Two, [Octavian says, holding up two fingers for emphasis, for this scalding review of his precious brother,] He would not play cards with me either.

[Ha ha. And actually true, but only because some people here can't help it if counting cards comes very naturally to them, can they? No!

In any case, ahem. He hums sympathetically; yes, the elbow-rubbing for publicity and so on, he knows that one. All of those are also terrible, but at least he'd had the buffer of his brother—and Hiram, but that's not pleasant drinking conversation.

Now, not attending stupid events, that's great conversation. He clinks his ice again in a way that is, somehow, a little more cheery.]

Had we run in the same academic circles, [play with him in this space,] I would have enjoyed abandoning the worst parties with you.