Nathan chuckled and nodded. Yep.. that's exactly what he called it. He wasn't bothered either way if his clothes were in the wardrobe or on the floor so he allowed Egypt to just get on clearing up his mess. At her next words he was tempted to say something flirtatious and wink are her the way he used to with that cheeky smirk on his face ...but this situation – Egypt being back; Nathan living in a tiny room above a pub; the drained feeling he had after the burst of mixed emotions out in the courtyard: he just felt so awkward.. and sort of ashamed... so he just smiled at her words and set about pouring her a glass of lemonade. A wave of his wand and he added ice and lemon.

He handed her the glass. “Me lady.” He knew fine well she had been drinking before he met her. He smelled it on her breath out in the courtyard – it was one of the reasons he thought she seemed a bit loopy. But who was Nathan to say anything? Granted, he didn't drink like he did when they first met but he was still partial to the odd glass socially, or to drown his sorrows. It took a hell of a lot more than that to make 'smooth' (as Tristan put it) Nathan lose his rag.

The mention of Diggy and Oliver not getting along irked him. Dillon was so short tempted and Oliver.. well, the lad could be rather irritating but he couldn't imagine him setting out to deliberately provoke Dillon. Not under the circumstances. “A ketchup incident? Oh no.” He raised his eyebrows and tried not to look amused by this but couldn't help it. “Dillon didn't pass out again, did he?” Merlin's beard.. Nathan loved his son with all his heart but the boy was old enough to get over that particular phobia. It was irrational and just plain weird. He laughed a bit at Oliver having to deal with both twins – no doubt he would be fine with that seemingly impenetrable skin of his. Still, whatever had happened between the boys, Nathan had an inkling that his half-brother wasn't completely to blame.

He relaxed a little at Egypt's soothing words. She hadn't changed at all, had she? Still that wise woman who knew exactly what to say. “You're right.” He replied. He guessed he was just nervous about seeing them all... making excuses to put it off but it had to be done. And he wanted to see them. He crinkled his nose and she talked of her mother – he hated that Afia treated him with such disdain in front of his kids. “I bet she's had all your suitors around to visit in my absence.” He said bitterly. Even the thought of it was enough to make Nathan jealous. He could tell this was a pointless discussion – that his reasoning would not be listened to and Egypt was going to confront her mother whether he liked it or not. He sighed. “Just think who she is, love.. and what she's done. She could break our family apart by other means.” Other means that didn't bare thinking about. “Talk to Ajohni first at least. He's the only person who can ever make her see reason.”

An eyebrow raised. Warren was a good, loyal friend to him. “So you h-hit him?” He repeated rather amused by this. “Wouldn't be the first time I suppose.” He nudged her playfully with his elbow. “At least you didn't knock him out this time.” He chuckled. “Did he tell you he and Alexa are engaged?” Apparently miracles did happen sometimes.

As they kissed, he hesitated for a moment before he allowed Egypt to pull him back onto the bed. He put his arm around her shoulders as she snuggled close, their bodies still fitting together as perfectly as ever. He tried not to allow the surprise of her request to register on his face. He turned his head and looked at her, swallowing. “I-is that a good idea?” He asked softly. He really wanted her to stay, but at the same time he was wary about rushing into things. And what of the kids? “Surely you need to get home to the kids.” He looked into her eyes searchingly, mixed emotions coursing through him.