Old Memories, New Memories... (Nocturne; Delilah)

[Delilah Wren Cellos]

Delilah laughed softly as she realized she confused him. She'd always had a knack for confusing people with her over the top sense of sarcasm. She was sure if Gabe were in a counselling session with her, he'd tell her something silly about how her sarcasm was to cover up her true fear of people getting to know her... or some nonsense like that. "Well, you're meeting women! All I've met it a guy who thinks I'm not even good enough to sleep with pigs," she answered, shrugging her shoulders. It wasn't the end of the world if a silly man thought she wasn't of the same stature as he was.

She laughed again as he brought up his gender, shaking her head with a grin. "No! I don't think you're a girl... even if you're as emotion as one," she teased, winking playfully at him. It was good to be with someone who wouldn't get offended by her playful side. Apparently, not many others around this area could understand without feeling insulted... She raised a brow as he offered to let her check, grinning at him. "Ya know, I don't know that I do believe you. I think my car's engine blew, I may have to ride back to my empty apartment with you," she replied with a naughty wink and a wry grin, curious how the man would react to her blatant flirting. She figured it'd make him squirm a bit. After a moment, she chuckled, letting him know she was at least partially kidding.

Delilah giggled as he began to ramble about how her being single was good, feeling her heart beat speed up once more. Was he getting nervous? And was he happy to know she was single? She raised a brow, but she figured he hadn't caught her confused expression seeing as he was so intent on staring at his bread. She waited a moment, watching him carefully. "If you're looking for the engagement ring, don't worry, I didn't hide it in the bread, it's safe to eat," she teased with a playful grin. She never had understood why so many men thought putting a diamond ring in bread or a glass of champagne was romantic. It seemed pretty darn dangerous to her. "But no, no man to beat you up. And no girls for me to beat up... er... because they'd hate me if they knew how much time we'd be spending together, ya know," she added, biting down on her lip nervously. She wasn't really the jealous type, but something about him made her want all his attention.

She broke out laughing as he went along with her, speaking up to let everyone hear. "Oh, darling, you're so right! I can't wait until we travel to Rome tomorrow by elephant and first class flights!" she cried out, dramatically bringing her hand to her forehead, drawing out their "exciting" lives, as he'd called them. She chuckled, shrugging as she dismissed her fantastical idea before nodding. "Deal. No need to be embarrassed by your lack of hand eye coordination," she teased.

[Gabriel Reese]

"I've met mostly students." He defended himself again, raising his hands, "It'd be kinda against the law to go with one of them, and the one staffer I've met… well, she wasn't my type, more like the type for a friend." He gave her a look, adding under his breath, just a whisper. "Besides, why would I want to see anyone when I've already got my eye on someone…"

A shocked look crossed his face upon hearing her flirt with him, though the look was gone in an instant. That was something he could not… would not… A smooth smirk crossed his face and he ran a hand through his hair, mussing it up worse than it already was. "Why Delly, I didn't know you entertained such naughty thoughts about me." He said with a completely straight face, "I'd be delighted to accompany you back to your apartment and there you can figure out my masculinity for yourself to your hearts content." His grin widened and he returned her wink with one of his own. If she thought he'd get embarrassed or something by her flirting with him, she was sadly mistaken.

He inhaled as the waitress finally brought their meals out, enjoying the savory scents of the food as the plates were placed down. Gabe waved the waitress off as she began to request if they needed more drink. They didn't yet. He immediately grabbed a fork and knife and began cutting his steak up into small chunks before reaching past the steak sauce to the ketchup, pouring it onto the top of the steak. As he did so, he gave Delilah another look, "Yes, Delly… before you ask, I still eat ketchup with just about everything." He stated, tone amused. His amusement only grew as she stumbled over her next few comments and when she fell silent, he laughed. "No, they'd hate you because they'd be jealous of you." He corrected her without thinking, taking a bite of his ketchup covered steak and not even catching onto the fact that his words had slipped a little.

[Delilah Wren Cellos]

She chuckled as he tried to defend himself, clearly trying to make it certain that he was not interested in anyone he had met thus far. She hated to admit it, but knowing that made her beyond excited. She had always liked him, from the time he was an awkward looking teenager to the present, when he had grown into one of the most attractive men she'd ever met. Certainly, a lot of the women around here would be drawn to him for his looks. But she had been drawn to his personality and how well they clicked. She wasn't superficial like the others. If only he knew that... She nodded once, letting him know she understood that he had only found students and friends.

