"Ha! Isn't it though? But we're distantly related. Like...distantly. Related in the way you're related to the Emperor of China because an ancestor of yours got fiddly with a farm girl during an invasion or something. We call each other cousins because we don't like being reminded of just how isolate it is to be a Guardian," Mac retorted with facts, arching a brow and returning that steady gold gaze without flinching. One prick to another.

"My life is a dry well, Aobz," he palled around with the other man's name, smirking in idle challenge. "Don't begrudge me my entertainment."