[What a happy boychick! He smiles, and the first fine traces of smile-lines show around his eyes. He's young, and hasn't had much reason to smile previously, so they're not very deep yet...but the glitter in his eyes and the sudden upturn of his usually sober mouth override his built-in scowl. He gestures to the waiter to start preparing the check, and enjoys the sweetness of the cherries Jubilee, even if they are a bit sticky.]

I told the Not!Betty that I had a social engagement I couldn't afford to miss. That was enough for her.

I do wish I could take you to Paris, love. Or to...to...Well. It's gone, now, at least in my world. But it would have been wonderful to bring you to Castle Sturmvoraus. I'd have had the lightening moat lit just to celebrate your arrival.