“Mr. Maddox?”<br/><br/>It’d taken next to nothing to find out where he’d worked. Starting out by following the snapchats he sent Chrystal, the backgrounds, and snippets of visible work. Then, googling his name to find the place of business.<br/><br/>Then the excuse.<br/><br/>It was simple, really, and that just led to how innocent he really was, if he were so easy to find. But, that wasn’t proof, not by any means. So, this meant something more…hands-on. And, where Chrystal had been ignoring messages for a while now, it meant doing it themselves.<br/><br/>Gathering up her computer, she’d taken to his company, and signed in at the desk downstairs. A short elevator ride, and then it was a sea of cubicles.<span style="font-style: italic">But which one…?</span>she’d asked herself. Someone walking by with a bunch of papers in his hand caught her attention, and she stopped him, asking for where she could find who she sought. After that, it was really just a matter of navigating the maze of programming “cages” until she got to the right one.<br/><br/>So, there she stood, laptop case slung over her shoulder as she stood in front of him, a professional smile on her lips as she held her hand out. “I was told you were the one to speak to in regards to any programming feats I need accomplished?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Two days had passed and to him it almost felt like they crawled by, sure they shared texts and even a phone call from time to time, but he missed being around her. It was obvious again at work, his attitude upbeat and pleasant, a slight tune hummed under his breath while he typed away at his computer. Systems being tweaked, code getting written and ever on his mind was Chrystal, which is likely the reason why he had not noticed the woman who stood before him right off. It was when he sat back from the screen for a bit that his mind finally took note of her voice and overall presence.  <br/> <br/>“Oh!” with a rush he lurched to his feet and in the process knocked a stack of files that had been perched near the edge. “Oh crap! I'm sorry!” he knelt and started to gather up his mess, while also respond to her initial statement. “Um...well....I am really good with computers, so then yes I would be able to perform amazing programming feats for you,” he looked up from where he knelt and gave his best smile. “What is the help you are looking for?”</span><br/><br/>Emilia hardly moved, barely breathed, hand still out held while she waited for him to notice her.<span style="font-style: italic">…She picked a singularly-focused one, didn’t she?</span>came a wry thought, though her outer demeanor didn’t change.<span style="font-style: italic">Not sure if that’s a good thing…or a bad thing…</span><br/><br/>But, when he did finally did notice, it took a great deal of restraint not to facepalm.<span style="font-style: italic">…Further proving his innocence…or, nerdom, at least…</span>She remained poised, hand still out held for a while longer before finally dropping it as he clearly wouldn’t be shaking it any time soon. Looking at it for a moment, she shook her head and pressed on. “I’ve seen similar programs utilized by other companies, but I’ve yet to find someone who can match it satisfactorily enough for me to do what’s needed.”<br/><br/>A pause. “…However, I’ll wait to get into the details of it all until you’re up off the floor and back in sorts,” she added, offering her hand to him, again, this time to help him up.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> He replaced the paperwork and then took her offered hand, though he held on to it a bit longer to shake it with a bit of enthusiasm. “We have like a meeting, conference room set up that we use to discuss business. Want to go in there and we can discuss the details?” he offered.</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Strong grip,</span>was the first thing she thought when she shook his hand. “The conference room would be wonderful. Lead the way, then, Mr. Maddox, as we’ve much to discuss.” Her eyes looked down at their hands, and then back up at him with a perked brow. “…If I could have my hand back?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Oh! Right!” he said and blushed despite himself as he released her hand. “Um, you can just call me Elijah and you are?” he asked as he led her toward the way to the conference room.</span><br/><br/>Following after him, she noted the blush. “Elijah, are you always on a first-name basis with clients?” she asked, her voice thoughtful as she spared a glance in his direction.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “I am usually on a first name basis with everyone. I feel it helps us to get to know one another faster and start to build a foundation of trust, Ms....” he asked again for her name, his hand on the door which he opened for her.</span><br/><br/>“Aarons. Emilia Aarons,” she replied, walking into the door he’d opened with an accompanying, “Thank you”. Then, putting her bag on the table, she started pulling things out, documents and her laptop with a comparative to show when they reached that point. “Now, is there anything you can’t do, programming-wise, when it comes to linking technology to each other?”<br/><br/>“Emilia, please,” came her easy response. “And that’s good to hear…because I need to be able to keep track of a few things that I’ve needed to replace far too many times.” She paused again while rifling through her papers. “Employees keep ‘losing’ the phones we give them, and keep trying to use the cars we provide for things other than work. I need to have everything linked to one program so that, when things go missing, I can find them. I’ve the serial numbers and such to link them if you can somehow get a program up and running for it? I’ve got lojacks on cars now, but the phones are harder….Anything you can do?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Well, Emilia,” he started, a seat taken beside her. “That is actually something that I can easily do. I can install a program that runs on the operating system of the phones, so they can't shut it off. Then we can just link that with the cars lojack systems to a central program I can make for you, which will alert you of the constant whereabouts of the phones and vehicles. A detailed list could be generated and sent directly to your email on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis. Just a matter of what you preferred,” he smiled, a level of enthusiasm in his voice at the prospect of working on something new. “When were you looking to get this done by?”</span><br/><br/>Listening to him talk about it was almost infectious, the excitement that his voice held for the project at hand growing on her; It was a nice change of pace from the usual associates she worked with on a daily basis. “Before we talk deadlines, I've another question: I can’t take the phones from our employees for a day, however, to link them without throwing off business as a whole. It’s money I can’t afford to lose. Is there a way to, if I produce serial numbers and such, to do it remotely?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> He thought this over for a moment then nodded, “Yes. If you could send out mass text to alert them that a system update is coming and have them all connect to some wifi for a moment that would be really easy to do. I can upload the file into an overall system update. It will shut the phones off and then reboot which will have the new program instantly activated and we would be good to go.” A broad smile at his own idea, “What kind of work does your company do?” now interested in the company he would be working for.