Erik Novak

Sparrow! Hi! Ready for dinner? Sorry, I’ll have to go change real quick but you can sit down and wait for me. Everything’s on me!

[They sat down, regretting their choice of shirt. The arms were just a bit too short, and a watch was not enough to cover that their tattoos were poking out the bottom of their sleeves]

Sorry about that. [He smiles and sits down across from them.] You’re wearing the heck out of that shirt. Very pretty.

I- oh my goodness those are incredible! You never told me you had tattoos!

I have our solar system tattooed up and down my spine. It’s my favourite one. I could show it to you– I mean, not here, of course. [He blushes a little.]

I would love to see it, y’know, when we’re not here. I bet it looks great on you. Not that that’s hard.

Why are you trying to hide yours?

Not really sure at what point in a relationship how you died the first time gets discussed. Is dinner an appropriate time to do it? Carbonara and trauma?

[Erik puts his hand on theirs comfortingly.]

[They shifted awkwardly, somewhat relieved to have it off of their chest, but nervous for Erik’s reaction]

You don’t have to be scared. Your poems are a significant part of you now, just like the sky is a significant part of me. I think you are beautiful, all of you. I want to get to know you.

That is, genuinely, the nicest thing anyone had ever said to me. But. . . well I guess I’m just afraid that there isn’t much “me” to know. I mean I only really have the last 5 years worth of my memory, and everything but the last six months of that was in the Spiral. Before that I barely remember anything about who I was.

It must be difficult for you. Not remembering you before the Becoming. Do you sometimes wish you did remember?

Gosh I’m talking a lot, aren’t I? How was your day? I should have asked before anything!

You can always talk to me about that, okay? I’m still learning things about the Spiral, and I do want to understand you and be able to help how I can… I hope I’m not being… uh… weird about it.

But seriously, how was your day? I like to hear about it.

I was thinking of a nap all day. [He chuckles.]

Well I suppose you’ve only got one more dinner to drag yourself through and then you can go home and sleep. Unless you need to go early. Sleep is rather important for you, you know.

So what exactly do you get at Italian? I don’t think I’ve ever actually been.

Of course! Our specialty as an Italian restaurant is (surprise surprise) pizza! [He opens the menu and shows them the customers’ favourites.] Would you like to have one of those?

That sounds lovely. And I’ll take my Erik back as well. Customer Service Erik frightens me.

He’s not so bad. I bet he wouldn’t tell me about the solar system in more detail than a university textbook though. I’d miss that.

Does it have a name yet?

[There are many pieces with various planets, stars and nebulae. There’s even a galaxy! Erik tells them something about each one.]

Wow! Those are absolutely incredible! I can’t believe you think my stuff is better. It literally looks like scribbles compared to this!

And your stuff is amazing, Sparrow, don’t be silly.

It’s. . . thank you. They’re more of a hobby, I think, than anything. I mean I guess you can’t exactly sell graffiti, but. . . it’s nice. Not usually an art form you get compliments on.

[He smiles cheekily.] And pretty. And smart. And with a fantastic style. And a cute smile. And those red cheeks, yes, they’re cute too.

And sweet and kind and smart and lovely to listen to and adorably passionate. And I cannot believe i somehow actually got you to like me.

I guess I’ll have to take your word for it. I mean I suppose one likable person would recognize another. I just don’t know how it seems so effortless with you! I mean, I’m sure it’s not but you don’t even look nervous trying to talk to people!

You’re my comfort person.

You know, Italy has always sounded nice. I’ve heard the countryside is m gorgeous. Have you done much traveling?

I know I’ve been to Scotland once though. Apparently Wendell won a few poetry awards from some writers society there.

Hey– Sparrow! Would you like me to walk you home… maybe? I’d love to keep you company.

You know I really had a lot of fun tonight.

[ He looks down at their joined hands and smiles shyly. ]

Oh, and that tops it all. To think we’d ever get so lucky to have a view like this in London!

You’re like all the stars combined. And I love the stars.

[ He lets out a sigh of relief. ] I was so nervous to say it, I swear, why is it so difficult? Feels like a huge thing. And it’s something I’ve been feeling for a while now.

Oh my god! I didn’t even bring flowers I meant to bring flowers!

