Xavia was oddly calm as she applied the last little bit of cosmetic onto her face. She had taken a step back after, looking into the mirror. Her hair was, aside from color, in it's natural state of tight curls, which she softened with a boar bristle brush and let fall to her shoulders. Her make up was not heavy, he had seen her face nude and she didn't need it anyway. She washed and dried her hands, then smoothed them over the casual gingham dress that was in a black and white check pattern, and a corset belt was around her still slim waist. The look was finished off with a pair of strappy red sandals, dangly earrings, and a red silk rose in her hair.

It was nothing out of her ordinary to wear an outfit like that, she rarely ever wore a pair of slacks or jeans. She came out of her bathroom, kissed her kid and mom on the cheek, and then stepped to her living room to wait for Artair.

In the few days since she last saw him, she had done some major thinking and soul searching, deciding it was time to try and move on for real. She had been hung up on Jupiter for a long time, and he was not coming back. She was quite lonely and didn't want to hurt anymore about what could have been. She had more than just herself to think about, too. And so, the night before, she went to the spot where she had fallen in love with Jupiter, and she spoke as if he had been there. And then she went home, crawled into her bed and slept the whole night through in a most peaceful manner.

Obviously, it had been hard to let go... But once she had, once she finally made peace with what happened and what didn't happen, it was like a weight had lifted from her shoulders. And now she was ready for this baby step, and it was oddly comfortable.

Well, Artair had said he wanted a date so he really shouldn't be surprised when the day it was actually happening came around and he had to fish out some of his more 'fancy' clothes. He wasn't one who tend to wear anything overly expensive or fashionable, tending to prefer nice simple and comfortable options. Christ, the nicest thing he owned was a kilt, which wasn't exactly first date wear. Instead he opted for for something presentable, a nice pair of well made black jeans, a dark blue shirt and a black blazer. He had forgone the tie, he'd always hated them and with some recent memories resurfacing, something that tight around his neck was insufferable.

So here he was, clean shaven and all dressed up getting out of his cab. Paying the guy and asking him to stick around, he looked up at the building. Pretty nice place, not bad for a small family. Smiling, he guessed that was probably one of Xavia major concerns about the place.

Taking a deep breath, he wasn't sure what he was expecting, bu maybe all he needed was to have nice time, no promises or commitments. It was only a first date after all, the one you tended to use to gauge if you had chemistry. Or in this case, hopefully they could get through an interaction without Xavia getting hurt in one way or another.

Knocking on the door and catching his ring in the process he'd completely forgot he'd been wearing it. Could do with a polish actually, it was starting to look as beat up as he was.

She was relaxed as she went to the door and opened it, leaning against the frame once the portal was open. He might see a glimpse of a little girl with dark curls and eyes that revealed her special needs, peeking around her mother in curiosity before an older woman retrieved her. Xavia smiled down at her daughter and patted her head just as the girl's grandmother had a hold of her. And then she beckoned him in so she could retrieve her handbag.

"Hi, come in. I will just be a moment." And when she let him in, assuming he did come in, he would see she had a very cozy, and very large home that was quite out of place in the big city. It had more of a country feel to it than the sleek and sterile designs of NYC. And there were, not surprisingly, a butt ton of potted plants all looking gloriously happy, if plants could look happy.

Xavia did not even go that far, she merely went to the peninsula that was an offshoot of the kitchen, where bar stools were set up invitingly. In the center of the foyer was an old, grand piano that looked like it had been restored, for it wasn't restored to mint condition, it was restored with all the dings and scratches, but the keys and strings were put back together. And there were also many pictures about... The one nearest him was an album cover with a blonde version of Xavia looking quite bombshell in a slinky red dress.

After she got her handbag, she came up to him with a smile that was easy and natural. Something seemed to have changed about her... She was not so... jumpy with him, and nor did she look sad or morose anymore. It was as if she had lightened. "I am ready," she murmured, moving close enough for him to catch that whiff of her scent. That hadn't changed.

