[Well. That relief is gone. There's only one small bit of relief in its place that the waiter is off and away, but it's not enough to overcome that sudden cold, cold feeling that hits him then. She didn't have to scrape a knife across a plate. She's managed the same effect just by words.

Being a person. Nobody wants to be around because... he's never really here, not real, not right, not enough, always less.

He stares at her, bewildered, a little afraid. Some irrational part of him is wondering if he got set up, if this is a play on him, some kind of revenge for... he doesn't know, just being an awful person all his life? Because he deserves it. He's seconds from that panic attack when rationality kicks in to remind him that not only would no one go to such an effort, but he signed on for this job and she's the one having a shitty time.

God. He really, really, really owes her that refund. He shakes his head.]

Jeez, sorry... Uh... The talking is fine. It's cool. Really. You don't have to worry about that. Just, you know, take your time and stuff. Um...

[Breathe, Teo.]

I... get the feeling, [Don't say that.] but you seem person enough from where I'm sitting. Maybe we haven't hit off too great yet, but... I'm definitely willing to get to know you. If that's what you want.