𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒊 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒅?
pairing: boyfriend!sylus x girlfriend!reader
a/n: this is inspired by that tik tok trend...
The restaurant isn’t fancy. Just warm lighting, quiet conversation, the kind of place couples test out when they’re still new. He sits across from you, posture straight, hands folded loosely on the table. Composed and attentive.
He orders first, efficient and precise. The waiter turns to you. You order your usual chicken schnitzel , extra mushroom sauce and then, sweet as anything, you glance at him.
“Can I get fries instead of a salad?” Silence...
Sylus blinks. Not dramatically, just once. The waiter looks at him. Sylus looks at you.
There is a very clear, very visible flicker of confusion in his eyes because one you never order salad, and two why are you asking him.
“You don’t…” he starts slowly. You look at him expectantly. He lowers his voice slightly.
“You don’t even like salad.” The waiter is now hovering in awkward anticipation. You tilt your head.
“So is that okay?” He stares at you like you’ve just presented him with a riddle.
“…Okay?” he repeats. He knows your coffee order. He knows you hate certain vegetables. He knows you steal fries from his plate even when you order your own.
But this? This feels like a test he didn’t study for.
“You can order whatever you want,” he says carefully, like he’s navigating something fragile.
“Why would you need my approval?” You shrug. The waiter is sweating.
Sylus’ brows knit together slightly. He’s trying to read you. Did he miss something? Did he accidentally imply something controlling? Is this a boundary conversation disguised as carbs?
“You’ve ordered fries every time we’ve gone out,” he adds quietly, almost defensive. “I wouldn’t object now.” And that’s when your lips twitch.
He sees it, his eyes narrow slightly.
“…Are you playing with me?” You finally laugh. The tension leaves his shoulders instantly, replaced with the softest, most relieved exhale.
He looks down at the table for a second, shaking his head.
“You’re unbelievable,” he murmurs, but there’s a smile threatening at the corner of his mouth. Then he looks back at the waiter, completely composed again.
“She’ll have the fries.” A pause...
“And no salad.” The waiter nods gratefully and leaves. You’re still smiling at him. He leans back slightly, studying you.
“For the record,” he says quietly, softer now, “you don’t need to ask me for things like that.”
His fingers brush yours on the table. Hesitant, still new to this.
“I like that you feel comfortable joking with me,” he adds after a second.
Then, almost shyly, “But please warn me next time, my love. I thought I’d made a mistake.”