[ He winks at them. ]

[They were getting close to their apartment. A little sad to be going so soon. They really truly could have talked to him forever]

…Sparrow? Would you like it if I kissed you?

Yes. Yes I would love that actually.

That was. . . Gosh that was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

I love you too.

I have work in the morning and you’re making it very hard to want to go inside.

[ He giggles. ]

See? Look what you’ve done to me I’m a mess! They were right, never trust cute boys with nice smiles.

I really enjoyed our date, we should do it again soon.

Guess I’m due inside then, aren’t I? It will be a tragedy to depart, but it must be done.

Now shoo, I’m already missing you.

Maybe when I get some flowers for you. Now I love you, go get some sleep. You’ve had a long day. There’s always next time when I don’t have to get up early.

Sparrow! Hi! Ready for dinner? Sorry, I’ll have to go change real quick but you can sit down and wait for me. Everything’s on me!

[They sat down, regretting their choice of shirt. The arms were just a bit too short, and a watch was not enough to cover that their tattoos were poking out the bottom of their sleeves]

Sorry about that. [He smiles and sits down across from them.] You’re wearing the heck out of that shirt. Very pretty.

I- oh my goodness those are incredible! You never told me you had tattoos!

I have our solar system tattooed up and down my spine. It’s my favourite one. I could show it to you– I mean, not here, of course. [He blushes a little.]

I would love to see it, y’know, when we’re not here. I bet it looks great on you. Not that that’s hard.

Why are you trying to hide yours?

Not really sure at what point in a relationship how you died the first time gets discussed. Is dinner an appropriate time to do it? Carbonara and trauma?

[Erik puts his hand on theirs comfortingly.]

[They shifted awkwardly, somewhat relieved to have it off of their chest, but nervous for Erik’s reaction]

You don’t have to be scared. Your poems are a significant part of you now, just like the sky is a significant part of me. I think you are beautiful, all of you. I want to get to know you.

That is, genuinely, the nicest thing anyone had ever said to me. But. . . well I guess I’m just afraid that there isn’t much “me” to know. I mean I only really have the last 5 years worth of my memory, and everything but the last six months of that was in the Spiral. Before that I barely remember anything about who I was.

It must be difficult for you. Not remembering you before the Becoming. Do you sometimes wish you did remember?

Gosh I’m talking a lot, aren’t I? How was your day? I should have asked before anything!

You can always talk to me about that, okay? I’m still learning things about the Spiral, and I do want to understand you and be able to help how I can… I hope I’m not being… uh… weird about it.

But seriously, how was your day? I like to hear about it.

I was thinking of a nap all day. [He chuckles.]

Well I suppose you’ve only got one more dinner to drag yourself through and then you can go home and sleep. Unless you need to go early. Sleep is rather important for you, you know.

So what exactly do you get at Italian? I don’t think I’ve ever actually been.

Of course! Our specialty as an Italian restaurant is (surprise surprise) pizza! [He opens the menu and shows them the customers’ favourites.] Would you like to have one of those?

That sounds lovely. And I’ll take my Erik back as well. Customer Service Erik frightens me.

He’s not so bad. I bet he wouldn’t tell me about the solar system in more detail than a university textbook though. I’d miss that.

Does it have a name yet?

[There are many pieces with various planets, stars and nebulae. There’s even a galaxy! Erik tells them something about each one.]

Wow! Those are absolutely incredible! I can’t believe you think my stuff is better. It literally looks like scribbles compared to this!

And your stuff is amazing, Sparrow, don’t be silly.

It’s. . . thank you. They’re more of a hobby, I think, than anything. I mean I guess you can’t exactly sell graffiti, but. . . it’s nice. Not usually an art form you get compliments on.

[He smiles cheekily.] And pretty. And smart. And with a fantastic style. And a cute smile. And those red cheeks, yes, they’re cute too.

And sweet and kind and smart and lovely to listen to and adorably passionate. And I cannot believe i somehow actually got you to like me.

I guess I’ll have to take your word for it. I mean I suppose one likable person would recognize another. I just don’t know how it seems so effortless with you! I mean, I’m sure it’s not but you don’t even look nervous trying to talk to people!

