That's a gesture of endearment in some cultures. Some hug, some kiss, some set each other on fire in small patches of woodland

Julius Tallow was a fool. He appeared complacent, but like a weak swimmer out of his depth, his legs were kicking frantically under the surface, trying to keep him afloat. Whatever happened, Nathaniel did not intend to sink with him.

The mercenary finished his coffee in a single gulp, It must have been piping hot, too. Boy, he was tough.

Haven't you done enough for a lifetime? Think about it - two power - crazed magicians killed, a hundred power - crazed magicians saved.

Hey, we've all got problems, chum. I'm overly talkative. You look like a field of buttercups in a suit.

Most traditional ghost stories feature rather hapless protagonists, who have nasty things happen to them.

The afrit batted his eyelashes with a ostentatious lack of concern. "Indeed? Have you a name?" "A name?" I cried. "I have MANY names! I am Bartimaeus! I am Sakhr al-Jinni! I am N'gorso the Mighty and the Serpent of Silver Plumes!" I paused dramatically. The young man looked blank. "Nope never heard of you. Now if you'll just-