[Was this man stalking Mayday somehow...? James looked concerned.]

Ah... does he make a habit of bothering you? I won't tell him I've seen you around if he asks. I'll keep your secret.

[Mayday asking if James (derogatory) caused him any trouble makes James' jaw set, a thin, tight frown pressing his lips. He drew back his shoulders.]

It's fine.

[A harsher, more guarded tone, all of a sudden, quite unlike his mannerisms up until now.

Even if Mayday's description was funny, he really didn't like how weak he made him feel and Mayday's concern had him wary.]

So... are you from the Topaz branch too?

[This question, he offers with a smal, strained smile. If she knew the other James and who his father was, surely...?]