But her brows shot up as he mentioned he had his eye on someone. She studied his face curiously, leaning forward once more. "Oh, really? What's she like?" she asked, her voice low as she slowly looked down at the table, not wanting to meet his gaze and let her disappointment show through. So he wasn't interested in her. The realization cut her like a knife, but he was her best friend and she'd be happy that he'd found someone he was interested in. At least he'd be happy.

She giggled as he spoke, giving him a naughty wink. It wasn't often that she flirted with men, but she knew how to use her sex appeal when she really wanted to. Sometimes, it made convincing men of things easier. She raised an eyebrow smirking. She had to admit, it was a bit disappointing that he wasn't getting flustered by it, but they had both done their fair share of flirting in the past. "Why Gabe, I didn't know you entertained such dirty thoughts about me" she shot back playfully, slowly extending her leg beneath the table under she could rub the top of her foot slowly against his leg. She tried to keep a straight face, but the laughs got the best of her and she quickly dropped her foot. "If it were to my hearts content, it won't take much time," she added, grinning triumphantly at him as though she had just come up with the best line. Although, honestly, she would have loved to take him up on that offer..

Her attention from their flirting was diverted as their food was brought out. And it looked delicious. "Thank you," she told the waitress before grabbing her knife and fork, cutting a piece of the chicken parmigiana off and popping it into her mouth. She raised her hand to cover her mouth as she laughed as she watched Gabe douse his expensive beef in the cheap tomato condiment. "I guess you really haven't changed," she teased.

Her eyes darted up from the delicious chicken as she heard his next comment, her heart pounding in her chest. What had he just said? She bit down on her lip, studying his face carefully. "Yeah... they'd be jealous of all the time we spend together, of course," she replied nervously, grinning at him, though she continued to watch him carefully, still unsure of what he had meant.

[Gabriel Reese]

Oh shi… she heard that!? Gabe immediately attempted to adopt an innocent look, though it dropped as soon as he realized that her voice was soft, laced in… Is that disappointment…? His brows furrowed together and he tilted his head slightly, studying her frame. Yes, he was going into what he called his 'counselor mode', but when he actually took the time to think things through, well, he wasn't as daft as some people thought. Does she actually…

Gabe shifted in his chair, moving slightly to try and see her face, to see if what he was reading was true. He frowned when he couldn't catch her eyes, and decided to simply answer her questions. If she was as smart as he knew she was… well, Gabriel knew that she'd catch on quick… unless she was adamant about denying him. "What's she like… well, let's see…" He stared off into space for a moment, "She's the most beautiful person I've ever met. She's headstrong and independent and knows me better than I do myself at times…" He trailed off, thinking, then added with a grin, "She's the owner of one of the most beautiful horses in the world, second only to North, of course… and I… I've liked her for several years now." He shut up before he started stumbling over his words, as he was already doing a little, and popped another piece of steak in his mouth, followed by a spoonful of gravy, though his eyes stayed glued to her. He knew that, if she chanced a look at him, she'd see it plain… nervousness and fear, with a hint of hope mixed in.

Gabriel sighed and glanced down at his food again, though he picked up his tea and took a sip of it instead of eating. He set the cup down on the table with a 'chink' and turned his gaze to the windows, looking out over the setting. What a way to confess you like a person… He turned to look at her again. "Delly, I…" He started, stopping awkwardly. What am I going to say here…? What am I doing? He tried again, "Delilah… Aw, hell…" He groaned, running a hand through his hair again. He didn't know how to say what he wanted to, so opted to stay silent, hoping she could read between the lines.

[Delilah Wren Cellos]

Delilah stared at the high quality table cloth, unsure of what to think or feel. It was great that he liked someone. He needed a woman in his life to keep him in line and more importantly to take care of him when he needed it and love him with every part of her. The kind of love he had always deserved. The kind that, even though he'd never admit it, she knew he needed. The kind of love she'd always longed to give him but had been too afraid to. And now, she had lost her chance. But that was okay. Life would go on. She had survived on her own. And he'd still be her friend...

His voice took her out of her thoughts, but she didn't have the courage to look at him yet. She nodded as he spoke, smiling softly as she heard his clear affection in his tone. He'd known her for a while? She knew him really well? But hadn't he just gotten here? Her brows furrowed in confusion. She knew him. She had a gorgeous horse. She was head strong. But no... She wasn't what he wanted. She didn't deserve him, anyways. How could someone who had no idea how to love deserve the love of such a wonderful man.

