Oh, what a precious forest creature of a man. Eliot exchanges a glance with Iman, having difficulty believing that Jay is for real right now. But then, he's from a completely different universe, completely different planet, and if his world is a place where one needs to be concerned for one's safety, well, Eliot's not going to laugh at that.

He suppresses his instinctual desire to smirk, feeling oddly protective of Jay now. "Oh no, sweetie," he says, giving him a reassuring pat, "this is the epicenter of queer culture in the country, or, whatever word you might use for 'queer' where you're from. The gay rights movement started literally three doors up the street from here, we are as safe as you can get." Eliot nods in the direction of Stonewall. "I mean we should go sometime, but maybe not on your first day. Things haven't been the best for, uh, people like us, but that was thirty, forty years ago, and there are still shitty places where you can't be open, but this isn't like, Nebraska." or Oregon.

Is Eliot rambling? He's rambling. He's drunk and wants to make this adorable guy feel at ease and he's talking too much, god, why is he getting all weird about it? He takes a gulp of syrupy wine, coughs, and tries to regain his cool demeanor. "Basically New York is amazing and it's crazy and busy and overwhelming but it's a city you fall in love with. It is iconic, and I'd love to show you around."

Wow, he sounds like somebody who cares about things. Janet would be so disappointed.