You’re my comfort person.

You know, Italy has always sounded nice. I’ve heard the countryside is m gorgeous. Have you done much traveling?

I know I’ve been to Scotland once though. Apparently Wendell won a few poetry awards from some writers society there.

Hey– Sparrow! Would you like me to walk you home… maybe? I’d love to keep you company.

You know I really had a lot of fun tonight.

[ He looks down at their joined hands and smiles shyly. ]

Oh, and that tops it all. To think we’d ever get so lucky to have a view like this in London!

You’re like all the stars combined. And I love the stars.

[ He lets out a sigh of relief. ] I was so nervous to say it, I swear, why is it so difficult? Feels like a huge thing. And it’s something I’ve been feeling for a while now.

Oh my god! I didn’t even bring flowers I meant to bring flowers!

[ He winks at them. ]

[They were getting close to their apartment. A little sad to be going so soon. They really truly could have talked to him forever]

…Sparrow? Would you like it if I kissed you?

Yes. Yes I would love that actually.

That was. . . Gosh that was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

I love you too.

I have work in the morning and you’re making it very hard to want to go inside.

[ He giggles. ]

See? Look what you’ve done to me I’m a mess! They were right, never trust cute boys with nice smiles.

I really enjoyed our date, we should do it again soon.

Guess I’m due inside then, aren’t I? It will be a tragedy to depart, but it must be done.

Now shoo, I’m already missing you.

Sparrow! Hi! Ready for dinner? Sorry, I’ll have to go change real quick but you can sit down and wait for me. Everything’s on me!

[They sat down, regretting their choice of shirt. The arms were just a bit too short, and a watch was not enough to cover that their tattoos were poking out the bottom of their sleeves]

Sorry about that. [He smiles and sits down across from them.] You’re wearing the heck out of that shirt. Very pretty.

I- oh my goodness those are incredible! You never told me you had tattoos!

I have our solar system tattooed up and down my spine. It’s my favourite one. I could show it to you– I mean, not here, of course. [He blushes a little.]

I would love to see it, y’know, when we’re not here. I bet it looks great on you. Not that that’s hard.

Why are you trying to hide yours?

Not really sure at what point in a relationship how you died the first time gets discussed. Is dinner an appropriate time to do it? Carbonara and trauma?

[Erik puts his hand on theirs comfortingly.]

[They shifted awkwardly, somewhat relieved to have it off of their chest, but nervous for Erik’s reaction]

You don’t have to be scared. Your poems are a significant part of you now, just like the sky is a significant part of me. I think you are beautiful, all of you. I want to get to know you.

That is, genuinely, the nicest thing anyone had ever said to me. But. . . well I guess I’m just afraid that there isn’t much “me” to know. I mean I only really have the last 5 years worth of my memory, and everything but the last six months of that was in the Spiral. Before that I barely remember anything about who I was.

It must be difficult for you. Not remembering you before the Becoming. Do you sometimes wish you did remember?

Gosh I’m talking a lot, aren’t I? How was your day? I should have asked before anything!

You can always talk to me about that, okay? I’m still learning things about the Spiral, and I do want to understand you and be able to help how I can… I hope I’m not being… uh… weird about it.

But seriously, how was your day? I like to hear about it.

I was thinking of a nap all day. [He chuckles.]

Well I suppose you’ve only got one more dinner to drag yourself through and then you can go home and sleep. Unless you need to go early. Sleep is rather important for you, you know.

So what exactly do you get at Italian? I don’t think I’ve ever actually been.

Of course! Our specialty as an Italian restaurant is (surprise surprise) pizza! [He opens the menu and shows them the customers’ favourites.] Would you like to have one of those?

That sounds lovely. And I’ll take my Erik back as well. Customer Service Erik frightens me.

He’s not so bad. I bet he wouldn’t tell me about the solar system in more detail than a university textbook though. I’d miss that.

Does it have a name yet?

[There are many pieces with various planets, stars and nebulae. There’s even a galaxy! Erik tells them something about each one.]

Wow! Those are absolutely incredible! I can’t believe you think my stuff is better. It literally looks like scribbles compared to this!

And your stuff is amazing, Sparrow, don’t be silly.

