That is good then. Not that he was startled, of course, only that he will be alright. [He breathed a sigh of relief, one that was only partially for show. Even if he wasn't attached to the Pokemon itself, he didn't want to see Shiro distressed by anything else. It was clear enough that there was already plenty on his shoulders.]

I can hardly complain about the state you are in. Bias aside, I am the one who startled you. And there are worse things I could have come across. [He lifted his hand, plucking out a lingering leaf. He clutched it between a thumb and forefinger for a moment, showing it to Shiro with something of a grin before letting it flutter to the ground.]

Have you been well of late? I apologize for the so-called radio silence. I very much wanted to take you by surprise. As I said -- the results are my fault.