With pleasure. It's about time we did something... a bit more official. Isn't it?

[The thought of going out on a date with Ignis is distracting enough that Albert can shake off the way he's dwelling on the rest. He doesn't know. Of course he doesn't. Maybe he never will. It's better that way. No matter what. If his esteem fell in Ignis' eyes, he'd lose a precious bond that motivates him here, and he isn't ready to consider that inevitability.

A faint smile comes to his lips as he cuts a small piece of the pastry off.]

He did. [Past tense. Always past tense.] We didn't live together, my brothers and I. But when we'd visit each other, we'd do such things. I still remember the first time Louis made this, with--with the butler's help. He was so determined... [A bite, and it fairly melts in his mouth, savory, only a touch sweet, absolutely close enough to the real thing to make Albert close his eyes as he chews and swallows.] You really are a genius in the kitchen.

[His eyes are still a little watery, but he turns them on Ignis.] If I ever let you get away, I'm a fool.