</span><br/><br/>“Security and investigations, with a smattering of transportation thrown in,” she replied with a smile. “We provide our clients with security, intel gathering, and do so with the utmost discretion. Needless to say, when one phone goes down or turns up missing…it’s devastating.” With a nod as she wrote a few things down for her own notes, she turned her eyes back to his. “Now, how fast do you think a system like this could be put together and in working order? Money is no object, if that plays a part? I just need a system that’s reliable and won’t interfere with our daily business handlings.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Another pause in thought, “I can get a working model up as soon as...Friday. Like a beta version that I can test with some of my own equipment and then work out any bugs.” Another pause, his eyes cast up to the ceiling, lips moved silently as he did whatever calculations he did in his head. “I should be able to have this completely up and going in about three weeks. If you need it sooner than that I could push myself with some overtime and have it done within two weeks. Does that work for you?”</span><br/><br/>“If you push it, I can pay you extra? Though, I wouldn’t want to put your personal life at risk solely because I’m asking you to work overtime to complete this project. Do you have any commitments in the next couple of weeks that take precedent?” Emilia asked next, tone curious and thoughtful.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Without hesitation he nodded his head, “Yes. But, for you I could instead of working late come in early in the morning and work, plus take some of the work home.” A smile, genuine and pure came to his lips as he thought about the commitment he had, “Besides, the extra money would allow for me to treat someone to a fun time.” The smile lingered and his eyes kept an almost dreamy quality to them, “So, do we have a deal?”</span><br/><br/>“Ooooh,” came the beginning of a reply, her eyes taking on a light of humor. “So there’s a special someone waiting for you, hmm? And, coming in early won’t leave you too tired for them? All the money in the world won’t make for a good date if the date falls asleep during,” she added before glancing down at his hand. “You’re not married…so, it’d have to be a…girlfriend? Fiancée? Boyfriend? If I may pry, of course.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> This only caused him to blush more and he just gave a shrug while he looked down. “Um...there is a woman that I just started to see. Only had a first official date, but we have a second one coming up. I plan on trying to make it as special as possible,” he looked up to meet her gaze then. “It is hard to fall asleep when you just want to be around them, you know?” another shrug more blush and then he looked back to the project at hand. “I think you will be happy with this project. I can even file paperwork to copyright the work, so that only you are able to use it without someone having to pay you first.”</span><br/><br/>Her inner monologue was far more excited than she let on outwardly. She offered him an empathetic smile, nodding as he spoke of just how much she’d gotten under his skin already.<span style="font-style: italic">Sounds like you’ve gotten further than we were giving you credit for…</span>Emilia thought to herself, her smile growing a touch. “It sounds like I’ll be ecstatic with this project, and I’d be extremely grateful if you could copyright this for me.” Taking hold of his hand, her own touch warmer than Chrystal’s but nothing too off from the norm to register, she shook it. “Now, I guess all we need to do is talk payment: Would you like it now? In installments? Once the project is complete, bugs worked out?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> The touch made him smile and he looked down at the hand before he looked up at her once again, “How about a deposit now and then the full payment due when the project is done?”</span><br/><br/>“Sounds perfect,” she replied with a smile, releasing his hand to take out her paycheck. “Who should I make it out to?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Javelin Enterprises,” he stated. “Company gets most of the money, I just get to have a nice commission. And the deposit to start is 5k, with the balance to be paid up at the end another 5k,” he further explained. “So, Emilia, where did you hear about me?” he asked now somewhat curious which of his clients had recommended him to her.</span><br/><br/>“That is a story for another time,” she replied with a glance at her phone. “I’m actually running a bit behind schedule and need to meet with a client.” Finished filling out the check, she handed it over and got up from her seat, gathering her things. “If you need anything more, or have any questions about specifics, or even just to give an update, please don’t hesitate to call.” A card was left on the table with a smile. “I’ll show myself out.”<br/><br/>And with that, she was gone, running back to discuss with her “clients” exactly what she’d found.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> The card was tucked into a pocket, the check taken to accounting and then he was back to his desk and work. Not without a quick message to Chrystal first of course.  <br/> <br/>* So, I just got a new client. *</span><br/><br/>Her day had been going by steadily; Sunday’s were generally slower for her, so she would lackadaisically put things away, making sure to take her time lest she run out of things to entertain herself. Inputting a few new books into the system, and calling back a few agents to confirm author signings were the last on her agenda when she’d gotten the text from Elijah. As per her growing usual, her phone was kept within eye’s view so she could see when a new message came through, and picked up the moment something from him was received. A smile pulled at her lips as she read the message, replying in kind a few moments later.<br/><br/>*That’s great news! What is the project?*<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> He smiled as he typed out a response,  * Building some software for a client so that they can track their employees and make sure they are not misusing company products and time *</span><br/><br/>*Sounds like an important project! Does this mean your schedule will be changing and you’ll have actual…GASP!...Work to tend to?* she sent back, laughing a bit under her breath.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> He rolled his eyes but grinned,  * It means that I get a nice commission. Not like what I ever do is actual work anyway, you know, unlike that grueling career that you have. * He teased back.</span><br/><br/>*Hey, have you ever tried to get in the way of a desperate house-wife and her self-help book? It’s grueling and life-threatening* she replied back with a roll of her eyes. *But, since you have this big commission now, I can leave you be so you can get to work if you’d like? We all know how you lack focus when talking to me…*<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> * Well, when you talk to the person who makes you smile and think about interesting conversations and fine Italian cuisine, concentration is hard indeed. *</span><br/><br/>There was a blush that painted across her cheeks as she read the message, her smile turning shy as she lingered on the message a bit longer than needed, nibbling on her lip. *If I didn’t know any better, I’d say someone took over your body and sent that smooth text.