[Got him to laugh; that's one small victory he'll gladly accept. He does consider the words, though. It's a good enough reason to be here, but it also prevents Billy from discussing what he really wants to. Or, alternatively, what Loki needs to.

He bites his lower lip, debating for a moment, then sits up in his seat, downing the last of his drink.]

Actually, um... I hate to ask if you're comfortable here, but... could we talk somewhere private, sometime? I mean, it doesn't have to be immediately, but... well, I don't feel comfortable talking about it here. In public.