Nor me. He has a peculiar interest in you, John. I wonder why. [His voice and thick accent said he didn't wonder at all. He knows exactly why and it's no surprise.] Maybe next time you kiss him first and see if you can startle the devil, no?

[He leaned forward, the cigar in his hand as he pushed the waiting drink a bit closer to the edge, one for John, one for him. He then turned the box of cigars to the man, opening it. Taking a long pull on his own and letting the smoke curl from his lips.] Take one. [He tempted, eyeing the man who just popped gum in his mouth.]

[He's natural, sure, a haven for those in between. Should his place be razed to the ground he'd just build again. Thankfully it hadn't come to that.]

You never were good for an apology. C'est la vie.