* A pause before she sent the next message. * I’ll leave you be to focus; I wouldn’t want to be the cause of your loss of commission. Text me when you’re off work?*<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> * If you insist and most definitely. I was thinking of buying one of those television things and wanted the opinion of a professional. :P *</span><br/><br/>*GASP! You’re joining the world of the television watchers, too?! WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH ELIJAH?!*<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> * LOL! Well I thought we could do like a movie night or something at my place. So, I would need one of those things....right? *</span><br/><br/>*A movie night, huh? That -would- require some sort of device to watch it on, unless we’re going to watch it on our phones* she sent back, though her mind was already thinking on whether a movie night would be a good idea. He’d had a mini-freak out when they were at her house…not under date pretenses. Apartments should be off limits for a while yet, right? To keep him from feeling uncomfortable, and to keep her from making him feel uncomfortable.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> * My phone is not big enough to fully appreciate a movie or something * he paused for a moment in a text. * Mostly I just wanted your expert opinion, you know for when we do a movie night thing. Which probably won't be for a while as I have to like super clean my apartment....lol  That could take months! *</span><br/><br/>*Oh god, don’t tell me you’re a hoarder now, too? lol* she sent back. *A computer nerd who hoards…what do you have to clean up? Your comics? Computer programming books?*<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> * Har har. You so funny :P * He sent before he continued. * More that there are like towers of books around*</span><br/><br/>*Then I guess it’s a good thing you’ve got a few months, huh?* she sent with another laugh. *…I’ll leave you to it, otherwise this conversation will never get work done. Text me later.* And with that, she left her phone on her desk, finishing up the last few things she had to before the end of her work day.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Work went by in a flash, but he stayed a bit later to get started on his new project. When he left he called Chrystal and they talked as he walked home from work, arrangements being made for their date the following night. Arriving early to work he focused on the new project as much as he could, but it was hard. Though there had been arrangements made, they mostly centered around something she had planned and he was left mostly in the dark. All he knew was that he had to be at the place the parted the previous night and then she would take it from there. <br/> <br/>Filing, checking, double checking, coding and continual typing at the keys until at last it was time for him to clock out, head home to change before he went to meet her at 7:30 sharp.</span><br/><br/>That night had gone by relatively slow, doing what she normally did: ignoring text messages from Annelise. The only difference was that she now checked for notes, double checked locks, and tried to focus on the coming day ahead.<br/><br/>She wasn’t sure how the date would go over, unsure how he’d react as the date wasn’t…conventional. But, based on what she knew about him, she thought it’d be well received. Hoped, at least, that it’d be well received. At work, she made sure the last minute arrangements were figured, locking up after they closed at seven, and headed for her apartment. Only a brief stop at her apartment to change, and then she was at their designated meeting place, checking her phone occasionally, despite being early.<br/><br/>When he arrived, she smiled, greeting him with a small hug. “I see you found it here, alright, even if you’re slow…as per usual,” she teased. “How was the rest of work?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Soon as you teach me how to teleport,” he began while they embraced. “Then I promise I won't ever be slow,” he smiled as they stood close to one another. “It was not too bad. The new project has me busy, so I am not bored out of my mind between our conversations,” the smile shifted to a grin. “How about you? How was the rest of work for you?”</span><br/><br/>“It was fine,” she replied with a smile, taking hold of his hand to start leading the way to their date. “Boring, tedious, the highlight being our conversations when you were lost to the world of zeros and ones.” There was a pause as she glanced up at him. “I probably should have asked beforehand, but…you don’t have any allergies I should be aware of, do you?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> The feel of her hand as it slipped into his made him smile all the more, his mind mostly lost to the simple gesture to the point where he was a bit slow to respond. “Hmm? Oh...um...no. I am surprisingly not allergic to anything,” answer given without a thought. Then a few steps later, “Why?”</span><br/><br/>The pause had her worried, wondering if he had some allergy she’d have an issue with later. But, when he finally replied, a breath of relief tumbled free. “Because, thus far you’ve had the ability to order your food when we’ve hung out. This time, I took the liberty of handling the food, but didn’t think to ask beforehand…would have been a bit embarrassing had you bit into something and then blown up like a balloon.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “No, you are perfectly fine. I am not allergic to anything and now,” he gave her a slight nudge of his shoulder. “You have me very curious as to what we are doing this evening...”</span><br/><br/>“Well, you’ll find out shortly…” Steps halting, she moved in front of him, brow perked up, a playful smile on her lips. “But this is as far as you get with your vision…” Producing a blindfold from her back pocket she held it up. “Do you trust me?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Of course,” he surprised himself with how easily and freely he responded.</span><br/><br/>“Good! Then, hold still…” Stepping behind him, tying the blindfold about his eyes, careful not to make it too tight, she moved back around to the front, leaning in to try and see if she could see his eyes. “Now…can you see anything?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Nope," though his voice spoke with confidence he could not help the nervous energy that pulsed through his veins right now.</span><br/><br/>Her hand took hold of his again, leading the way at a slow and steady pace. Though not another word was said initially, she was constantly aware of him, of how close he was, of his nervous energy, coupled with her own.<span style="font-style: italic">Would he like this idea? What if he didn’t like it? What if this was way off base?</span>Panic started to set in the longer she thought about it, so she forced her mind to go blank.<br/><br/>Quietly, she pulled open a door to an establishment, making sure he was mindful of the step. Then, she led him down a flight of stairs—slowly, of course—and into another room, settling him into a seat and taking off the blindfold. “I hope this wasn’t a stupid idea…” came her voice with a nervous laugh.<br/><br/>They were in her bookstore, in the basement, a room not many people got to go to. The lighting was soft due to the fragile pages and book bindings surrounding them, a table in the center with their dinner, a complete Chinese menu, down to a dessert to finish it off. And, on a table off to the side was a first edition copy of “Don Quixote”. “I remember you’d said it was your favorite, so when it came in…I thought you’d like a viewing? You’ll have to wear gloves, of course, but…” Another shrug. “And, I got us Chinese, but figured it was a safe enough bet…and where you like books, I thought you might like to review the rest of our current stock? Um...” Her words tapered off. “…So…what do you think?