"Hey- ow," Stein exclaimed. "You did the same thing! It's not my fault."

And he grinned. "I'm better than okay. I've got a persona." He was eager to study it.

He gave Birkin's arm a squeeze and started forward, though he kept a light hold on the older man. "If you can get us out, then do it," he said. "A drink is only the beginning of what I need right now."