Johan's mind seemed somewhere else, and Karl felt a small pit of dread open up in his stomach. He shut the menu and placed it aside, which seemed to snap Johan out of it for the most part, his pupils dilating back to something a bit less alarming for the low light in the room. "Johan," Karl said softly, reaching for his hand beneath the table on some impulse and holding it between both of his. "Should we leave?"
The blond shook his head hurriedly, a tiny motion, then cleared his throat. "They just," he began, choosing his words carefully, not wanting to explain much more beyond this, and he hoped Karl wouldn't press. "They served us hot cocoa at 511. Now and then... it was precious to the boys there. But it's a reminder, that's all."
Karl didn't quite know what to say--he never did, when that old place was brought up. So instead he pressed closer until his side was fully touching Johan's. "Maybe... we should get some peppermint bark cake instead," he offered, and when he heard Johan's slight breath of a laugh, he felt his heart soar. When the waitress came by, he ordered one to share.
[Claiming Dec. 21]