It is no surprise to John that Dresden is somewhat well known for being easy to manipulate. His tells are vivid and obvious, and setting him off can be done in five words or less. The cognitive dissonance is absolutely remarkable; Dresden can be so very careful with his words, knowing the price of loose lips. But at the same time, he's completely devoid of deception. His emotions and thoughts can be read on his face and in the set of his shoulders. Perhaps John is too close, having seen what is hidden behind amber-brown eyes. Or Dresden is just very lucky that when dealing with the supernatural, it is the letter and not the spirit that will take your soul.

And John has clearly cast his chip correctly. He can see the tension drain out of Dresden when his price is set. It's remarkable to see, as though that please has been as good for him as it has for John, even considering how reluctantly as it was given all those years ago before the Deeps.

He will never have Dresden. He knows this, and has known it since that night at his Winnetka estate with the loup-garou. But the idea has never lost its appeal, even a decade later. Instead, his want for the wizard has mellowed into something less domineering and petty, into a warm give-and-take that John indulges in mercilessly. Nathan has always been quick to point out how stupid John gets with the wizard and how they are fortunate that their paths only cross on occasion.

Now, on this island away from home, he's spent more time in Dresden's company than the rest of his life combined. He can almost feel the madness Dresden gives him settling in for the long haul, like something chronic and deadly.

John wonders if there is some equivalent fever on Dresden's side.

"Pretty please." And to hell with drawing it out; they both know what he wants. "With a cherry on top."