"The most noble dog I knew would fall for the fake ball throw all the time." Nick replies with a sad smile. Dixie would consider every face she met her best friend. That dog was too trusting for her own good but she was surrounded by good people, so it worked out. Mostly. He makes eye contact with Nicola and holds it there. "But you wouldn't though, huh?"

He turns his attention to Porrim now, sitting down at the nearest chair and letting the weight of everything going on wash over him. The escort's concern sounds sincere and he doesn't have the energy to give any lip.

"I could be doin' better. Am I gonna get in trouble for sayin' that?"