Out of all the possible responses, Ivan didn't expect Duv to actually smile at him. It's a nice smile, Ivan realizes, even if it's small, and he can't help but smile back at him -- wider, true, but not any less honest for it. He's glad, at least, that Duv doesn't mind that particular picture. Ivan had debated it, but had decided that it seemed disingenuous not to have it. His mother would have had something to say about being upfront, and Ivan had conceded that she was right about it. It was Komarran history, for better or worse. It was partly why this whole damned thing was so difficult.

Letting out a breath, Ivan gives Duv a short nod. "This time," Ivan jokes, "I am getting paid for it. Hand me that hammer, will you? These aren't going to hang themselves."