The chances of Aleron loosening up are slim to none. At least by the standards of most people. The only time he ever seems to drop his staunch formality and unflinching stoicism is if one gets him started on any sort of scholastic reading material. Sometimes, just for a fleeting moment when he's around Bethany. But even then, it's usually fleeting and carefully schooled away quickly.

None of which stops him from making an offer which he does not intend to be argued with. "Which means it's my job to pick up the tab tonight." He doesn't mind and is privately pleased for the chance to observe their birthdays without loud and obnoxious hoopla. He still has nightmares of the big bashes thrown for himself and Ravonild when they were children. Dreadful, loud affairs.

"Though if you want to work tonight, Malcolm..." He holds his hands out, indicating he won't stop the man from business if he's determined, not cracking so much of a hint of a smile. But that might have been a very poor attempt at making a joke.