It’s. . . thank you. They’re more of a hobby, I think, than anything. I mean I guess you can’t exactly sell graffiti, but. . . it’s nice. Not usually an art form you get compliments on.

[He smiles cheekily.] And pretty. And smart. And with a fantastic style. And a cute smile. And those red cheeks, yes, they’re cute too.

And sweet and kind and smart and lovely to listen to and adorably passionate. And I cannot believe i somehow actually got you to like me.

I guess I’ll have to take your word for it. I mean I suppose one likable person would recognize another. I just don’t know how it seems so effortless with you! I mean, I’m sure it’s not but you don’t even look nervous trying to talk to people!

You’re my comfort person.

You know, Italy has always sounded nice. I’ve heard the countryside is m gorgeous. Have you done much traveling?

I know I’ve been to Scotland once though. Apparently Wendell won a few poetry awards from some writers society there.

Hey– Sparrow! Would you like me to walk you home… maybe? I’d love to keep you company.

You know I really had a lot of fun tonight.

[ He looks down at their joined hands and smiles shyly. ]

Oh, and that tops it all. To think we’d ever get so lucky to have a view like this in London!

You’re like all the stars combined. And I love the stars.

[ He lets out a sigh of relief. ] I was so nervous to say it, I swear, why is it so difficult? Feels like a huge thing. And it’s something I’ve been feeling for a while now.

Oh my god! I didn’t even bring flowers I meant to bring flowers!

[ He winks at them. ]

[They were getting close to their apartment. A little sad to be going so soon. They really truly could have talked to him forever]

…Sparrow? Would you like it if I kissed you?

Yes. Yes I would love that actually.

That was. . . Gosh that was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

I love you too.

I have work in the morning and you’re making it very hard to want to go inside.

[ He giggles. ]

See? Look what you’ve done to me I’m a mess! They were right, never trust cute boys with nice smiles.

I really enjoyed our date, we should do it again soon.

Guess I’m due inside then, aren’t I? It will be a tragedy to depart, but it must be done.

Sparrow! Hi! Ready for dinner? Sorry, I’ll have to go change real quick but you can sit down and wait for me. Everything’s on me!

[They sat down, regretting their choice of shirt. The arms were just a bit too short, and a watch was not enough to cover that their tattoos were poking out the bottom of their sleeves]

Sorry about that. [He smiles and sits down across from them.] You’re wearing the heck out of that shirt. Very pretty.

I- oh my goodness those are incredible! You never told me you had tattoos!

I have our solar system tattooed up and down my spine. It’s my favourite one. I could show it to you– I mean, not here, of course. [He blushes a little.]

I would love to see it, y’know, when we’re not here. I bet it looks great on you. Not that that’s hard.

Why are you trying to hide yours?

Not really sure at what point in a relationship how you died the first time gets discussed. Is dinner an appropriate time to do it? Carbonara and trauma?

[Erik puts his hand on theirs comfortingly.]

[They shifted awkwardly, somewhat relieved to have it off of their chest, but nervous for Erik’s reaction]

You don’t have to be scared. Your poems are a significant part of you now, just like the sky is a significant part of me. I think you are beautiful, all of you. I want to get to know you.

That is, genuinely, the nicest thing anyone had ever said to me. But. . . well I guess I’m just afraid that there isn’t much “me” to know. I mean I only really have the last 5 years worth of my memory, and everything but the last six months of that was in the Spiral. Before that I barely remember anything about who I was.

It must be difficult for you. Not remembering you before the Becoming. Do you sometimes wish you did remember?

Gosh I’m talking a lot, aren’t I? How was your day? I should have asked before anything!

You can always talk to me about that, okay? I’m still learning things about the Spiral, and I do want to understand you and be able to help how I can… I hope I’m not being… uh… weird about it.

But seriously, how was your day? I like to hear about it.

I was thinking of a nap all day. [He chuckles.]

Well I suppose you’ve only got one more dinner to drag yourself through and then you can go home and sleep. Unless you need to go early. Sleep is rather important for you, you know.

So what exactly do you get at Italian? I don’t think I’ve ever actually been.

Of course! Our specialty as an Italian restaurant is (surprise surprise) pizza! [He opens the menu and shows them the customers’ favourites.] Would you like to have one of those?

