Oh... hold on, if he bolts I've gotta run him down...

[ His jocular tone sounded like he was kidding, but the way Cain leaned in and over a knee, subtly prepared to start sprinting, definitely was not kidding.

But, wonder of wonders, Julian didn't turn tail, and Cain puffed out a little laugh, and only just then heard the 'oh no' and saw the awkwardness flood into Julian's expression and

Oh.

Oh no.

Oh fuck.

It wasn't him!! He wasn't the one this time, with the awkward meeting in a fucking hall or street of wherever the fuck! It was someone else! Anyone else!

He laughed, brassy bright, and waved both men to follow, stepping a sly few steps ahead, smile glittering back at them while he turned enough to look at them over his shoulder. ]

Ooooh, I smell a story. Okay, okay, you can't tell me anything, got it? Neither of you, not yet. You've both gotta come up the tower with me and do a thing, first.

An old tradition of my people. Really special, whenever you invite a close friend to your place, and takes like... ten minutes. Toking up. I'm not sure if it might have a different name or something where you're from.

[ He's a lying liar who lies, but his expression is so hugely bright and hopeful can you really say no. ]