[Tonic knows this game very well, and he and Tek have already gone through the steps a few times over. he learned very quickly not to take shots that aren't necessary, and he has no reason to linger when they've both given equal effort towards being honest. they've both cleared up the things that were causing their discomfort, and may now continue along on an even playing field.

it frees Tonic up enough to laugh, pressing his beautifully-lacquered nails to his chest dramatically.]

My two favorite things? How could you make me choose, darling?

[the real question is, would he feel better or worse with food in his stomach? and what does "flowers" entail, anyway? he also has to tally up the approximate worth of all of these things, because he wants to get the absolute most out of this literal once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as possible.]

Mm, but if I'm to be a true tourist, I think that food is the place to start.

[he remembers saying something like that to Tek, when he showed him around the party that first night they met--no matter who you're leading around, you can't go wrong with food.]