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> The walk filled him with excitement, each step he thought that he might lose his composure. The sound of a door greeted him, along with the distinct scent of paper. Still confused and conflicted about where she took him, he licked his lips slowly as they were suddenly dry. Another door was opened and he was guided down this time a flight of stairs. Though the blindfold covered his eyes he could feel  change in the air, the slight change in temperate and the smell of dry well kept air. With the hint of something that made his stomach growl just a bit.   <br/> <br/>At last he was seated, his hands practically itched with the desire to remove his blindfold and yet somehow he managed to keep himself under control.  <br/> <br/>When at last she removed the blindfold, he could not even begin to take it all in. The food alone would have been more than enough for him, but then the fact that she remembered his favorite book and let him down to see a first edition copy of it. On top of that there were other rare books here as well for him to read and enjoy. Such thought and care to be taken on account of him, no one had done that for him not since his....mother.  <br/> <br/>“Chrystal....I...” his voice cracked with emotion. “I ….don't know what to say...” he stammered, gaze now on her own. “This is just....perfect. Thank you so much,” words finally made their way out of his mouth in a mostly coherent sentence. On impulse he pushed up from his chair and embraced her in a warm hug that lingered for a bit.</span><br/><br/>His voice cracking, though an indicator of a good emotion, had her worried that he didn’t like what she’d done. Her breath hitched, her heart skipped several beats, as he looked up at her, as he held that eye contact. And, until he said it was perfect, she was sure that she’d overstepped some unseen boundary, that it had too many ties to his mother, or grandmother, or that he’d think that this date wasn’t what he had in mind and wouldn’t like it.<br/><br/>But…the moment he thanked her, a genuine smile of relief took hold of her lips, only to disappear at the shock of his sudden movement to her. The hug was welcomed, though she tensed for a moment, melting into it and hugging him back, head naturally falling onto his shoulder while it continued. Sadly, though, like all good things, this came to a natural end, pulling back and moving to her own seat. Sliding her coat off and putting it over the chair, she grabbed up a pair of gloves.<br/><br/>“For you,” she said with a smile. “I’m just…glad you like it. I was worried…”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Worried?” he asked genuinely confused while he took the offered gloves and slipped them onto his hands. “This is beyond perfect, I mean you cared enough to remember me and what I like. To put this all together for me....I really cannot even begin to express how much this all means to me,” he practically gushed with gratitude.  <br/> <br/>He looked at the book as it rested on the table, slowly he reached for it but then hesitated and drew his hands back. “Just so....excited. Want to make sure I don't get over zealous and rip the pages,” he explained with a nervous grin. A deep breath was taken and he slowly opened the over, it was like a dream to him. “Is this for display?” he asked while he looked over page after page. “Or, is it possible to purchase it?”</span><br/><br/>Watching him looking over the book with such care had her own excitement piqued. It was like when she was a child and her parents would give her a present. That initial moment, she was so careful, so excited and afraid of ruining it, it’d take the shock of the gift wearing off before she felt she could use the gift properly.<br/><br/>“It’s for display mainly…” she started to answer, looking at the book from the other side of the table with him. “There is a price for it, but it’s expensive…Given the rarity of the book, the owner isn’t actively looking to sell, but I could look into it, and see if the price is merely a deterrent, or if they’d be willing to discuss it further?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “I understand, if it was mine I would not sell it or trade it for anything in the world,” he said eyes practically glued to the page. “Well...not anything, but those would have to be rather distressing circumstances.” Page after page he took time and care with each of them, his eyes drank in the words, his mind committed to memory the feel of the pages in hands. Everything about this moment he wanted to remember for the rest of his life. “Have you read this yet?”</span><br/><br/>Moving away from him so that he could have a look without having her essentially over his shoulder, she started looking through the other book bindings they had for something to do. “I’ve looked through portions of it, though it was brief while authenticating that it was the book upon receiving it. Otherwise, no. I can’t say I’ve read it,” she replied over her shoulder, taking “Sense and Sensibility” from the display case to look over.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “I think I still wish I was the character in this book,” he whispered. “This brave knight who charges into battle to save the day....” his voice filled with want and desire. “Was never the bravest as a child, but I would read this and even though the character was rather...eccentric, I still saw him as a true hero,” his voice trailed off while he continued to look over the book.</span><br/><br/>“You’re far braver than any character in a book,” she replied to that after his voice went quiet. “You’ve lived through a tragedy not many can say, and at a young age. You took that and turned it into something positive, and you continue to help those that are less fortunate, whether it be that they’re lacking a home…or a sense of direction.” A small smile pulled at her lips. “I think Don Quixote would be lucky to be you.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> There were no words, at least not right away. Instead he just stared at the pages for a bit, before he looked to her, unshed tears just there in the edges of his eyes. “Thank you,” he noted the book in her hand. “What do you have there?”</span><br/><br/>She hadn’t expected such an emotional response, the tears on the brink of falling free causing her own to well up. Thankful for the subject change, she held it out for him to look at. “A first edition of ‘Sense and Sensibility’,” Chrystal replied with another smile, though smaller. “One of my favorite authors.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “What is it about that book that speaks to you?” he asked, now turned away from the book that had his attention. It was now on her as it often was during the day.</span><br/><br/>“I don’t know if I can pinpoint it, really…” she started to answer. “I’ve always been enthralled with that time period…but to see people interacting…and the idea of such a romantic love like that? As…corny as that is, I used to dream of someone loving me that completely. Granted, he left her because money meant more, but, for a time…you could see she was all he thought of, dreamt of. I don’t know…guess I’m a sucker for that sort of thing, if done properly…” A blush crept into her cheeks. “Not as adventurous as Quixote over there, but it was enough for me. Still is.