[ He'd come with Julian for the dancing. Even dressed up for the occassion, smoothed his hair back and pinned it delicately into place, a fine, dangling earring drooping down one side of his neck, and after agonizing for days over what to wear, opted for a suit in a pale blue with bright aqua-and-coral jaquard silk lining. The same bright pattern was repeated in the slim tie, which (like the suit) was cut in a sharp, lean, feminine style, with tails and form-fitting pants which, he found, made good work of his legs.

Several inches shorter and a dozen shades of color more loud, he paused beside the other man as he read the name aloud, wincing with the genteel grace of one trained to high manners. ]

I... pardon me, sir, you pulled the name of my companion. Julian. I'm sure he'd be very pleased to meet you, but he spirited away just a moment ago to fetch drinks.