[Unfortunately, despite the way his ear is angled back, since they're on a terrace that separates them from the inside of the restaurant, Ryou can't really hear what's going on. Worse still...he has a habit of looking pretty stressed while he's contrite, so anyone looking
(she is definitely looking)
might not think it so outlandish that the big white wolf is being bullied by the small black-and-gold jackal who he has allegedly invited out for dinner.
But Ryou doesn't think about the optics, especially not when his hand is drawn up, and Atem's tongue passes lightly across his fingers. It's small, but comforting, and Ryou smiles softly, his ears relaxing, even lowering a bit as he shyly looks away.
The waitress returns when Ryou quietly, meaningfully says:]
You're right. You're always right, I'm being silly.
[...None of this helps, and the waitress only seems more suspicious of Atem, frowning at him in earnest without realizing immediately that she's doing so. But after a few seconds, she recomposes herself and sets the drinks down.]
Are the both of you ready to order?
[Something about her tone seems a bit more clipped than before. Ryou's smile fades back a little.]
Ah...sorry, we haven't had a moment to look at the menu. Could we have a few more minutes, please?
[The waitress is all smiles for Ryou, nodding brightly. So, she still favors him, it seems.]
Of course! I'll be right back, don't worry, I won't be far!
[Ryou thinks that's a weird thing to say, but he nods and smiles (a tad awkwardly) at her words.]
C-certainly! Thank you.
[Once she's gone again, Ryou turns his attention back to Atem.]
Um, I've heard this place has good dining options. Please don't hold back, have whatever you like, and as much as you want.
[It's okay, Ryou still has decent money in the bank. He can spend plenty! And he'd rather think about that than the strange behavior of the young woman attending him.
He reaches for his drink, sliding it closer and giving it a sniff. He's never had something like this before. But he can already tell it's something he'll like. Atem knows him too well.]
no subject
(she is definitely looking)
might not think it so outlandish that the big white wolf is being bullied by the small black-and-gold jackal who he has allegedly invited out for dinner.
But Ryou doesn't think about the optics, especially not when his hand is drawn up, and Atem's tongue passes lightly across his fingers. It's small, but comforting, and Ryou smiles softly, his ears relaxing, even lowering a bit as he shyly looks away.
The waitress returns when Ryou quietly, meaningfully says:]
You're right. You're always right, I'm being silly.
[...None of this helps, and the waitress only seems more suspicious of Atem, frowning at him in earnest without realizing immediately that she's doing so. But after a few seconds, she recomposes herself and sets the drinks down.]
Are the both of you ready to order?
[Something about her tone seems a bit more clipped than before. Ryou's smile fades back a little.]
Ah...sorry, we haven't had a moment to look at the menu. Could we have a few more minutes, please?
[The waitress is all smiles for Ryou, nodding brightly. So, she still favors him, it seems.]
Of course! I'll be right back, don't worry, I won't be far!
[Ryou thinks that's a weird thing to say, but he nods and smiles (a tad awkwardly) at her words.]
C-certainly! Thank you.
[Once she's gone again, Ryou turns his attention back to Atem.]
Um, I've heard this place has good dining options. Please don't hold back, have whatever you like, and as much as you want.
[It's okay, Ryou still has decent money in the bank. He can spend plenty! And he'd rather think about that than the strange behavior of the young woman attending him.
He reaches for his drink, sliding it closer and giving it a sniff. He's never had something like this before. But he can already tell it's something he'll like. Atem knows him too well.]