( Unfortunately, Asher's encouragement earns Max gladly slobbering all over him, and trying to lick his face. Vicious warhound, this one. Really terrifying. )

Wouldn't be the first time I've heard that, ( Herc replies with a bit of wry humour. He's pretty sure he's got a few years on both these blokes. Least he knows better than to think that makes them any less invested to the cause... even if the cause is rescuing some lost pets.

His brow stitches a little with Cade's lack of response, but maybe he's shy. Maybe he's just quiet, or maybe the guy's hungover. Who really knows? ) That I am.

( As they start walking, he adds, ) Flattering they trusted us with the real hard missions, eh?

( Not that he's actually complaining, it's just funny. )