For a brief moment, his happy expression fell. Julian had touched a nerve simply because it was something he'd already been thinking about. But he didn't let Chiyu see the change in expression. The next time she looked back at him, he was still all smiles. As Julian turned to leave, after exchanging looks with Cian, Connie lifted a hand to give him a brief wave. "Yes, we are because we can," he told Chiyu, winking.
He held Cian's gaze for that moment, a smile hidden away in his eyes. And he laughed at the bow, shaking his head slightly. Oh goodness. "I always need you," he made sure to say, his tone serious, "But tonight's for me and Chiyu. It's probably a little overwhelming right now." He rested his chin on her shoulder, rocking her side to side just slightly. "Seeya later, alligator."