A special birthday

[jolting]

I'd say I'm still looking pretty good after two hundred years. In a way, I did achieve immortality.

Comments

[redasrubies]

You're welcome. Is it just what the doctor ordered?

[jolting]

Definitely. And then some.

[redasrubies]

Good. What kind of dessert do you want when you're done?

[jolting]

Have you ever had black forest cake? It's basically a chocolate sponge cake with cherry filling.

[redasrubies]

[She smiles fondly.] Another slice of home?

[jolting]

Mhm. And it's cake, which is a staple of birthdays.

[redasrubies]

Exactly. Why don't I get that started while you enjoy your dinner?

[jolting]

You going to join me eventually though, right?

[redasrubies]

The cake can wait. I'd rather have dinner with you.

[jolting]

[his smile warms at that] I was hoping you would.

[redasrubies]

[She sits down across the table from him.] So how was your day?

[jolting]

Oh, just the usual. It's pretty slow in the hospital, and I've been working in my lab in my spare time.

[he takes a bite of his meal, brightening at the taste] Wow. I shouldn't be surprised, but this is good.

[redasrubies]

One of the things I know is my way around the kitchen.

What are you working on in your lab? [When you're talking to Dr. Frankenstein, it's a valid question.]

[jolting]

Chemical reactions, mostly. Combining science and magic is possible, so I thought to give it another go. Regina gave me some of her more benign potions to work with.

[redasrubies]

What kind of reaction are you trying to get?

[Not that she understands much about it.]

I wish I understood this better. That I had something I'm as passionate about as you are.

[jolting]

I'm trying to figure out a way for us to cross worlds whenever we want. So I can visit my brother but be able to come back to Storybrooke.

[he tilts his head in thought] Well, what about working with animals or kids? You're good with Henry and you have that alpha leader thing going for you. Plus... you're a gentle and protective person.

[redasrubies]

That sounds nice. It would be nice to meet him sometime.

I don't mind it here at the diner though. I get to meet everyone in town.

[jolting]

He would like you.

It's how we met, so I can't complain.

[redasrubies]

You think so? That's good.

That would be a very good reason not to mind it.

[jolting]

[he smiles and returns to his food. Best birthday ever]

[redasrubies]

[It could get even better. She meant it when she said they could do whatever he wanted.]

Are you ready to move on to cake?

[jolting]

Sure. [look, he's just happy hanging out with her]

[redasrubies]

And then it's whatever you want to do.

[jolting]

This is more than I could've expected on its own, Ruby. You don't have to go through so much trouble.

[redasrubies]

It's not trouble when it's for someone you care about.