She then took a moment to assess his appearance, which... he did look pretty nice, she thought, not realizing her brow lifted subtly in the process of her... enjoying the view? Yes, she did enjoy the view. She bit into her cheek to try and refrain from making a little sound in the back of her throat... The one she had made when talking to Derek about Artair... The one she failed to cover up just now that sounded very much like a purr and sigh combined. It was probably the black on him. And of course, he would have plenty to look at himself. Her dress fit her, not tight like a glove, but it did hug her in all the right places. Aka, she didn't try very hard to look foxy but it happened anyway.

When the door opened he was, shocked actually. True, she hadn't looked bad on their previous encounters but now? She was dressed up. It was pretty breath taking and it was hard to not give her a quick once over, taking in her overall appearance. Also hard to miss the little figure staring at him from behind Xavia. Didn't take much to guess this was her daughter. Bonnie lass, she must take after her mother.

"Evenin' lass." he started, following her in and taking a good look around the place. "Take your time, we're no in a rush." Smiling at the sheer volume of plants, he couldn't help but be infected by the happiness here. It like he'd gone home. It had that strange warmth a lot of rural homes did. His muscles relaxed, easing away some of his nervousness, reassuring him that today was just a date, not something to be worked up over. He just needed to keep telling himself that. The lingering smell of roses and the curious looks he was getting from the wee lassie didn't help matters though.

Glancing around it was hard not to see interesting things, all the little tell tale bits of a lived in family home. Including a particularly nice picture of Xavia, but blonde? Nice, but he wouldn't be a good Scot if he didn't prefer the red. It was weird though, she was obviously younger in the picture but she was virtually unchanged. If she hadn't aged much since then, how long could she live for? And was it something to do with her mutation?

Once she'd retrieved her purse and announced she was ready to go, "Great, I've got a cab waiting downstairs so we don't have much walking to do." This close the smell was strong and pretty hard to ignore, but once again polite British training kicked in, making him miss whatever noise she made. Holding the door and giving her enough to say farewells, himself giving the older woman a polite nod and waggling his eyebrows at the wee lass, they were on their way.

"How do you feel about French food Xavia? I know a nice little place not too far from here that does a killer ratatouille." It was always hard to argue with gorgeous stewed veg in a tomato sauce, even for a meat lover like himself. Good food was good food and vegetarian options were nothing to sniff at. "Unless you'd prefer something more interesting like Chinese or Thai?"

The little one stuck her forefinger in her mouth as he was looking around. But grandmomma kept her ushered toward the corner where there were toys and such, saying something in a quick succession of Hungarian in order to keep the girl's attention. After all, Delilah was certainly not used to seeing a strange man enter her mommy's life. Even Derek got curious looks. But Xavia's mom kept giving smiles toward Artair, rather than stern looks she probably might give to other guys. Perhaps it was because of the way Xavia had spoken of him when she informed her of the date.

Xavia shouldered the small purse as she nodded to him, went and gave both her mom and her kid another kiss on the cheek before heading out the door he held open for her... A first for her, to be honest. Once they were in the cab and he was asking about dinner, she replied, "I have never had French food, but I am willing to try it. Just so you know, you do not have to eat vegetarian on my behalf. I get tummy aches when I eat meat products is all. If you want a juicy duck breast, go for it." She knew that some dudes took it personally if a lady made them quit eating meat for her, and that some would go out of their way but eventually get sick of doing it, and she wasn't the type to give two craps about a person's diet.

And then there was a smile... An honest to goodness smile that she had never done in his presence. And it was directed at him, as if wrapped in a bow and presented to him for a special gift. It was a rare thing indeed. Or perhaps she was starting to really just feel okay feeling something other than fear and sadness. She had imperfect teeth, he might notice... But they were pearly, and they were mostly straight. Her bottom two front teeth were kind of buckled, and there was a small, barely there chip in one of her front teeth that just seemed to add to the charm of the smile.

"French it is then. One of my favourite places to go when I was growing up." Up until the incident they'd gone every summer and it had been great, just him and his dad, exploring the french countryside. Not every memory  he had were bad ones. "I appreciate that Xavia, but if I'm getting a vegetarian option its because I want one. In my experience some of the best options on a menu are meatless." It was nice she was trying to reassure him, but he wasn't so insecure that the idea of not eating meat offended him. That and he'd been craving that french style stew for days now.

