( The last of the uncertainty that hung around his offer melts away to leave something altogether pleasant between them: a warming combination of his relief mixed with her delight. )

See, this is where I could pretend I'm the kinda person who knows about coffee an' cares about the flavour, but ...

( She chuckles lightly, then offers a little shrug. )

As long as it ain't instant, it'll be fine.

( The touch of his hand is a surprise, but Nico is grateful for the barrier of Hubert's between the cold air and her bare fingers. She waits until they've fallen into step comfortably before speaking up again: )

Anyway, tell me more about these animals. You got some kinda menagerie goin' on that I should know about?