That sounds lovely. And I’ll take my Erik back as well. Customer Service Erik frightens me.

He’s not so bad. I bet he wouldn’t tell me about the solar system in more detail than a university textbook though. I’d miss that.

Does it have a name yet?

[There are many pieces with various planets, stars and nebulae. There’s even a galaxy! Erik tells them something about each one.]

Wow! Those are absolutely incredible! I can’t believe you think my stuff is better. It literally looks like scribbles compared to this!

And your stuff is amazing, Sparrow, don’t be silly.

It’s. . . thank you. They’re more of a hobby, I think, than anything. I mean I guess you can’t exactly sell graffiti, but. . . it’s nice. Not usually an art form you get compliments on.

[He smiles cheekily.] And pretty. And smart. And with a fantastic style. And a cute smile. And those red cheeks, yes, they’re cute too.

And sweet and kind and smart and lovely to listen to and adorably passionate. And I cannot believe i somehow actually got you to like me.

I guess I’ll have to take your word for it. I mean I suppose one likable person would recognize another. I just don’t know how it seems so effortless with you! I mean, I’m sure it’s not but you don’t even look nervous trying to talk to people!

You’re my comfort person.

You know, Italy has always sounded nice. I’ve heard the countryside is m gorgeous. Have you done much traveling?

I know I’ve been to Scotland once though. Apparently Wendell won a few poetry awards from some writers society there.

Hey– Sparrow! Would you like me to walk you home… maybe? I’d love to keep you company.

You know I really had a lot of fun tonight.

[ He looks down at their joined hands and smiles shyly. ]

Oh, and that tops it all. To think we’d ever get so lucky to have a view like this in London!

You’re like all the stars combined. And I love the stars.

[ He lets out a sigh of relief. ] I was so nervous to say it, I swear, why is it so difficult? Feels like a huge thing. And it’s something I’ve been feeling for a while now.

Oh my god! I didn’t even bring flowers I meant to bring flowers!

[ He winks at them. ]

[They were getting close to their apartment. A little sad to be going so soon. They really truly could have talked to him forever]

…Sparrow? Would you like it if I kissed you?

Yes. Yes I would love that actually.

That was. . . Gosh that was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

I love you too.

I have work in the morning and you’re making it very hard to want to go inside.

[ He giggles. ]

See? Look what you’ve done to me I’m a mess! They were right, never trust cute boys with nice smiles.

I really enjoyed our date, we should do it again soon.

Sparrow! Hi! Ready for dinner? Sorry, I’ll have to go change real quick but you can sit down and wait for me. Everything’s on me!

[They sat down, regretting their choice of shirt. The arms were just a bit too short, and a watch was not enough to cover that their tattoos were poking out the bottom of their sleeves]

Sorry about that. [He smiles and sits down across from them.] You’re wearing the heck out of that shirt. Very pretty.

I- oh my goodness those are incredible! You never told me you had tattoos!

I have our solar system tattooed up and down my spine. It’s my favourite one. I could show it to you– I mean, not here, of course. [He blushes a little.]

I would love to see it, y’know, when we’re not here. I bet it looks great on you. Not that that’s hard.

Why are you trying to hide yours?

Not really sure at what point in a relationship how you died the first time gets discussed. Is dinner an appropriate time to do it? Carbonara and trauma?

[Erik puts his hand on theirs comfortingly.]

[They shifted awkwardly, somewhat relieved to have it off of their chest, but nervous for Erik’s reaction]

You don’t have to be scared. Your poems are a significant part of you now, just like the sky is a significant part of me. I think you are beautiful, all of you. I want to get to know you.

That is, genuinely, the nicest thing anyone had ever said to me. But. . . well I guess I’m just afraid that there isn’t much “me” to know. I mean I only really have the last 5 years worth of my memory, and everything but the last six months of that was in the Spiral. Before that I barely remember anything about who I was.

It must be difficult for you. Not remembering you before the Becoming. Do you sometimes wish you did remember?

Gosh I’m talking a lot, aren’t I? How was your day? I should have asked before anything!

You can always talk to me about that, okay? I’m still learning things about the Spiral, and I do want to understand you and be able to help how I can… I hope I’m not being… uh… weird about it.