He very nearly missed a step when she smiled at him, it was just so warm and genuine. Seemed really unnatural that it was aimed at him of all people but it really light her face up, made her look younger, somehow. It was good though, she suited a smile, far more than the pained or sad faces he'd seen more of in his last meetings with her. Artair could feel his own smile grow involuntarily, that slightly crooked look that made his eyes sparkle.

Once they reached the taxi, he moved to hold to door open for her and offer a hand if she needed the help climbing in in heels. He knew some people didn't like it when he did this, especially at the uni, but it was pretty much reactive at this point. Good manners had been drilled into him from a young age, so if holding doors open for people got him the occasional accusations of sexism, it was a price he could live with. "After you Xavia. Our carriage awaits," he added jokingly, "the place is only about five to ten minutes away, plenty of time to get bored of me on the way." Finishing with a grin, laughter glinting in his dark eyes.

She nodded her understanding when he explained he was eating the food because he actually wanted to. And then she took his hand when he offered his to her. After they were in the cab, she said, "I have been looking forward to today." And it was true. It was something she had not done, for one thing, and for another, it was finally a chance to move on after so long. She waited until he was settled, and reached over to touch his arm in an easy manner, "I look forward to trying t'is food you speak of, too. It sounds like it will be fun."

And then her hand moved to her lap. As they rolled out, she did not put her attention elsewhere for very long. Her eyes shifted from the window back to him, and not in that awkward stare kind of way. If he looked, he would see curiosity... And he would probably also notice that she had an interesting color of brown eyes... Sort of like sandy colored caramel, with a darker brown ring outside and dark brown flecks within. "How was your day today?"

That smell of roses couldn't be helped, obviously, she could only control what the smell was, not how potent. She did not notice that that cab driver was checking her out through the rear view mirror. The old man looked like he was interested in scoring her number, but at least he was polite enough to keep silent about that, even if he kept casting kind of creepy looks her way, and kind of envious looks his way.

Helping her into the cab and quickly giving the guy the go ahead, they were off. It was officially a date at this point and he had to agree with Xavia, he had been looking forward to this. She was, interesting and smart and funny. When she reached out to touch him he also had slightly less, innocent thoughts. Yeah OK, he had to admit she was sexy as hell, although he'd never say that too her. "Fun's why we're after all lass."

Losing his focus a little as they moved, he had to wonder why she'd wanted a date from him. He'd hardly been charming during their meetings, either bouncing between sarcastic jokes or good old politeness. Who knows. This was hardly how he usually got most of his dates anyway so maybe going with the flow and enjoy the moment. "Pretty good actually. With so much free time I was finally able to just sit and relax with a book all morning, after that I spent a couple hours with a volunteer programme I give some time too." Working with kids was pretty fulfilling after all and Sarah loved it when he was there.

"After that I just headed home, spent a little time cleaning. Oh and came over to yours, of course. What about yourself, how was your day?" As he asked, he kept catching glimpses of the cabbie in the rear view mirror. Aye, he'd couldn't begrudge a guy taking glimpse at a pretty lass, he done it himself and more than one lass had openly done the same to him, but he was taking the p--- right now. As soon as Xavia was distracted he caught the guys eyes with a pretty level stare, the kind he'd gotten good at recently.

Some people, just couldn't be polite could they. 

Xavia continued to expertly not notice, aka, ignore the dude. She was used to stares and even being obsessed over. He didn't bother her. Her eyes were, of course, only on Artair, and she was being attentive to his reply to her question. "I had a very good day... I did some soul searching last night and made peace wit' many t'ings... Today is... lighter." She was speaking softly but candidly.

"It is funny how t'e past has a way of holding on for a long time until you decide to break t'e chain yourself. If you hadn't come up to me in restaurant, Artair, I would never have taken time to t'ink about what held me back. Do you know, it was like taking fresh air in? If for some reason, you don't want to go beyond tonight, I... I at least want you to know t'at you aren't getting rid of me at least as a friend."

