face, Miro; your posturing isn't cute."

He lifts his arm to brace it against her chest and force her back. It's not a violent or particularly forceful gesture, only enough to make her step back if she didn't put effort into contesting his strength.

"If Walsh tells me himself that you're the exception to the rule, I'll be sure to abide by his wish. Did you want me to confirm that with him?"

VENOMOUS HEARTS

AN INTERRUPTION

SHOULD A CALL EVENTUALLY ARRIVE, Walsh would pick up. He cradles his phone against his cheek, voice dry and boxy, almost echoing.

The boss takes a breath: "yes, merlino?"

Cillian Quinn @madeleine