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Two hopeless romantics,” he whispered and smiled. “To have someone who loves us without hesitation, pause or regret. Love completely, bravely and truly,” his voice trailed off near the end, eyes unfocused on some perfect world. The smile crept back up onto his lips and he sighed, “Love is always an adventure full of danger, daring and excitement. Part of what makes love so interesting and desirable,” he looked to her now and his smile grew. “You never know what lies ahead, but you are always eager to take that next step.”  <br/> <br/>Random, reflective thoughts he suddenly shared and he did not feel anything but ease. It actually felt good to share this with her, to get this off of his chest and just express himself without care or worry.</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Exactly…</span>came a silent thought as he continued on with his reflection of love. It was how she felt about it, but nothing she’d ever voice aloud. Love wasn’t something she could have, not without danger to the other person. But the idea of love, of what it’d feel like and could be, was one she’d always envied for other people. To find that one person you want to spend the rest of your life with, who loves you unconditionally, and will always be there for you, with you…<br/><br/>It was that one thing she’d given up on, while secretly wishing it could happen.<br/><br/>“And I want that for you,” Chrystal replied quietly, a small smile on her lips as her own eyes took on a faraway sort of look. “You worry of being alone, but I know that, just with those words, you’ll have that one person. Any girl would be crazy not to want someone who views love in such a way.”<br/><br/>And then her mind caught up with her words and she shook her head to clear it, holding the book out to him. “Would you like to look at it?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> That made him blush and he shrugged, “You deserve that too.” Voice soft but insistent, “I want you to be happy too. To have someone to fulfill that need and desire, because that is something that everyone should have. Any man would be foolish to not want a woman who felt that way about love.”  <br/> <br/>There was more that he knew he could have said, more that he wanted to say, but knew that would have been too much. Too soon and could have ruined what small chance they had to be...whatever it was they were to be.  <br/> <br/>As the silence settled into the room, he looked from her to the food on the table. “How about we eat before it gets too cold and then we can geek out more on the books?” the offer given with a relaxed and friendly smile.</span><br/><br/>Without thinking about it, she started to shake her head, and had to stop herself. He didn’t know why she couldn’t have that, why she couldn’t deserve that. And she didn’t say that no man would ever know how she felt about love and what she wanted because it couldn’t happen. He’d be the only one to know of it, and he had to…<br/><br/>She refused to finish the thought, instead nodding to his suggestion. “I hope you like<span style="font-style: italic">something</span>here…Ordered damn near the entire menu to be safe. The only thing I didn’t order a lot of was dessert, so we’ll have the one thing to try, both you and I for the first time, and then we can go back to geeking out. And, I have water for us as per usual, but I also did splurge on a bottle of wine if you wanted to have any.” Moving to his chair, she pulled it out. “After you,” Chrystal instructed, with a sweeping bow.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> With a smile and a courtesy, Elijah made his way over to the chair and sat down as lady like as possible. “Oh my, Chrystal. So much fuss for little ol' me? I do declare you are trying to have your way with me. Wine, food and only the two of us alone down here. What would your husband think?” the southern accent was decent at best. The coy smile better than most women could pull off.</span><br/><br/>It took everything in her not to burst out laughing at his charade. But, she barely managed to hold it in, pushing his chair in as he sat and hastening to her own seat. “My husband?” she repeated, trying her hand at a southern accent, though this one had a roguish flair. “My dear…I can’t be tied down by one man…That’s where the wine comes in! Makes it easier to wine and dine you without fuss.” Then with a wink, she took the bottle of wine, and the cork opener, trying to work it in to pull it out. “Now…would you like a glass of it with little ol’ me? Or are you going to behave?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Managing to blush something fierce, “I think I might be a little naughty with you...” he fanned himself with his hand and tossed his nonexistent hair.</span><br/><br/>After a moment of struggling, and a few loosed laughs at his hair toss, fanning, and blush, she had to admit defeat. “If you want to be naughty…you may have to open this bottle for us…using your big, strong, manly muscles and such…” she instructed, letting her eyes wander over him before looking back up at his with a grin. “Pretty please?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> He reached for the bottle, his hand lingered atop her own for but a moment. “It would be my pleasure,” he grinned back, both hand bottle withdrawn to his side of the table. There was only a bit of grunting, the material of his shirt which had already been tailored to fit, stretched a bit more across the muscles of his chest and arms while he worked on cork. A satisfactory <span style="font-style: italic">pop</span> filled the room and he stood to pour some wine into her glass and then his own.  <br/> <br/>“How about a toast?” he asked, glass held lightly by the stem.</span><br/><br/>“No...the pleasure is definitely all mine…” she replied quietly, admiring the way his shirt almost seemed to struggle to keep his muscles contained. And, when it popped, she was almost sad that he didn’t have to struggle with it anymore, watching him poor it and falling silent for just a moment as she took hold of her glass and swirled it. “And what should we toast to?”<br/><br/>A pause while she thought it over. “What about…to whatever the future holds?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “I think that is a perfect toast,” he raised his glass and repeated her words with a slight change. “To whatever our futures hold,” he smiled, eyes on her own as he waited for her to touch glasses with his own.</span><br/><br/>She noticed the change in wording, her brow quirking up a bit but the smile remaining. Her glass touched against his before she pulled it back to her lips and took a small sip, its base finding its way back to the table’s surface. “Now…what would you like to start with? I’m not sure what your<span style="font-style: italic">delicate</span>, southern manly-belle physique can and can’t handle.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> The sip of wine was sweet and strange at the same time, his first of such a drink and one that he was glad to have shared with her. A look at the spread laid out before them and he smiled, “My my my, I do have to watch my figure, you know.” His arms flexed to add emphasis to his words, “But, I think these ribs are calling to me.”  <br/> <br/>With that he reached over the table and snatched up the container with a small growl of enthusiasm, then proceeded to plate himself some rice as well.