She actually gave a little bit of a laugh... It was something light but throaty, and not at all annoying. "I know it is much to say right away, but I wanted to be honest." With that, she hugged his arm some and then let go, assuming he let her hug the arm.

Moving his gaze back to Xavia and paying close attention as she spoke, he had to admit, she did look more peaceful, more at ease and just just around him. Like it was something, more. There was certainly a noticeable change from their last two meetings. Rather than comment he just sat and listened attentively, reaching out with a reassuring hand on her shoulder when the conversation got more personal. He was genuinely glad she was feeling a least a little better.

"Thank you Xavia, for the honesty, it seems to be a thing for us, which is probably good. I can't promise you anything lass, that we'll be happily together for a long time or not, but thats what these first few dates are for, testing the water, seeing if we have chemistry. I don't know how I feel yet, whether me liking you is as a friend or something more, but I want to figure that out with you. And trust me, no matter what we will be friends, That I can promise."

He didn't want to give her false hope, no matter how cruel he felt or how much it made him feel guilty. In the end, she deserved the truth, more than any person he'd dated in the past, she deserved to know if he was in or out. This time, he just wished he could at least give it a shot. "I've said before, I'm not good at relationships, so even if it goes further I don't know for how long. But I can say this, I do like you Xavia. Why don't we find out together how."

Good job lad, way to be romantic, shut a girls hopes down on the first date and keep them there. Way to go.

"Artair... I am in no rush for anyt'ing. T'is dating t'ing is new to me. I won't lie and say I am not deeply attracted to you. I actually tried not to be but sometimes it just happens. But for me, I t'ink a date is a good baby step... If somet'ing happens, great! I just... Want to feel like I am wort' t'e effort. I want to know what it's like to live, you know?" She looked down at her hand that his hand was over, and she turned her palm up so she could give his hand a squeeze.

"I like you because you respect me. And you're pretty good looking... and funny... And charming as hell. I will still like you if you look at me and say t'ere can't be anyt'ing." And why was it so blasted easy to tell him this stuff when it felt like pulling teeth with Jupiter? Was it because she was older? She didn't know, but he was just... so personable?

In other words, she let him know that there was not going to be false hope because she was of the same mind set as he was about the whole thing, there was nothing to be worried about. He was doing it the right way! He was being truthful and upfront with her, which was nice after her humiliation with Geo. He wasn't kissing her and then telling her no, it wasn't happening. And he wasn't chasing after her like most guys... She kinda chased him a little. And it wasn't even like she was trying to go for more than friendship to begin with, it was just... Well... There was something about him that had her wanting to know more about him and maybe let him close if he was of the same mind, that was all.

The cab eventually pulled to a stop at the destination, and she would let Artair pay this time, because he would probably want to anyways... He had tried when they were not on a date, when they had first met. It was funny how a burn caused this date to eventually happen... A burn he still took blame for even though it wasn't his fault. A burn he had gingerly cared for and done his best not to let it hurt any more than it did; the very reason there was an attraction on her part. She pondered this over the course of a few minutes, but the silence from her was not an awkward one, just a thoughtful one.

Returning the squeeze, he couldn't fathom how she could think she wasn't worth the effort. She was smart and funny and kind. She cared so much about people, even more than that she wanted the best life possible for her daughter, a life better than hers had been. That was amazing, in more ways than one.

"Charming, me? You sure you're not mistaking me for another, maybe less grumpy red head?" yeah he could say the right things in a bar or club to get a person interested, usually after that the accent did the rest of the work. "Never been called that before, but I do respect the hell out of you, who couldn't? You're a teacher, singer, entrepreneur and mother all in one go, while also being one of the most beautiful people I've met." It wasn't just the fact she was attractive, she was, it was everything put together all the big and little parts that made her just awesome.

As they pulled up and the conversation fell away, he was glad to be here. Sharing food with someone like Xavia would be a memory he had a feel he would always cherish, no matter the outcome. Paying their peeking driver, although he was tempted not to tip him he did anyway to just not start any stupid fights tonight. Sliding out and offering his companion a hand again, "Ready for a nice meal with a, in your words mind, charming Scotsman?" he asked jokingly, giving her a grin.

