( It's fair to say Ian has special interests in intoxicants; he spent a good deal of his pre-grad years screwing around with psychedelics, he's a regular pot smoker, and arguably a functional alcoholic in times of extreme stress. However, honestly, he's just clever and talkative in general. There are a couple dozen subjects he could ramble on about forever. He used to be a guest lecturer at a college, it became an ingrained trait over time.

She might regret engaging with him soon. Sorry, Mops.

On the bright side, he's also incredibly patient. Not the kind of listener that's just waiting for his turn to talk again, he's legitimately curious and rapt in his attention. Perceptive enough, even, to start connecting a few similar looking dots.

He's calm and careful with his approach, polite and unobtrusive as he gently ventures: )

You wouldn't happen to have black blood, would you? If that's offensive, feel free to say shut the fuck up, Ian. I'll totally change the subject.