And they use the drinking to excuse whatever insults might be inadvertently slung?

[ But put in that light, well, she could forgive it some, even if it still wasn't what she liked at all. ] Tell me what you are seeing then?

[ Through his own looking glass, then, bemused as ever with his observations. Not just that he taught a great deal, she quite enjoyed his humor. Liked its bleakness, it was calming in its way. Her fingers still resting on his shoulder, waiting there patiently for him. ]