"That sounds pretty good, and its hard to argue with french pastries. I think I'll go for the french onion soup for start, never had it before and today's seems like a good time to try new things." He was still pondering his main when the sommelier came for their drinks order and he nearly kicked himself for forgetting she was pregnant. Of course she wouldn't want wine. That was fine though, while french food went hand in hand with lovely wines, it wasn't the best part and honestly, he wasn't feeling up to drinks tonight. "I'll just have sparkling water please, with lemon as well."

Grinning back, he'd been thinking on it and frankly he wanted that ratatouille. "Oh I wouldn't do that, I think. But I've talked it up to you and now all I can think of getting is one myself as well. Seems like a night for something stewed to me." It was one of his all time favourites from his visits as a kid and he was glad he could share it with Xavia. Getting people trying foods they haven't had a chance too was a pretty good feeling after all.

Was that their orders sorted, already? That was quick, usually when he went out there was always that one person uming and ahing over their order for like twenty minutes. "Well then, now that orders are sorted I have got a question for you if you don't mind of course." Assuming she was fine he continued, "How did you come to work as a teacher up at Xaviers? And what kind of things do you teach? It's always something I find fascinating." He had massive respect for teachers, they had a hard and often thankless job and it was vital for people to do it.

"Hoping t'is one tastes okay. Menu said it was Vegan, but t'e butter does make a difference and it is hard to find a good pastry wit'out it. I t'ink t'e food will be delicious, t'ough." She grinned as she replied to the first part. She waited patiently and quietly for him to finish ordering himself a drink, and found herself mildly surprised at him choosing not to have wine. She was not going to ask if it was because of her and the baby, especially since it was still hard to talk about and she wanted to not feel like an overly emotional lady just for asking a simple question.

"All of it sounds good. I look forward to trying t'ese t'ings." Xavia nodded and relaxed. The chair was nice and comfortable, the atmosphere in the restaurant was nice, and there was a very attentive and nice guy sitting across from her, making sure to point out different things and offering to share something he seemed to very much enjoy. She was enjoying this dating thing so far and found herself hoping the night would end with him at least asking for another, if nothing else.

Then he seemed almost too serious when he said he had a question, but any worry she might have had over this was short lived, for he went on to ask about her job. Her smile softened, and she said, "It is a long story. Not all of it is good, fair warning, but I am okay to talk about it now." She went on to tell a shortened version of the long story, how she had been at her sweet sixteen and her friends were all killed and she was kidnapped, then released for a few years. The second time she had been kidnapped had brought her to New York City, and she had been rescued by a young man that had something to do with animals, and that he had brought her to the mansion for safe haven. "I never forget what he did for me or what t'e people at mansion did for me..." She explained about the fact she was prone to getting hurt and was always seeking help, though reluctantly. "So at one point, and it took several years for me to make t'e choice, I decide I would do all I could to help. I am not schooled, I did not even graduate high school, but I supposed t'ey could overlook t'at because of how much t'ey needed staff at t'e time."

As she started to answer his question, he hadn't really expected such a response. Her life had been hard, by any standards but the fact she kept turning each bit of her own pain to something positive was amazing and frankly a little humbling. Sure his early life had been difficult, really difficult, but he'd never been in a situation like Xavia's, being so at someone else's mercy or watching the people you love suffer and die while you felt so helpless. Christ the fact she was even functional let alone as bright and active as she was impressed him. Resting his hand over hers, he looked her in the eyes with all the sympathy he had. "That's incredible, and thanks for sharing something so personal, I know it's not easy telling people about your past pains."

He was glad he could bring a little bit of happiness into her life, even if they went no further than this he had that to hold tight. "I can see why they wanted you as a teacher though, not everything you can learn you get through a formal education, in fact the best lessons I ever learnt were from the kind words of a nurse or friend more than a teacher." He respected doctors, how could he not after how awesome they'd been with him, but he loved nurses. They were the heroes in every hospital.

Barely looking up as their drinks arrived, he just sat there with Xavia, gently letting her know he was there, with her. Artair didn't know why he didn't feel awkward in her company, or by the way he was acting, it just felt natural. Although that fact just confused him even more, he could sort that out later, now they were just here for a nice meal together.

Her eyes lifted to his face and she searched his gaze with her own, she felt his hand on hers and she gave an unwavering smile. "Artair... I told you t'at I did some soul searching, and t'is was one of the t'ings t'at popped up." A shoulder lifted gently. "Among many ot'er t'ings like Delilah's fat'er and t'is baby. I just... Get tired of feeling like I am swallowed up by t'ese t'ings, and I am tired of being frightened." She gave a laugh that wasn't of amusement, but rather, emotion. "I want to live... I want to stop hiding in my work, and I want to be happy."