But seriously, how was your day? I like to hear about it.

I was thinking of a nap all day. [He chuckles.]

Well I suppose you’ve only got one more dinner to drag yourself through and then you can go home and sleep. Unless you need to go early. Sleep is rather important for you, you know.

So what exactly do you get at Italian? I don’t think I’ve ever actually been.

Of course! Our specialty as an Italian restaurant is (surprise surprise) pizza! [He opens the menu and shows them the customers’ favourites.] Would you like to have one of those?

That sounds lovely. And I’ll take my Erik back as well. Customer Service Erik frightens me.

He’s not so bad. I bet he wouldn’t tell me about the solar system in more detail than a university textbook though. I’d miss that.

Does it have a name yet?

[There are many pieces with various planets, stars and nebulae. There’s even a galaxy! Erik tells them something about each one.]

Wow! Those are absolutely incredible! I can’t believe you think my stuff is better. It literally looks like scribbles compared to this!

And your stuff is amazing, Sparrow, don’t be silly.

It’s. . . thank you. They’re more of a hobby, I think, than anything. I mean I guess you can’t exactly sell graffiti, but. . . it’s nice. Not usually an art form you get compliments on.

[He smiles cheekily.] And pretty. And smart. And with a fantastic style. And a cute smile. And those red cheeks, yes, they’re cute too.

And sweet and kind and smart and lovely to listen to and adorably passionate. And I cannot believe i somehow actually got you to like me.

I guess I’ll have to take your word for it. I mean I suppose one likable person would recognize another. I just don’t know how it seems so effortless with you! I mean, I’m sure it’s not but you don’t even look nervous trying to talk to people!

You’re my comfort person.

You know, Italy has always sounded nice. I’ve heard the countryside is m gorgeous. Have you done much traveling?

I know I’ve been to Scotland once though. Apparently Wendell won a few poetry awards from some writers society there.

Hey– Sparrow! Would you like me to walk you home… maybe? I’d love to keep you company.

You know I really had a lot of fun tonight.

[ He looks down at their joined hands and smiles shyly. ]

Oh, and that tops it all. To think we’d ever get so lucky to have a view like this in London!

You’re like all the stars combined. And I love the stars.

[ He lets out a sigh of relief. ] I was so nervous to say it, I swear, why is it so difficult? Feels like a huge thing. And it’s something I’ve been feeling for a while now.

Oh my god! I didn’t even bring flowers I meant to bring flowers!

[ He winks at them. ]

[They were getting close to their apartment. A little sad to be going so soon. They really truly could have talked to him forever]

…Sparrow? Would you like it if I kissed you?

Yes. Yes I would love that actually.

That was. . . Gosh that was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

I love you too.

I have work in the morning and you’re making it very hard to want to go inside.

[ He giggles. ]

See? Look what you’ve done to me I’m a mess! They were right, never trust cute boys with nice smiles.

Sparrow! Hi! Ready for dinner? Sorry, I’ll have to go change real quick but you can sit down and wait for me. Everything’s on me!

[They sat down, regretting their choice of shirt. The arms were just a bit too short, and a watch was not enough to cover that their tattoos were poking out the bottom of their sleeves]

Sorry about that. [He smiles and sits down across from them.] You’re wearing the heck out of that shirt. Very pretty.

I- oh my goodness those are incredible! You never told me you had tattoos!

I have our solar system tattooed up and down my spine. It’s my favourite one. I could show it to you– I mean, not here, of course. [He blushes a little.]

I would love to see it, y’know, when we’re not here. I bet it looks great on you. Not that that’s hard.

Why are you trying to hide yours?

Not really sure at what point in a relationship how you died the first time gets discussed. Is dinner an appropriate time to do it? Carbonara and trauma?

[Erik puts his hand on theirs comfortingly.]

[They shifted awkwardly, somewhat relieved to have it off of their chest, but nervous for Erik’s reaction]

You don’t have to be scared. Your poems are a significant part of you now, just like the sky is a significant part of me. I think you are beautiful, all of you. I want to get to know you.