</span><br/><br/>His arm flexing was a distraction, to say the least, as her eyes wandered to it and remained on it. Then, for dramatic effect, “Hmm, what?” as though she’d been too distracted to hear what he said. “Oh, in that case, have at it. I’m sure your delicate figure can handle<span style="font-style: italic">that</span>, at least.”<br/><br/>Taking some of the lo mein for herself, she broke apart her chop sticks and took a bite, giving a happy moan of appreciation. Glancing over in his direction, she held the container out to him. “Want some?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> A nod is all he gave, while he had some of the lo mein served onto his dish. “You should have some of the ribs,” he suggested with a nudge of the container toward her as he took another sip of the wine.</span><br/><br/>“I may pick at them eventually,” she replied with a smile before taking a few pieces of Tsao’s chicken onto her plate. “So…should I leave you and your Chinese alone? You seem to be…really into it over there…along with that wine…” Her tone was, of course, teasing as she glanced over at him before taking another sip of her own wine. “I mean, if you need some alone time, I could always lock you in here alone for a while.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> He nearly choked at the comments, face now a bright red. “No...no. I just...was hungry and I...well..have not had wine before....” he admitted and averted his gaze.</span><br/><br/>His face turning bright red had her smile growing all the more, a hand covering her mouth while holding in a laugh. “You’ve never had wine…not once?” she asked, focusing on the surprise of that comment over his initial reaction.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "No...not once...." he admitted and felt his face heat all the more.</span><br/><br/>Something about how he reacted made her instantly think of a puppy…which had her guilt flaring, while simultaneously wanting to pinch his cheeks all the same. “In that case…what do you think?” she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> This time he took another sip, a bit deeper one this time. "Not bad. Pretty good actually," he said with a grin like a child having a piece of candy for the first time.</span><br/><br/>“…God, you really are adorable…” she mumbled beneath her breath with a quiet laugh before going back to her food, lapsing into amiable silence once more. True to her word, she took a few pieces of spare rib, nibbling on it along with her fried rice. Then, out of the blue as she topped off his glass, she nodded her head toward the dessert. “Make sure to save room for that, hmm?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Why Ms. Chrystal...are you trying to get me drunk?” he asked before he took another sip of the wine.</span><br/><br/>“Mayhaps…” she replied in coy fashion, taking yet another sip. “Why? Is it working?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Perhaps...” another sip taken. “But the question is...what do you plan to do with me once you get me there?”</span><br/><br/>“Hmmm…draw on you with permanent marker and try to lug your drunken deadweight up the stairs to your apartment door?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Will you be undressing me as well?” he asked and took another sip. “As an extra note, I am wearing batman today.” This was accompanied by a wink and a grin, the effects of the wine showing just a bit.</span><br/><br/>This time, it was her turn to blush, moving the wine bottle away from him pre-emptively. “I think that’ll be your…last glass…” she replied quietly with a laugh. “Just…focus on eating for me, huh?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “What do I get for doing that for you?” he asked with a grin though another bite of food was taken.</span><br/><br/>A roll of her eyes, and a shake of her head was given, a low laugh beneath her breath. “You get the knowledge that you won’t be doing anything you’ll regret…and won’t become intoxicated to the point of vomiting on your date while she lugs your slightly inebriated ass up to wherever your apartment is.” All said in good humor, of course, the image of trying to carry all of that at deadweight had her really hoping it didn’t come to that, as…nice as it’d be to feel his muscles with a reason attached.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “I suppose that is a good enough reason. I am fairly heavy and while I think you are fully capable of lugging me up the stairs, I would rather your first trip to my apartment be on better terms,” more bites of food taken before he set his plate aside and pulled the dessert between the two of them. “Ready for dessert?”</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">If we make it that far,</span>came a thought.<span style="font-style: italic">The last thing I need is to have a repeat of that conversation…but in your apartment the next go around.</span>Pushing her own plate aside, she nodded. “Now, I’m not sure how this will taste…it’s different than anything I’ve had prior, but it looks…good? I think?” It’s supposed to be a jelly…thing. Common for dessert, from what they told me? So…have at it?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> With his spoon he carved himself a piece, the small gelatinous serving wiggled and wobbled which made him grin something fierce. A final look was given in her direction before his eyes fluttered shut and he braved the first taste. There he sat, eyes closed as he allowed the flavors to play across his taste buds before he finally opened his eyes and nodded. “Well that was surprisingly delicious and sweet,” a cheerful note in his voice, already in the process to carve out another portion though this time it was for her. “Here, taste it.” Eyes on her own, the spoon held out for her just as he had on their first date.</span><br/><br/>For the duration of his tasting, she waited for his reaction, unsure of how she’d like it, or<span style="font-style: italic">if</span>she’d like it. His face was hard to read initially, everything going placid while he seemed to make up his mind. But, when he expressed his like of it, she let out a sigh of relief, thankful she’d not picked the wrong thing.<br/><br/>…And then it came time to taste it herself, eyeing the spoon that he held out for her, not even making eye contact while she tried to pluck up the courage to taste it.<span style="font-style: italic">Here goes nothing…</span>came a final thought before biting the bullet and tasting it, her own eyes closing while she tried to figure out her thoughts. Surprisingly, as he’d said, it was sweet. The texture felt off to her, but it wasn’t bad.<br/><br/>Just something she wouldn’t eat a lot of.<br/><br/>“That’s…actually not bad,” she replied with a smile. “I’ll admit I didn’t know what it was when I ordered it, but that’s not a bad dessert in the slightest. Still think I prefer the tiramisu, though.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> He gave a nod, “I agree. But, this is still good.” He ate a few more bites, before he set the spoon down and boldly reached for her hand, probably thanks to the slight buzz sensation he felt he was a bit more relaxed than he normally would have been. “This evening has been amazing, I feel like I should thank you for some reason, because I don't think I ever deserve so much fuss...”</span><br/><br/>She only ate a couple more bites, unable to handle the texture much longer so she finished before he did. And after, she sipped off of her wine, hand resting on the table. Much to her own surprise…she didn’t move her hand away when he reached for hers, eyes dropping to them together momentarily.