She licked her lips and looked down to take a deep breath. "Sometimes you just have to hit a certain point before you realize what you miss out on because you are hiding yourself away from life. My point hit. Simple as t'at." And that was all she said about it. Her palm turned up again and she squeezed his hand, lifting her eyes, which were more of a golden color with the shift of her emotions. But this wasn't a bad or scary thing that just happened, it was her basically letting him know of the trust she had in him as even just a friend, if nothing else.

She moved some things out of the way, then leaned over the table to brush her lips lightly across his cheek as a means of thanks, if he let her. And when it came time to pull back, she hesitated for a few breaths, but then she sat back down (If he let her pull back). Just in time, too, for their drinks soon arrived. She thanked the man, then lifted the drink to her lips to sip. It was cold and refreshing.

Returning her squeeze with one of his own, his didn't really know how to respond. It was like she'd laid out his own issues, the parts he'd managed years ago and the ones he was still struggling with. Was he really ready to be happy? Could he actually let someone in for once, or was he going to burn another relationship down, hurt yet another person in process.

His internal questions got short circuited, pretty damn well he had to admit, when she kissed him. The effect was like electricity running up his spine, God when was the last time a woman had that kind of effect on him? It couldn't be just one thing and as much as hated to say it, he couldn't help but breath in the scent on roses she brought with her. Every time she was close he'd noticed it, maybe even looked forward to it, but was that just the smell or was it the person attached to it he was actually pleased to see?

Apparently he did, just as she lingered he kissed her back, gently bringing his lips to meet hers just for a second before he broke it off. Moving back with what he imagine was a pretty shocked look, he stared at this strange woman. After all this how could he still be confused? Did he like her or not? Why the hell couldn't this be easy! "Well, can't say I was expecting that Xavia, from either of us frankly. Not sure what to say now, not a usual thing for me," a light joking grin forming, "but I think it's fair to say there'll be another date. You make some very convincing arguments."

When he brought his lips to hers instead of her just kissing his cheek, she didn't shy away from it, but rather... Opened up to it. It was weird and nice and freaky at the same time. Hell, if he had lingered just a touch longer, it would have been more than just a little kiss. He would probably feel as she kind of... breathed into it, like it was fresh air to her. And there was no shame on her part. Not one single drop. Her eyes were half closed as she sat back in her chair and watched him openly. This was the part where she usually ran away, the part where letting someone in frightened her to pieces... Oh man, she kind of lost track of what she was thinking about.

But then he spoke and she gave that smile again, the one he evoked upon her face... Her cheeks were pleasantly flushed from the rush of the action, her lips slightly swollen. God, but she didn't want to be a lady right then. Or maybe that was pregnancy hormones kicking in and telling her to take him home with her and be reckless as all hell... He certainly knew how to kiss a girl, that was for sure.

And in the back of her throat was that sound she had made before. She was distracted by the thought of a second date with him. "I'd love to, if you want." Her voice was husky. She took a deep breath to get hold of herself and took another drink of the water. The waiter was approaching now. Good, that would give her a moment to clear the fog from her head... Oh, and not giggle like a little girl for what just happened.

That had been pretty intense, he really hadn't expected his actions but her just responding to him set his blood pumping loudly in his ears. He was good, great even after something that had been over in an instant, how did she have this powerful an effect on him? Taking a quick drink and lapsing into silence, it was comfortable just sitting there quietly, their hands still linked and just looking into her eyes. No matter what happened between them, Artair knew today would always be special to him.

"After that kiss, its pretty hard to not want another one," he kept his voice light, still making jokes while off balance. God he was never like this, getting flustered or knocked off his game from something as simple as a kiss. What, was he fifteen again? Full of insecurities and lacking confidence. He'd come a long way since he was that kid and then Xavia comes along and makes him feel like a fish out of water, not really knowing what he wanted or where to go. "But from the sounds of it I'm not the only one who enjoyed that little surprise. Is someone having a good time?"

It wasn't long until their starters arrived and he was more than happy for the distraction from the, other things his mind kept wanting to circle back too. At his food tasted great, all rich and cheesy but with that nice sweet and bitter onion bite. Sure french food wasn't the healthiest thing ever, but you couldn't fault the results. "Mmm, that was a good call on the soup. How're the tartines? They look great." 

"Mmmhmm." She hummed appreciatively at his comment about kissing again. "Just take one." There, she said it. She had dropped the invitation to make free with the kissing if he so pleased... Her eyes were warm as she continued to smile at him. "Having a wonderful time.

