You really thought you were a hermit when you have rowdy fireworks parties in your lawn? [he can't help but tease just a little. all in all though he thinks he could look forward to this, and if not escaping to the lab is always an option. still, trying to socialize more on top of pal's reaction to fireworks for the first time will probably keep him there.]

It will give you more time to tase them. [a shrug.] Think of it this way, you can have pouches on the belt. More room for notepads.

[and stolen pens. he offers pal a smile back, isn't sure how to say something like even if he didn't owe pal many times over now he'd want to do this for him. that living outside of that expected give and take is terrifying but thrilling in turn.]

Thank you. [not exactly a speech but he has to glance away regardless.] I think I've kept you up long enough tonight though, between all the drama. I may head to the lab to get a start on this project. [and think about how one faces feelings. what to say, what to do.]