/now if only he'll agree to come...

working at home.

it's best to just surprise him so he doesn't have time object...right? Knock knock.

looks up as Barley perks. He goes and opens the door to a crack. "...?"

leans in to give him a peck on the lips. "Ready for dinner? Happy birthday, Alaude."

blinks. "What dinner?"

tugs him lightly by the sleeve, grinning. "The dinner I made reservations for."

frowns. "I don't recall anything of that sort."

I know. It's for your birthday. Come on, we'll be late if we stick around.

But I don't celebrate birthdays.

Then we won't call it your birthday. It's...celebrating your return to maledom.

stares at him.

's smile is hopeful. "It's not far. I think you'll like it. I even had a bottle of Dom Perignon pre-ordered."

looks him up and down. "...What about Barley?"

He'll be fine with Alvene for the night. Or we can come back here afterwards. /obviously hopeful/

He needs food.

We'll come back after dinner then. I set out dinner for Layla; she knows when to eat.

eyes him. "What if he gets hungry while we're out?"

We'll be at dinner a couple of hours. He'll live that long. Besides, he needs to get used to you having business to attend to.

folds his arms. "I always have food ready for him."

blinks. "Then let's get it ready for him and we can go."

I'm out of food for him.

stares at him a moment. Really...? "Alaude. Come to dinner with me."

Only if you bring food for Barley.

nods. "Alright. We'll get some on the way back."

Now.

rubs his forehead. "Okay. You go on to Je T'aime and hold our table. It's reserved under Spade."

goes to get his coat, pet Barley, and leaves. "Don't poison him."

Don't worry, I'll get him the best. /wryly/ ...You were waiting for me so I'd get his food, weren't you? /laughs/

looks at him. "I don't know what you're talking about."

's smirking. He shakes his head. "Go on. I'll be there soon."

leaves.

, chuckling, pats Barley on the head and heads for the closest store. He's hoping to have this done in fifteen minutes or so.