[Oh, saccharine— and he is absolutely soft for that as well, which spares them both his further quips about losing fingers. Affection is the universal motivator, it turns out...]

Paul isn't one from home, no; but a teen, yes. He's... under a lot of pressure, but he's been doing better, lately. [Even when he does creepy blood experiments in the woods.] He knows about you, although obviously lacking some crucial updates— he's already decided he's a fan, because I like you.

[Not an exaggeration, that really happened. Paul is up there with Gideon and Harrow (and Camilla) on Palamedes' list of buds he'd like Viktor to meet; it'll be swell. But ah, chalkboard defense, a man after his heart.]

Don't say things like that when the tequila comes out, or we'll be responsible. You have the right idea, though.