That is, genuinely, the nicest thing anyone had ever said to me. But. . . well I guess I’m just afraid that there isn’t much “me” to know. I mean I only really have the last 5 years worth of my memory, and everything but the last six months of that was in the Spiral. Before that I barely remember anything about who I was.

It must be difficult for you. Not remembering you before the Becoming. Do you sometimes wish you did remember?

Gosh I’m talking a lot, aren’t I? How was your day? I should have asked before anything!

You can always talk to me about that, okay? I’m still learning things about the Spiral, and I do want to understand you and be able to help how I can… I hope I’m not being… uh… weird about it.

But seriously, how was your day? I like to hear about it.

I was thinking of a nap all day. [He chuckles.]

Well I suppose you’ve only got one more dinner to drag yourself through and then you can go home and sleep. Unless you need to go early. Sleep is rather important for you, you know.

So what exactly do you get at Italian? I don’t think I’ve ever actually been.

Of course! Our specialty as an Italian restaurant is (surprise surprise) pizza! [He opens the menu and shows them the customers’ favourites.] Would you like to have one of those?

That sounds lovely. And I’ll take my Erik back as well. Customer Service Erik frightens me.

He’s not so bad. I bet he wouldn’t tell me about the solar system in more detail than a university textbook though. I’d miss that.

Does it have a name yet?

[There are many pieces with various planets, stars and nebulae. There’s even a galaxy! Erik tells them something about each one.]

Wow! Those are absolutely incredible! I can’t believe you think my stuff is better. It literally looks like scribbles compared to this!

And your stuff is amazing, Sparrow, don’t be silly.

It’s. . . thank you. They’re more of a hobby, I think, than anything. I mean I guess you can’t exactly sell graffiti, but. . . it’s nice. Not usually an art form you get compliments on.

[He smiles cheekily.] And pretty. And smart. And with a fantastic style. And a cute smile. And those red cheeks, yes, they’re cute too.

And sweet and kind and smart and lovely to listen to and adorably passionate. And I cannot believe i somehow actually got you to like me.

I guess I’ll have to take your word for it. I mean I suppose one likable person would recognize another. I just don’t know how it seems so effortless with you! I mean, I’m sure it’s not but you don’t even look nervous trying to talk to people!

You’re my comfort person.

You know, Italy has always sounded nice. I’ve heard the countryside is m gorgeous. Have you done much traveling?

I know I’ve been to Scotland once though. Apparently Wendell won a few poetry awards from some writers society there.

Hey– Sparrow! Would you like me to walk you home… maybe? I’d love to keep you company.

You know I really had a lot of fun tonight.

[ He looks down at their joined hands and smiles shyly. ]

Oh, and that tops it all. To think we’d ever get so lucky to have a view like this in London!

You’re like all the stars combined. And I love the stars.

[ He lets out a sigh of relief. ] I was so nervous to say it, I swear, why is it so difficult? Feels like a huge thing. And it’s something I’ve been feeling for a while now.

Oh my god! I didn’t even bring flowers I meant to bring flowers!

[ He winks at them. ]

[They were getting close to their apartment. A little sad to be going so soon. They really truly could have talked to him forever]

…Sparrow? Would you like it if I kissed you?

Yes. Yes I would love that actually.

That was. . . Gosh that was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

I love you too.

I have work in the morning and you’re making it very hard to want to go inside.

[ He giggles. ]

Sparrow! Hi! Ready for dinner? Sorry, I’ll have to go change real quick but you can sit down and wait for me. Everything’s on me!

[They sat down, regretting their choice of shirt. The arms were just a bit too short, and a watch was not enough to cover that their tattoos were poking out the bottom of their sleeves]

Sorry about that. [He smiles and sits down across from them.] You’re wearing the heck out of that shirt. Very pretty.

I- oh my goodness those are incredible! You never told me you had tattoos!

I have our solar system tattooed up and down my spine. It’s my favourite one. I could show it to you– I mean, not here, of course. [He blushes a little.]

I would love to see it, y’know, when we’re not here. I bet it looks great on you. Not that that’s hard.

Why are you trying to hide yours?

Not really sure at what point in a relationship how you died the first time gets discussed. Is dinner an appropriate time to do it? Carbonara and trauma?

[Erik puts his hand on theirs comfortingly.]