<br/><br/>A soft laugh tumbled free as her eyes reconnected with his. “It’s a date, Elijah…there needs to be no thanking as it’s not only you that got enjoyment out of it. Whatever fuss you’re perceiving was merely me remembering the book you like, and that you don’t mind Chinese…I’m just happy you had…are having…a good time.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “I am having an amazing time!” he practically exclaimed. “I've not been on many dates, so forgive me if I am just a little...well me,” he laughed. “Still thank you for this evening. I could not have asked for more...well that is not true, but the night is not over yet....” a small grin on his face.</span><br/><br/>She was a bit taken aback by his exclamation and emphatic response, eyes widening and almost leaning away. But, what she honed in on most was his last statement, brows pulling together in confused curiosity. “What else could you ask for?” Chrys asked, unable to leave it alone.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Cheeks a bright red he withdrew his hand and merely smiled, “Do not worry about it. It is just an impulse and desire that I have noticed I have when we are together.” A slight shrug in his shoulders, “Want me to read some from the book to you? I have been told I have a rather soothing voice.”</span><br/><br/>“Oh no, you’re not getting off that easily,” she replied to that, shaking her head. “You can’t just say something like that and then tell me not to worry about it when I ask about it. You can read to me<span style="font-style: italic">after</span>you answer my question.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> A sigh, though the smile remained. “What does the hero ever want from the fair maiden?” he paused, to watch her mull it over for a bit then gave the answer. “A kiss,” the words spoken soft and hopeful. The words of a hopeless romantic, who worried that he had no right to ask for such a token due to his previous behavior.</span><br/><br/>This time it was her turn to blush and look away. She should have known before asking, but she’d honestly thought it’d be something else, that it’d be something she’d forgotten. Given her current mindset on actions and wants, she hadn’t actually considered that option.<br/><br/>And now she was trying to figure out how to answer. She couldn’t avoid the topic without making him feel awkward about it, if not bad about it, but then she didn’t want to say no…she wanted a kiss. Was it a good idea? Probably not, not with their history on the subject…So she went for a different answer.<br/><br/>“We’ll have to see how the night unfolds,” was the answer she gave, glancing up at him with hesitant eyes, eyes that had something lurking behind them; A glimmer of want she was currently ignoring.<br/><br/>“So, why don’t we see how soothing that voice is?” she asked then. “Read to me?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “As you wish,” he replied.  <br/> <br/>Table cleared away, he made sure his hands were nice and clean before the gloves were placed back on. After that it was just a night spent with his voice, clear and smooth filled the room. The more he read and the more he got into the story it reflected in his voice. From the inflection, the energy and the passion that went into each and every word. It was not long before he lost himself to his favorite story and what he had meant to be but a few pages turned into nearly half of the book.  <br/> <br/>“Sorry about that...” he said somewhat embarrassed that he allowed himself to get so caught up. “Hope I did not lose you somewhere in all of that?” voice nervous and unsure.</span><br/><br/>Once the table was cleared away and everything else was sorted, she settled into her chair, sipping on her wine and allowing herself to become immersed in the story. And, as the time ticked by, she didn’t notice the length for which he read, but how he read. It was as though he were living the story, the way he read it out to her. She found herself truly invested in the happenings within the story, and she was almost saddened when he stopped, blinking as she came back to reality.<br/><br/>Glancing at the clock, she shook her head. “No, you didn’t lose me; I was thoroughly enjoying myself,” she replied with a smile. “The question now remains…do you want to continue? Or would you like me to walk you home? I’m not sure what time you have to be up, but with all the actual<span style="font-style: italic">work</span>you now have to do, I wouldn’t want to keep you up too late…”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Think we could do this again? Perhaps tomorrow night?” he asked while he removed the set of gloves to return to her.</span><br/><br/>“Maybe,” she replied to that, accepting the gloves once he’d removed them. “I’ll have to make sure there are no book clubs scheduled to meet, but if not, that could possibly be arranged.” A smile accompanied the words while she started packing everything up and returning the room to its proper order.<br/><br/>“Now…how much of this do you want to take home? Because…I can’t eat all of this before it’ll go bad.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “We could split it,” already in the process of dividing it all while he helped her strengthen up the room. “I am sure both of our fridges have more than enough space to accommodate this take out.”</span><br/><br/>“Sounds fine to me,” came her next reply as she bagged up all of the takeout and slid his bag over to him. Then, pulling on her coat, she got her own bag situated. “Think you can manage your way upstairs and out of the store without the blindfold? I mean…I could always lead you again, but I figured your delicate sensibilities couldn’t handle that a second time.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> His jacket was shrugged on as well, a last look given to the book, then his own bag was taken in hand. “I don't know...” he started up the stairs behind her. “You were just trying to have your way with me...who’s to say this is not some elaborate trap to get me up into a false sense of security to make it easier on you later?”</span><br/><br/>“Ah, yes, I’m trying to have my way with you,” she repeated, the grin evident in her voice before turning around to look at him. “Are you saying me, little ol’ me…could make you do anything you didn’t want to do? Are all those muscles just for show then?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “There really is only one way to find out, isn't there?” he shot back without batting an eye. Perhaps he had just a bit too much to drink tonight, but at the moment he enjoyed the sudden burst of confidence he had.</span><br/><br/>A laugh was loosed as she shook her head and continued on with leading him out of her store. “That would be the wine talking,” was all she said before opening the door for him to pass through, following suit and locking it behind them. “Now…which way is home? I have to make sure your drunken self makes it home alright.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Is that the real reason?” he asked though said nothing more about that instead he gestured and began to walk. They walked in silence together for some time before he broached something that had been there on the edge of his mind for most of the night. “So, I have a question...” he waited until he had her attention. “How many dates does it take before you can consider yourself officially dating someone?”