["Viator" sighs and shrugs, unhesitating. It's not the first time a client has asked him to complete a job without Paimon, and it won't be the last. Pressing a hand to his earpiece, he quickly addresses his companion in an apologetic, easy-going tone.]

You heard the man, Paimon. I'll catch up with you later.

[Paimon huffs from the other end, but it's a sign of Aether's own goodwill that she's audible at all; he could easily switch the volume settings so that she's only talking to her Viator. "Just so he knows, Paimon doesn't like him!"

Chuckling, Aether quirks an eyebrow like he intends to keep that in mind, then switches off his earpiece and slips it into one of his pockets.

Having done so, he slides off of Alhaitham's lap with an easy movement of his hips, one that rocks a little and — it's hard not to notice — implies a very pointed control over his body. He straightens himself back to his usual height, shrugging his braid back over his shoulder so that it swings behind his back.]

Ready to start planning our entrance, then? [He lolls his head from side to side, rolling his shoulders loose and spry.] Your superiors told me that they want us to investigate a private banquet that Ayn Al-Ahmar is hosting in partnership with the Fatui. Seems as good a place to start as any.

[Conveniently, he won't really need Paimon's tech backup at a party.]