The tension between us didn't dissolve. Too much history for that. Too many accumulated grievances and unspoken resentments. But it shifted into something more manageable. Two competitors who could acknowledge each other's existence without immediately reaching for weapons.
Progress.
"The exhibition match." Nolan's voice returned to business mode. "We need to actually coordinate if we're going to impress the Vanguard scouts."
"Agreed."
"That means training together. Actually working on combination attacks instead of trying to one-up each other every session."
"Also agreed."
He studied me for another long moment. Then extended his hand.
I looked at it. Golden light playing across his palm. The physical manifestation of everything that made him special.
My drain stirred. Hungry. Interested. Wanting to reach out and taste what he was offering.
I told it to shut up.
Took his hand.
His grip was firm. Mine was firmer. Neither of us let go first.
"This doesn't make us friends."
