[ Cool is not the word Nate would have used to describe himself in the sixth grade, daydreaming about what it would be like to physically visit Rome's forum, but it's genuinely charming that Ian actually seems to like it when he gets all...himself. Nate knows it has strained the patience of various people before. ]

You know, I thought you were making fun of me when you said that as a kid you would've listened to me talk about Pliny the Elder, but I guess I'm just relieved you have terrible taste.

[ Christ knows it's the first mistake of many.

Nate gestures at the hall they came from, expression one of unadulterated incredulity. It's easier to mock himself than admit he has no idea why Ian-who-was-once-afraid-to-crash-on-his-couch is now Ian-who-asks-people-on-dates. ]

You saw I walked into a wall, right?