[a wholehearted nod of agreement there, if only all food were as efficient as the superior food on a stick. the reverse engineering is what gets him to laugh though, sitting back and finally picking at a piece of his own probably not squid fish.]

A shame we can't get a sample to put the mystery to rest once and for all. Ah well, keep an eye on those portals, I suppose. [gesture at the people until they offer the cutlet, that's the sort of important business one would have with the barest glimpse into their own world.

ah, but now would be the time. he regards his meal for a moment, dropping the half finished piece of fish (not bad, it probably would be better done in their kitchen but he refuses to admit as much outloud) and looks to pal. there's a moment of calculation before his expression softens, giving up almost immediately on finding some efficient and concise way to say what he wants to. he'll just stumble no matter what, he knows it.]

I admit I had... I would not call them ulterior motives for this meal, just motives. I wished to inform you about a development that eh... that involves you to a degree. Specifically that I think I have developed romantic feelings for you and- that is something we should discuss, given our living situation.

[he sounds perfectly calm about it even if the tips of his ears go pink just to spite him. well... there it is. he thinks a romance novel character would do it much better but ah well.]