[Whilst he really had been hoping to get that drink, for the moment the desire to drown his sorrows at the bottom of a tankard of some nefarious liquid has been sublimated by the other man's presence, by the relief he feels in finding him here and - yes by the weight of their current conversation. As such he allows himself to be led by the hand, back through the bustle and noise of the bar, makes no complaint as Thistle leads them outside and into the relative quiet of the evening.

He asks his question, and Julian's face flushes hot because this is something he can usually circle around, something that can be communicated with subtlety or disguised behind innuendo but has never been quite so overtly attended to as Thistle's question is asking of him, now. And so he clears his throat, goes for the easy option first, responds to the other man's wry teasing with a tease of his own.]

You have to admit I'm an interesting sort to keep around.

[The arch of his brow is suggestive, the shape of his mouth all flirt.

He can't avoid the crux of the matter indefinitely though, can he. And so after a moment of uncomfortable shifting, he cuts down to it.]

And I, ah...that is, I would like it. I'd like it very much. I'm just not so sure it's the best thing for you. You know, better options, and all that. Options that are a bit less of a liability.