The parallels are what make it so wonderful. He's never had someone return his affections and his dreams and his love so thoroughly, and he doesn't think he'll ever have enough of it.

"We have all the time in the world," he grins. "But yes, soon I think. For now--" he sets the letter box down carefully beside the plaque and takes David's hand, pulling him to the dining room. "Sit." Another kiss, and he goes to pull dishes from the kitchen, kept chilled or warm with the slow spells etched into the dishes. Things David likes, things from anniversaries, all warm welcomes.

And tonight Balthier sits next to David, not across, wanting to be close and casual.