Definitely not flattery, then. He suppressed a snort of amusement by taking another drink, and seeing he was already towards the end of his cup turned so that he could refill. "Makes sense, then." He agreed passively, sparing the cat a look as he refilled on coffee and sugar.

"Some people might like the look of a dead still-life," he speculated, catching sugar from the rim of the mug on his thumb. "There are all types. But then again, if it's your art, it doesn't really matter what other people might like. Like with my writing, and not giving a shit if someone doesn't like my opinion."