Odd, but Stella seemed to suffer from some kinda internal combustion, as she hastily reached for her coffee.  This followed a noticeable blush on her part.  Crap, she did notice the compliment then.  Napkin in hand, a brief choking fit ensued.  Moments later, she confirmed it was just a matter of down the wrong pipe.  Anton hated those, especially when sometimes all it took to trigger was breathing in wrong.  And then he’d end up coughing for what seemed like days.  All because of an inhalation gone awry.<br/><br/>Anton waved her attempt at an apology aside.  “Meh, don’t be sorry,” he stated.  “Coulda happened to anybody.  I’m just glad you’re okay.”  Although he did have to agree with her appraisal about dating and getting to know one another.  He laughed, though not necessarily<i>at </i>her.  “So you snorted, big deal,” he said, trying to blow any embarrassment she may be feeling outta the water.  “If I farted, would that make us even?” Anton asked with another laugh.  There, that should do it.<br/><br/>Apparently, a sneakily stealthy ninja kitty (dolled up in her usual black outfit) sat by Anton, patiently looking up at him.  His attention toward her not quite quick enough for her liking, she stretched to her full length and rested both fore paws on her roommate’s right thigh.  Feeling the kitty intrusion, he looked her way with inquiries.  “And what can I do for you, sweetness?  You wanna see what I’m eating?”  Her right paw waved at the air, indicating a definite<i>yes.</i><br/><br/>Partially eaten scone in hand, he turned toward her and dangled it in front of her face.  Licorice immediately started licking, after two hasty sniffs of it, confirming its goodness.  A few crumbs fell on her chin.  About half a blueberry was then plucked out of its spot within the treat.  Satisfied with the pilfered plunder, she dropped to all fours and walked away.<br/><br/>Of course, Anton had observed her thievery and playfully went after her.  “Hey, come back here with that blueberry,” he said with a chuckle and a shake of his head.  Without turning around, Licorice increased her pace to a trot.  She would enjoy the fruity indulgence somewhere that she could access, but he could not.<br/><br/>Still laughing, Anton returned to his seat opposite Stella.  The scone remained in his hand, which he promptly bit into, relishing all over again the sweet delicacy.  He was also delighted that she was enjoying the fried rice so much.