[For a moment, with the laughter and the sarcasm alike, they have something easy and normal that Virginia has been yearning for, maybe without even realizing it. Each expression makes her smile, from the way he grins to the sudden shock in his eyes, as if he'd somehow forgotten he could laugh like that. Already she's starting to wonder if she can't find a reason to make a few extra trips around the grocery store--in truth they've likely already passed something she needs anyway. Virginia hasn't been paying attention to much of anything besides Robert, which is why she doesn't miss the look in his eyes after he too realizes that ring is gone from her finger.

It's all very odd, but does that mean it's also wrong? Robert looks away before she can say anything, smiling in that way that makes her feel like there's a door closed between them again. Yet despite that, he still says she's not alone, a thought which offers more comfort than perhaps he's intended. She doesn't want to be, and the truth is that whatever has caused this dream-within-a-dream awakening hasn't changed her mind.

Rather, it's leaving her free to wonder what if.]

I could show you. [No doubt the words seem out of place, and a moment later Virginia expands on the thought.] The outfit, I mean. It's no superhero costume, but if you wanted to see it. [If, always if, and she glances at him nervously, trying to guess if he knows what she's really asking. There's still a voice in her head chiding her, screaming that she's pushing too far too soon, she's only taken off Edward's ring that morning--yet how many days has she looked at it and wondered, watched the man walking with her now and thought the same?

Passed by the store with the dress on display, gone through the same routine over and over. If he says no, things can still be okay. But they've done this awkward dance with each other too many times; she's ready for the next song to start.]

Maybe tonight, if you didn't have any other plans?