I smile softly when Etienne taps on Ika-chan and Ebi-kun's tank. I don't really have to wonder where his tentacled friend is; his face says enough about his situation, as I'm sure my own says about mine.

I wave a hand in the air, looking down at my cart before glancing up at him, meeting his eyes so he understands the weight of my words. "I was saving the friend I told you about." The someone I love.

I reach out and, even if my eyes are still sad, I manage a genuine, if slight, smile at him. "What can I get you today?"