And then the starters were set in front of them, looking pretty tasty. Xavia took up one of the forks, the appropriate one, and took a bite of that pastry. Her eyes lit with pleasure. Oh man, amazing. " Good call, Artair," she murmured with a sigh. And then she proceeded to eat the food slowly, savoring each bite with appreciation. How did she not know?! She would have to get a hold of the recipe for this so her mom could make it. She wished there was more, but portion sizes were delicate for starters.

The whole time they enjoyed their first course, she kept her free hand in his unless he needed both to eat. This was new and alien feeling for both of them, it seemed, to know that they each enjoyed each other. She was about halfway done with her starter when she met his gaze again, "What about you? Are you having a nice time?" Not that there was a need to ask, but she was attentive to him.

An eyebrow shot up at that. She had a bold side now didn't she, after she'd stolen a kiss. He had stolen one back though so maybe they were even, for now. It was great she was enjoying it though, he'd been worried about this date for a few days now, hoping he could show her a fun time and help her get some nice memories. He knew how important those were for when stuff really was bad.

"Who could possibly be having a bad time now. A lovely meal, great company," pausing slightly and giving her a cheeky grin, "a surprise kiss. Whats not to love?" He could probably say this was one of the best dates he'd been on, most of the people he had one with had been just a bit too immature to really enjoy the conversation and time with. But Xavia? She was something else. "Been too long since I've been able to just sit with someone over a meal and talk, with how hectic uni was it's nice to be able to relax, enjoy life a little."

His thumb started idly tracing patterns into her hand, he didn't even realise he'd been doing it until he felt the scars on her hands. Had they always been there? Strange, he hadn't really noticed them before and he was usually pretty good at spotting the signs. He had enough experience with them himself. Finishing his starter with a very satisfied sound and taking a long drink to cleanse his palate, he turned his attention back on his companion. "Thank you, for being truthful with me back at the mansion. I'm really enjoying tonight,"

"T'e food is really delicious," she said as she finished her starter. And then as he said stuff about the date in general, good company, the kiss, she lowered her lashes and said, "I wasn't expecting you to steal a kiss on t'e lips but I liked it." And he was distracting her to no end with what he was doing with his thumb. She bit into her bottom lip to keep from making that noise again. She wasn't sure he knew he was getting to her... Big time. She was now gazing at him with half mast eyes.

"I am glad... too.." she mumbled, and then... Then their second round of food was brought and she stared at the stewed veggies, her mouth quite dry at this point. She drained her glass of club soda, then hesitated on her food just for the fact her mind was quite elsewhere at the moment. She wasn't thinking like a lady right at the moment, she was imagining un-lady-like things, and if he only knew... The heat crept up the back of her neck as she forced her gaze open wider, and she bit her bottom lip again.

And the thing was, it wasn't even an awkward thing. If he looked, he would see what he was doing and either stop, or keep going, simple as that. There were signs, man, signs! She would be in his bed if he kept going. There was no hiding it. Her attention was all on him, not on the food.

He might be unobservant most times but it was hard to not see that Xavia was enjoying her self more than just a bit. The look she was giving him nearly brought a blush to his cheeks. Just as he'd been getting his balance again she goes and knocks him right back down, but damn was it one hell of a way to lose composure again. Thank god their food came and dragged him out of his less than noble thoughts or they might have both wanted to leave early.

Pulling his hand back slowly, letting his fingers trail hers as he did. Artair was having fun being not the only one thrown through a loop, at least they were both fumbling here and there. Clearing his throat before starting, "Smells great doesn't it? Don't sit on ceremony though, dig in. Plenty of time later for, other distractions." Okay so he still couldn't keep himself from cracking jokes but she made it so easy and frankly he liked it when she smiled. If all it took was a few jokes to get that, well that was a sacrifice he could make.

Digging into his food, it tasted better than he remembered. The sauce and the veg just mixed so perfectly, making them almost have a sweetness from the tomatoes. This was the taste of home to him, a hearty and wholesome meal that filled the stomach and warmed the heart, who could ask for more?

She closed her eyes when his finger trailed away. It didn't help. Not one bit. There was an intake of breath, then that sound she had fought against coming out. Sh**. She closed her eyes against the lingering heat his hand had left on hers, then pulled her hand back as well. Then she looked down at her food, and made herself take a bite.

It was delicious, but she couldn't speak right at the moment. "Mmm..." she said, as soon as she swallowed, closing her eyes again to basically try to will herself not to think of the way his thumb had pressed just so on scars. She was not going to be able to concentrate for a few minutes at least. She tried at that point to think thoughts that were far from attractive... Dirty diapers... Think of the dirty diapers you will have to change in less than nine months... Screaming babies... Unbalanced washing machine... Jerky students who don't follow the rules... Umm... Ummm... That kiss he gave me...

