[ he hadn’t lied to her earlier - this isn’t the first time that he’s lifted something from a museum. while all of barty’s teachings and most of his findings are above board, there’s a handful of times where he’s skirted the law. he’s played his own role well: didn’t tense when security patted him down, shot them a reproachful look before they could do the same to kate, smiled and waved at all the right people.

after dinner (two chicken orders), and her dessert, they start the rounds. barty’s never been a fan of the hobnobbing and asskissing, and it gnaws at him when he’s good at it, but he’s long since been able to fall into the usual pattern of flattery, handshaking, and back-slapping. when kate starts to relax, he laughs. ]

Doesn’t surprise me, mass produced dessert can only be so good. Used to never turn it down, though.

[ cavities stopped that, a while back. he glances over to her - eyes up, rook. ] Usual security. Doom hasn't shown.