The Subject and the Puppet. What is this, the goddamn Nutcracker? Who issued these names. Why does everyone know them. Because if he ever finds out who assigned him this freaking moniker, he's going to have words.

The Puppet winces at the note of alarm in her tone, mentally scrambling for an excuse. He can't exactly claim he's a puppetshow enthusiast. That would be...a bit weird, and creepy on top of it, not that the real reasoning behind the name isn't.

"Yeah. Long story." He rubs at the back of his neck with one hand and takes great care to avoid her gaze. "Look, uh - I won't ask if you don't." Seems safe enough, right?