Kian reached up and snatched Tal's wrist, gripping it tightly and forcing his hand away from him. He wasn't about to tell him not to touch him, that would only entice him further, but he could certainly enforce the rule even without laying it down.

He looked into his eyes, those wild, crazy eyes, and he had to smile. He supposed they'd work on people. Frightful sight, but he was getting used to it. "I'm on your side, old man. They don't want you here any more. I think there's a spark left. I'm ready to learn. But you know they only let you come back by making concessions. And I'm the only one willing to put up with all of your shit to get through to the gold underneath."

He pushed him back a step and stayed sitting, for now. "Do you want a ride to therapy or do you want to keep measuring dicks?"