[ He's watching Hakkai out of the corner of his eye the entire time, a subtle observation that becomes blatant once the waitress leaves. He got Hakkai to smile again -- that's more smiles than he'd counted in the whole previous month. How can he make that happen again?

Talking. Hakkai likes talking. Gojyo opens his mouth, then thinks better of the first thing that comes to mind... and the second... and he has to laugh and look away for a moment, shaking his head. This is harder than he thought it'd be. What's safe to talk about? ]

I think it's your turn to pick th'topic. [ It's not cowardly, he tells himself. It's fair. He brought up Votelli, and now it's Hakkai's turn to fumble through this awkward silence. He fills his own plate, the suit's seams creaking audibly with every movement. ] You'd better speak up though, 'cause this getup's getting louder all the time.