</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Of course, that’s the reason, you innocent drunken puppy dog,</span>she thought with an inward smirk, though she didn’t reply outwardly. Instead, she wandered alongside him in silence for a while, merely taking in the surroundings and noting how to get back without issue, until he spoke. Once he did, she glanced over in his direction with a “hmm”. The question threw her, her face turning a bit red as she looked away and focused on the walk. “Um…honestly, I don’t really have a set number? I can’t say I’ve been on a lot of dates to warrant a set number; Really just go by feel…Why? Do you have a number you’re thinking?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “I like even numbers and well,” he looked over at her and smiled. “If you can make it to at least four dates that has to mean something, no?” he asked then gave a shrug. “I honestly don't know, but at work today the client asked me if I had someone special in my life and I well...I said I was seeing you, but that it was still new so we did not have anything official yet,” he somehow managed to explain without the need to look away.</span><br/><br/>The blush deepened as she continued to look forward rather than in his direction, a hand reaching up to brush hair away from her face, and linger as long as possible to block the blush from view.<span style="font-style: italic">Must be the alcohol,</span>she thought, slightly taken aback by his sudden earnest reply. “But then, what qualifies as a date? That would…make it difficult to determine, if one thought something didn’t qualify while the other thought it did.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Good point," he said and then paused in thought. "Would you consider the lunch we shared a date?"</span><br/><br/>A shrug. “I don’t know…I hadn’t thought about it, to be honest. Would you?” she asked instead, interested to see his take.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "I would yes," he began. "We met, we shared a meal, we laughed and then we parted ways. Seemed like a date to me."</span><br/><br/>“By that definition, coming over to my apartment and having takeout would also be a date…and so would the ice skating because you had breakfast with me the next morning,” she replied to that.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Then, by that math, we are dating and are actually two dates into an official relationship," voice soft though edge in a bit of excitement.</span><br/><br/>She glanced down, steps slowing a touch as she glanced over in his direction for the first time in a while. “Well…Do you consider them dates, or do you consider them just hanging out?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "I would say...dates..." his own steps slowed to match her own before he stopped entirely. "Chrystal, would you be my girlfriend?"</span><br/><br/>She’d continued on when he stopped, only to stop as he asked her what’d been on his mind, or seemed to have been on his mind given how he approached the subject. A glance back at him, hesitance in her eyes as her arm reached across to rub the other, foot scuffing at the ground. “I’m not saying no…because you are…sweet and funny, adorable in the best possible way and we’ve already covered the attractive bases…but are you sure that’s not too fast? I don’t want you to take any steps and then find you regret it later…”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> The fact she did not immediately say yes, would have hurt had it not been after his near melt down when they had kissed at her place. He went from them going too fast to asking her out,  he would have hesitated too if he was in her shoes. So, instead he closed the distance between the two of them, his body now close to her own as he looked down into her eyes.  <br/> <br/>“The only thing that I regret was that morning when I said we were moving too fast,” his hand reached up to take her own in hand. “If you would rather wait, then I will wait. No matter how many dates it takes, I will wait...for you...” he smiled sweetly and brought her hand to his lips where he lightly kissed the back of it.</span><br/><br/>Her eyes didn’t connect with his again, not right off. They held off, careful to keep looking down or elsewhere until it was no longer doable. The slow crawl up from his jaw to his eyes was slow without being egregiously slow, affording herself enough time to get her bearings before making the eye contact. But, when she did, she wasn’t sure what to do or think.<br/><br/>“…Ask me again when you’re not running on wine…” she said quietly, a small smile on her lips. “Then I’ll give an honest answer. But this…this can’t be spoken of with you slightly buzzed.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Fair enough,” the smile he gave was not one of defeat, more of determination. When they started to walk again, his hand held onto her own so that they could continue to walk together hand in hand. When his apartment building finally came into view he gave him and side long glance, “So, do I get front door service as well?”</span><br/><br/>His hand in hers was a comfort, and quelled the feeling of awkwardness that’d begun to set in after her answer. Truth be told, “Yes” had been on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t, in good conscience, say such when he was more than a little buzzed. Not after the apartment kiss.<br/><br/>When the apartment came into view, she returned his glance. “You get front door service as well,” Chrystal replied. “I have to make sure you make it after all…You lush.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “I do declare you are just trying to get into my breeches,” he teased but said no more than that while he fished out his keys unlock the lobby door. Next was a short ride up in the elevator, right to the fifth floor, at his door her turned to face her back against the cool metal. “Thank you for walking me home,” he started. “I had a wonderful night,” he admitted without hesitation, though he lingered there at the door while he tried to figure out what the protocol would be now to just lean in for a kiss.</span><br/><br/>Following his lead, she took mental note of the surroundings when they entered, along with what floor he was on, pausing outside his door. "I'm glad..." she replied with a smile.<br/><br/>The hesitation was noticed, after his final sentiment, which had her hesitating on what to do next. But, against her better judgment, she went for it, leaning in, closing the gap, and pressing a kiss to his lips.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Eyes fluttered close and on instinct he wrapped his arms about her waist and held her close, as he took a bit of leeway and deepened the kiss. When it finally did end he lingered just a bit close, “Good night,” he whispered. Then with his free hand he worked the locks until they were undone. That same hand he used to caress her cheek, “Call me tomorrow?”</span><br/><br/>She’d not expected him to pull her in, to have his arms wrap about her waist and hold her close. She didn’t expect him to deepen that kiss, either, her heart tripping over itself but making no effort to pull away. In fact, she may have leaned in a bit more to get closer.<br/><br/>Just a touch.<br/><br/>When it ended, as her mind reminded her he wasn’t in the right mindset for such a kiss, she lingered, not wanting to back away despite needing to. Nodding at his request, she offered him the smallest of smiles, her lower lip pulled in to be nibbled on. “I’ll call you tomorrow,” she whispered back as she slowly made herself start to back off. “Good night.” And with that, she made her way into the elevator, keeping her eyes on him as long as possible until he was no longer in sight and she started the long trek home, a smile on her lips for the entire duration.