(hei almost laughs. almost. it's huffed out of him in a great plume of exhausted air, shoulders jerking.)

Ah, underground. (what a transparent attempt to — what? get him on a bed of ice and steal his organs? maybe later. right now, there are gaps in his memory hei needs to fill in and noctis is a convenient source.) I'm willing to make a deal with you. I'll do what you like after you sit down, eat, and answer some of my questions.

(maybe he'll gain favour and get this guy off of his back once he realizes how dangerous bringing him in would be for his entire... gang.)

Just make sure I don't eat anymore of those damn cake balls. (circling back to the picnic table.)