Mal tinkered at his desk, his workshop -for once -rather messy. He'd clean it up soon enough. Most of the time, he got restless at seeing a mess, and the basement in which his workshop was kept in was no exception.
At the moment he wasn't alone. His best friend was currently pacing a hole into his concrete floor, but Mal chose not to push him. When Raphael chose to start ranting to him, he'd listen. But until then, he'll wait patiently for the other to start.
"I can't believe it! Why do I need to travel with someone? I'm perfectly fine on my own!"
"I'm traveling with you as well," he reminded the other sardonically.
"And of all people," Raphael continued on, ignoring him. "It has to be Sonia Darkin. Do you know the Darkin family hates my family? I don't even know why!"
Mal cleared his throat lightly. "You haven't met her yet, right? Perhaps she's...not that bad."
Raphael deflated quickly. "Yeah, maybe. You're right. I haven't met her yet. Maybe...maybe she's alright."
Mal gave a faint smile, which was returned by Raphael's half-grin.
"At least you'll be coming along, Mal."
Mal tipped an imaginary hat towards his friend, before placing a final piece to the work he'd been working on. He then handed it over to Raphael, who took it in surprise.
"For you," Mal closed his friend's hand around the stainless steel watch. "As an appreciation for my company in the journey, and mine appreciation towards your presence."
"And because I'm an awesome friend," Raphael said and grinned cheekily.
"'And because you're an awesome friend,'" Mal repeated sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
Raphael snickered, putting on the watch around his wrist.