THE MOMENT
"It might be my fault for not putting a timer on it...," Ozone was willing to accept that much responsibility. Aurelio definitely had top-tier skills; but, he also had a habit of procrastination. Ozone was checking up on his progress because the contract should've been completed already. "...but, since we're having the conversation... any questions?" he asked. Aurelio wasn't one of his regular stable of enforcers; but, he was a friend that wanted to take on some extra jobs and Ozone had a minor backlog that he could work through. After being on the job for a week and his client wondering when the threats would come, Ozone asked Aurelio to stop by his shop for a quick chat. The subject of the job came up quickly.
"Yeah, actually...," Aurelio nodded. "I was hesitant to ask because I thought I could figure it out, and didn't want to bother you with it. But, how exactly am I supposed to intimate the Princess? In what context and to whom?" Aurelio asked.
"What do you mean intimate?" Ozone tilted his head. He wasn't prepared for the question and wasn't able to put together where it might've come from.
"You know, 'Intimate'... imply, or hint...," Aurelio shrugged. "I don't know how I'm supposed to imply the princess..? Or .. hint that she exists? Like, to her father or what? I don't know what to do with 'Intimate the Crown Princess'," he said.
"Hahah," Ozone chuckled. "I know what intimate means," he shook his head. "I was just wondering where the question came from all of a sudden. But, I see now you've misread the job. Or, I'll admit, it might be a typo on my end...," Ozone knew better, but he let Aurelio think there was a chance he made a mistake. "... the job is to 'Intimidate' the Crown Princess. Not to intimate her," he said. "Nor, to get intimate with her, which is a whole other misinterpretation that I can't be sure you won't come up with," he added with a smirk.
"Oh? Intimidation? Pfffft, I can do that," Aurelio chuckled with a nod. "I'll get it done today," he added.
"Are you okay?" Ozone asked. "Putting it off for a few days isn't a big deal; but,... for you to misread a detail like that...," he let the question go after that.
"I don't know...," Aurelio shook his head. "My mind's been kind of a mess lately. The feeling that I've forgotten something is just always there... haven't been able to sleep much," he shrugged. "Sorry about the job, I'll get it done," he reaffirmed it for Ozone.
"Much appreciated," Ozone nodded. "I hope you get some rest. And, try to be more mindful about the details... you're a pal, but this is my job, you know? Can't afford anymore misunderstandings when it might matter."
"I'm on it!" Aurelio nodded and headed out of the shop with a wave. "Thanks for understanding."