"That's understandable. I feel like that sometimes as well, but just know that it's never stupid to me."

"Dre, I wasn't downplaying your emotions. It's not dumb."

He let himself be guided, wearing a look that was part confused and part a bit sarcastically offended while looking at Draven. "Feel bad? There's no reason to feel that way."

He chuckles softly, glancing at Draven while keeping his hand up to block the light. "Technically, you don't need to, since I can always do the thing. I don't mind."

They do now!

He clicks his tongue and shakes his head, suppressing a laugh. "You should check them first every time." He raised a hand and snapped his fingers, causing all the lights to illuminate; some even shone a bit more brightly. "Unholy fuck, why are there so many?!" He shielded his eyes with a hand.

Why?

Need me to do the thing?

He chuckled in response to the snort. "Yes, and no. I've been here practically everyday. Sometimes, I just close earlier. Depends on the... People. How have things been for you, Row?"

- He emitted a sound that could be interpreted as either 'yuck' or 'fuck' into his glass while taking a sip.

When asked about the working hours, he tilted his head, producing a sound that conveyed indifference. "The hours are still displayed, but I come and go as I wish. So, yes, it's essentially the same. I've just been more available lately...and actually interacting with...people." -

- the bastard side of him was surfacing, just enough to be entertaining. It was a quality that Crowley had a knack for drawing from him. "No stock, Row. I needed newer books to actually sell while the first editions are showcased."

"And shit," he mocked affectionately, attempting to suppress the smile that was threatening to break through. "I’m aware of that! You mentioned, and I’m paraphrasing, 'I’m pleased he’s comfortable drinking around him.' Who is this 'him'?" For some inexplicable reason, -

- ...and I've placed them in glass cases for others to look at, but not to handle."

"Who are you talking about?" A brow perks, feeling confused by Crowley's words. He was skeptical that the serpent was already tipsy. His stuff wasn't /that/ impressive. "They're just my first editions that I've had for a while -

- but sometimes you have to give them tough love... even if it feels a bit manipulative."

The glass was picked up, filled again, and then returned to Crowley when his hand fell. "It's alright. After I took him out for his birthday and got him really drunk... he's been more okay with others drinking around him. I realize it was a fucked up move on my part, -

- He takes a deep breath when his hand was taken. "I constantly worry about you and will keep doing so." He gave Crowley's had a gently reassuring squeeze.