[Julien smirks.]

It's impossible for two adults to ride each other without riding coming up. I like to think I'm not a bad partner - but, I would.

[he's also inclined to silliness rather than serious attempts.]

Nah, that's a natural enough hope. If it gets too bad it might do you good just to skip town for an evening, or a day.

[Slowly but surely, Julien appears to be mastering the art of keeping a loaded fork steady and eating from it. The trick involves a prehensile feather wound around and around the handle, and more wrapped or bracing against it.]

I worked at a low-cost health clinic. Not as a doctor! But they could always use a receptionist, someone to clean and stock, someone to remind patients they haven't been forgotten. It was nice.

[He felt useful there. Julien smiles without it reaching his eyes. He looks tired.]

Now I've got a friend saying I should look into modeling - it's the exotic factor, sure, but it's something.