I hope so! I'd hate to be the only one who is. [He sips more champagne before setting his glass down.] So, let's catch up. What's been exciting outside of tiling the land and accidental memory displays?

Oh? [Syrlya props his chin on his hand. He supposes that's not the same as the talking bear.] And what sort of things did they say?

Oh, so there are factions among the pigeons, or do they just all hate one another? [He's going to make Trahearne answer seriously, even if he just thinks it's funny.]

[Syrlya pauses, considering that. He can't really talk about... everything with Adelis and Mishka. Partly because it's personal, partly because it would kill the mood. So would everything he saw of people's memories...]

I've been exchanging those chocolates. Of course, they do strange things which seems expected by this point... though I have not worked out just what effect it causes. I have foraged so many berries. I almost wonder if I should give them to someone who can make something before they turn.

[Oh, and bringing them to Kaspar would be so easy since he's Trahearne's roommate. Maybe Syrlya could even send them along with Trahearne after this--

The chocolates are missed entirely as the waiter returns with their appetizer and to take their orders.]

I'll have the creamy lemon butter salmon and asparagus. [He offers his menu politely. And once the waiter collects them he refills their champagne and then leaves again.]

Oh, no, I left them in the ice box back home. [Refrigerator. He starts on some of the calamari, dipping it in the sauce and popping it on his mouth. That earns a hum of satisfaction.]

Oh? [That makes him pause halfway into his flute, raising a brow.] What do yours do?

[Syrlya is casually downing his champagne as he watches Trahearne eat one of his chocolates. Well that's one less crop for him.

And then he stops, the glass touching his nose as Trahearne's expression shifts and he speaks. His... laugh?

He stares, unblinking at first, as his cheeks tinge gold.

Then he sets the empty flute down slowly, leaning forward and resting his arms on the table. His expression grows soft, his gaze wandering Trahearne's face, searching.]

I don't need a chocolate to tell you that. [His gaze locks with Trahearne's, staring intently.] The things I love about you are uncountable, but... I love the consideration and care you give something when you have dedicated to it. You are--earnest, in your pursuits, like they are the most important thing that exists. It is a good look on you.

[Syrlya's hand slides over to rest over Trahearne's.

It isn't often he sees Trahearne blush, a more subtle tinge against his darker skin. He likes the sight of it a lot.

His gaze sits just a second too long in Trahearne's lips before he locks onto his eyes once more.] You always have room in it you know. The space you've carved within my heart is permanent and you may always have perch.

[Syrlya tilts his head sideways.] You would have been waiting a long time if so.

[He's not sure he was even a concept in the dream yet, let along a soul. He has always assumed, even with Orr, Trahearne had a full life before him. Would pining for a face that doesn't exist have improved it?]

I'm glad fate ensured we would meet.

[Syrlya smiles warmly, his fingers curling around Trahearne's hand as he stares back at him. He's so caught up in the moment, he doesn't realize the silence dragging on as he appreciates every detail of Trahearne in the low light.

But a presence moving by the table shocks him, and he turns quickly with surprise only to realize it's their waiter with their plates.] Oh, thank you. The service is so fast here.

[Reluctantly, he pulls his hand back so the table is free for their dinner to be placed.]

[Syrlya down the rest of his second glass of champagne before reaching to just refill from the bottle himself.

He starts with a sip before he grabs his fork to cut through the salmon and take a bite. Careful, for once, as he doesn't want to make a mess of this dress.] It is delicious. The chef here is fantastic.