Tonight was going to be so much fun.

"Well, you charmed me." She gave a shrug and a grin as she replied to his question as to whether she was mistaken or not. "Anyone who can sit wit' a nervous woman and make them less nervous is doing somet'ing right. Also, you are t'e only Scotsman I know, Artair. I know plenty of English, but only you are from Scotland." She found herself not removing her hand from his grip, the exchange was rather nice and comfortable. "As for t'e rest... Most of it is to keep my mind occupied so I do not t'ink of bad t'ings... T'ough I realize more and more lately t'at maybe I need to let ot'er people do some of the work."

Her eyes met his again and he would be able to see them crinkle at the corners. And then she would give him that smile again... Not the grin, the smile... The one that he seemed so taken with. Not that it was her intention to charm him with said action, it was just that she felt the need to smile. After all, she was where she wanted to be at that moment. Then he asked if she was ready, and she nodded, letting him pay he cabby and then help her out of the car. Actually, she really liked that he was being a gentleman in that aspect. She still ignored the rude driver.

"I am excited to try t'is food you say is good." She said once out on the pavement of the sidewalk. She glanced over to the entry of the place they were going to eat at and a distant memory tugged, but it was only that. Was this place new and had been remodeled from a place she had once performed or had she passed it by? She wasn't sure but it gave way to a slight pucker in her forehead that lasted maybe a few moments.

Artair was glad he could make her smile, help her calm down when she was upset, it just wasn't something he'd ever considered himself good at. Normally he was more, caustic, more standoffish, maybe they way they'd had their first meeting had something to do with it? Well, if he made her laugh he wasn't going to complain, she had a good one after all. "Well, we're here for just that purpose then, no bad thoughts tonight! Just fun, happiness and food fit for the gods."

Reluctantly letting go of her hand, he glanced in to see it was fairly quiet. Sure they had reservations but somehow places like this felt more intimate and personal when there weren't that many people around, just the odd couple enjoying a romantic night out. "In we go then, and trust me, there'll be something on the menu you fancy. I've rarely met a person who hates everything the french can cook." They were pretty good at it after all and they hands down won when it came to breakfast food. Who could argue with fresh croissants?

Leading her in and holding the door for her, he approached the maitre d' giving him their reservation information, under his name since he'd booked it and they were quickly and professionally shown to their table and were soon seated with menus and a wine list. "Been a while since I had a chance to eat here, and I can't imagine someone else I'd prefer to share an experience like this with Xavia." He was already pretty sure what he wanted to eat, but Xavia's mention of duck had stoked up a little bit of interest in him and there was always a starter to consider. "There anything jumping out at you? Now that you put it in my head the duck is sounding very tempting."

"Sounds like a good plan," she said in reply to his comment about positivity. Really, he hadn't been caustic or standoffish at all, he had gotten up to check on her and make sure she was alright, even if it scared the hot beverage out of her hands. It wasn't just about that, though. There was something deeper about him than he would let most people see, and she caught a glimpse.

"I am sure. I like trying new t'ings." A soft nod later, and she was thinking about the lingering warmth in her palm from the connection of their hands for a short time. He opened the door for her and she walked in, she paused and touched his arm, then walked in and then he walked in, where he would talk to the host and they would soon be seated.

She would look through the starters, "Mmm... Flageoletand Lemon Celery Tartines sound like t'ey would be delicious. And maybe I should try t'e Ratatouilli as you suggest. T'ere are a lot of t'ings to choose from," she said seriously as she flipped through the pages. Of course there would be someone offering a bottle of wine, and she bit her lip, then looked up to the man, "I t'ink I would prefer a seltzer water wit' lemon, please..." She was not sure a glass of wine would sit well with the peanut she was nurturing, and also knew that wine wasn't so good for drinking when pregnant. She was not about to be sad about it, though. After the man took Artair's drink order, she grinned at him about the duck thing.

"Hey, if duck is what you are after, go for it. Promise you won't offend me or gross me out." And she meant it.