[Julian laughs, bright and warm, entirely genuine.]

As if I'd suggest any such thing. No, my darling, I meant you look strong. Capable. It was supposed to be a compliment.

[He pushes his tumbler forward gratefully as he speaks, always willing - it seems - to indulge.]

And is that so? I'm not um, well I suppose if I'm honest I tend to forget about meals, quite often. Busy, and all that. But the food of my own world was just as good, in some places. Far worse in others. I've lived off ship's biscuits for months at a time on occasion, others dined on lobster bisque and steak tartare within a palace walls. I get around, you could say.

[And here he lifts a brow, quite suggestive.]