[ Unfortunately for that other poor adult, the same tactic won't work twice. Ah, well. Can't save them all.

Reiner moves confidently, glad that this tall, potentially intimidating man is willing to play along. It would've been pretty awkward if Reiner's ploy had earned only a blank stare. He meets the man's eyes at that sigh, offering a tiny smile that shows more in his eyes than the movement of his lips. ]

I understand. It's tough when they're all looking at you expectantly. You don't want to let them down.

[ Some distance away, the children's latest target finds themselves dragged along for some sort of mischief. Pity them. ]

My cousin and her classmates can get pretty rowdy, [ he explains, his tone light. ] Sometimes, "urgent business" is the only escape.