Billy's shoulders dropped slightly (he hadn't realized they were tensed), relieved his distraction worked.

"Wasn't planning on asking for one," he assured. He was a man who wasn't used to free handouts anyway, given the prejudice he faced. He walked at whatever pace Ronan set, keeping to his side but giving each other enough personal space between them.

"So, you see those advertisements for Lunar New Year?" asked Billy, trying to keep things friendly.