With a shaky sigh, she bent her head doggedly to eat her food. It was too late, she was wanting something... To not be a lady. "It really is good food," she said, her voice really low and husky at this point. There was no denying the red flush that filled her cheeks. It made for a really pretty picture. "I really like it. T'ank you for bringing me here." There, she thought. Now he would know she was at least trying to be good.

Plenty of time, exactly. Right? So why did she want to be finished with dinner and forgo other things? Damn, what a pickle. She ate her food as slow as she could muster, which wasn't that slow at all.

This might be going to far now, any more and he had a feeling neither of them were going home alone and right now, with how confused he was that didn't seem right to him. Or fair to her. Even if he really wanted to later, or she did. It probably would be a bad idea. He just needed to keep telling himself that. The sounds she kept making were really not making the logic parts of his brain work in any useful fashion.

"Don't mention it, I'm enjoying being able to share this with you," and it was hard to think on a better first date he could have, which was interesting considering her own lack of experience and the current, tension between them. Trying to focus on her eyes instead of any of the other signs she was giving him, "Do have to say it's funny we've gotten this far without an injury. I was almost worried we were cursed or something before. Glad to see we can meet each other without that hanging over our heads." OK, he didn't really believe in curses but damn some things were too coincidental.

Polishing off his meal relatively quickly and taking a couple of long, slow gulps of his water, the meal had helped focus him up a bit. Cooled him down a fair bit too which was for the best, as much as he'd been enjoying it.

Waiting for her to finish and their plates to get removed, he asked the major question. "So, desserts? Don't tell me you're too full to try one." Yeah, that's why she'd want to skip desserts. No other reason lad, keep telling yourself that and who knows, it could be true.

"I do not eat desserts much," she said honestly, "I work too hard to eat sweets." And she meant it. How else would she have those gams he liked looking at so much, or the svelt form he seemed to like too. Aye, she knew he looked. She nodded as the dishes were bussed, and she, who had avoided looking at him while she was eating, looked up at him and she said quite softly, "I am not always accident prone now." She chuckled and then dropped her gaze, clearly not able to shake things. "I will be right back," she said and stood up, heading for the bathroom to try and clear her mind of the things she thought about.

She made it to the bathroom and freshened up. The bathroom attendant offered a spray of perfume until she caught a whiff of roses drifting into her nostrils, then asked Xavia about it and Xavia said, "It is my own personal scent. It cannot be replicated." The woman nodded, thinking she understood what Xavia meant when she probably didn't. Xavia adjusted her dress and such, took one of those dissolving things that freshened breath and did put it on her tongue, then said goodbye to the attendant.

She walked back toward their table, telling herself that she would sit back down and he would pay the check. But that idea flew out the window as soon as she laid her eyes on him. She walked up to him, leaned in, and pressed her mouth to his unless he decided to stop her. And this wasn't like the first one, this one was straight up just... wow... If ever there was a time that fireworks could explain a kiss, that was probably it right there. Then she pulled away and said, "I wasn't going to do t'at but... I couldn't help it. We should probably leave before people start staring." And she gave a soft chuckle before pulling further away.

To each their own he supposed, and it had been a pretty good date anyway, there was nothing wrong with bringing it to a natural end. At that was the vibe he got before she headed off to the bathroom, even as heated as things were getting. Finishing off his water and asking for the bill, he spent a good few minutes breathing deeply and running through a calming method he'd learnt in lectures. Did wonders actually as the more cold, logical part of his brain finally wrested control back and made a few good, sound points on why things shouldn't go any further tonight.

Xavia though, made one very convincing argument when she came back. If the kiss before had been electricity, this one was pure lightning, turning his mind blank and all his senses up to eleven. Artair was responding before his brain could even turn the gears and when she pulled away he was breathing harder than he really should be. "That's a good idea, Don't want to give to poor folks in here a show after all." Really? Logic was turned off but his brain could still crack jokes?

Paying and leaving a very generous tip, the staff looked fairly amused by what they'd seen and he couldn't blame them. A confident Scot had just been reducing to doing a very good fish out of water impression.

Offering Xavia and arm and then moving out of the restaurant, holding the door like before, they were soon standing outside and it felt far warmer than it should for so late. "Xavia, unless I'm reading things wrong here, and feel free to call me an eejit if I am being one, but I feel like a certain question needs to be asked." Pausing slightly, he was already on the precipice, he might as well jump. "Your place or mine?"