He smiles back. It transforms the harsh lines of his face, bringing real humor and openness to his expression.

"They are," he agrees, still in English, as he reaches with his prosthetic arm to grab the back of the nearest chair and draw it around so that he can sit down.

"... a classic," the Brit insists, waving a book in the air before he tosses it to --

-- someone --

-- (a blond man?) --

"You both should read it..."

He shakes his head slightly as if to clear away the stray thought, even as he says,

"Friendship like theirs is rare, I'm afraid."