[ Bastien sways when bumped, away and then back into By’s shoulder in answer. He doesn’t try to hide the relief. ]

I would. The mere sight of mahogany would send me into— [ a half-suppressed curling smile in anticipation of his own joke ] —mah-agony.

And he is more tolerable when you are there, if you can believe it. That is his best behavior. I think he likes you.