[He starts to draw a fist back, winding up for what's surely going to be a hell of a punch, when someone interjects. For a moment, he kind of weighs the pros and cons of throwing the hit regardless– but when he recognizes who it is (and what he's doing) he manages to hold himself back, watching the proceedings in silence with a tightly knit brow. The fists stay, even as Dorian comes back to check on him.]

Never been better. [Said through tightly clenched teeth.] Wasn't gonna say the same for him in about ten seconds.

[He jerks a hand at the bug's retreating thorax and shoots a glare off in its direction before turning his attention back on Dorian, who... Looks very much in his element. Dorian as ever, apparently. Bit by bit his scowl fades, leaving in its place a faint, almost embarrassed look. He rarely loses his cool like that, never likes it when he does, and likes it even less when people are witness to him doing so. Snatching up an unused towel, he wordlessly pads the moisture off his face. Deep breath, and... Slowly exhale.

When he finally speaks up again, its with his usual careful neutrality.]

Thanks. I... Appreciate it. [And then – he just can't let this one go unaddressed – he arches a brow.] But, uh– "painfully shy?"

[Come on, man. Can't be introducing him to people like this.]