What Anatoly's story lacked in details, he made up for in the expression on his face, one which subtly made turns through adoration and disbelief, revealing a great deal in of itself, and Sookie's gaze remained fixed there with a broad smile just so that she wouldn't miss any of it. There was very little more gratifying to see— as far as situations that didn't at all involve her, anyway— than people in love, people who were able to cast doubts far enough aside to revel in the excitement of being together.

She wondered if she could ever have that same type of enthralled look that Anatoly had, if she loved people enough to show it from cheek to cheek, sighing with a pleased look as she rested her chin more heavily in her palm.

"That... is wonderful. It's gotta be hard, keepin' yourselves from one another for months, and— well, obviously I'm curious about why he left at all and I sure hope it doesn't happen again, but— it's just wonderful that you were able to reconnect. There's... so much that gets in the way of love bein' easy, but that doesn't mean that we should avoid tryin' to love at all."