Slowly, she raised her head, eyes studying him closely. Why was he so nervous? She bit down on her lip, trying to understand. It sounded so much as though he was talking about her... But he couldn't be... She smiled at him, tilting her head. "She sounds... Well, it sounds like you may be exaggerating her qualities just a smidge, Angel," she replied, her voice soft and a bit shaky, but a grin plastered on her face. She tore her eyes off of him, spinning her fork in the fettuccine and slowly putting the glob of pasta in her mouth.

She continued to eat until she heard her name. She glanced up at him, her expression a mix of hope and confusion. She didn't want to assume he was talking about her, but everything seemed to be pointing to it. She laughed softly as he seemed to grow uncomfortable, shaking her head. "Ya know, I vividly remember you being so much smoother with girls back in high school." She grinned, raising an eyebrow.

[Gabriel Reese]

"Yeah, well… back in high school I was just concerned with a single night, not a commitment." He muttered under his breath, glaring hard at the steak on his fork. Why is this always so easy in a movie… someone seriously needs to write and complain to Hollywood… The thought caused him to chuckle suddenly, as it was so out of the norm, and Gabe wondered if all men felt this way when faced with the woman they liked… like things were so out of control that the room was almost spinning.

He shook his head, though, at her comment, hearing her voice shake and knowing she hadn't read what he'd hoped she would. Gabe didn't remember her being so… well, he remembered her as quite good at figuring things out, so her not getting it confirmed his earlier thoughts. It made him feel a bit more hopeful, and not for the first time he thanked the stars that he had chosen counseling as a field of profession. What he'd learned had helped him so much in everyday life as well with helping people… "I'm not exaggerating at all, Delilah!" He exclaimed, garnering the attention of other tables, "You're perfect! You're… everything… I mean, I'm lucky you even look in my direction!"

He froze upon realizing what he'd said and gave her a small, weak grin, his earlier fears coming back to haunt him, as he'd just basically yelled that it was her he liked. That didn't go like I had planned… Gabe met her eyes for just a moment, knowing that his emotions were running rampant and were easily viewable in his face, then he dropped his gaze, wondering just where his smooth, suave style had gone. Did she really make him that… flustered…? To the point that he couldn't think to string two words together…? He knew the answer and answered himself mentally, Yes… yes, she does…

[Delilah Wren Cellos]

By this point, her heart was thumping in her chest. He liked her! Well, it seemed that way. And as much as she wanted to yell out that she liked him and always had, she was nervous to say it outright first. Besides, men were supposed to make the first move! Although at this rate, the first move may not be for a few centuries. Gabriel had always been so cool and collected around women. All the girls had been so easily persuaded by him. But now... it was like seeing a whole new side of him, the side she'd always known he had. She'd known he'd be the best man he could be for the woman he loved...

"Well, at least you've bought me dinner first," she teased. She didn't imagine many one night stands would get dinner... Wait! Did he say commitment? She glanced up at him with a soft smile, but he was busy giving his steak the stink eye. She tried to hold back her chuckle, glancing back down quickly at her own food. Commitment? Were they on the way to a real relationship? He wanted that with her? A wave of excitement washed over her at the thought.

Her eyes widened as his voice grew louder, her eyes snapping up to meet his gaze. For the first time in a while, she felt red rush to her cheeks as he spoke. She had never, not once in her life, been called perfect. She felt the heat behind her eyes as tears began to threaten to come, but she blinked away the urge. No one needed to see her emotional there. She didn't cry in public, she just didn't. Especially not in front of Gabe. Not while he was saying, sort of, what she'd always wanted to hear.

Trying to compose herself, she grinned widely, tilting her head as she studied him. "Aw, gee Gabe. Lot's of girls will agree to staying the night with you without all the sweet talk," she said teasingly, laughing nervously. But as the playing faded, she smiled softly and slid her hand across the table to rest it on his. "What exactly are you trying to say, Mr. Suave?"

[Gabriel Reese]

Great. Now you've done it. Gone and probably freaked her and everyone in this fricken place out… geeze, Gabriel, pull yourself together… It's not like… well, act your age, man! You're such an idio- wait, she's talking to me… Gabe cut off his mental dress-down and focused on Delilah's voice, still not really looking at her at first, though he did cut his eyes up to stare in wonder as she teased him. "I… bought…" He stuttered, not thinking straight. He closed his eyes and shook his head slightly, getting his thoughts back on track. "O-of course I did. Am going to." He said, quickly correcting himself. "d**n it, Delly. Don't make me so flustered!" He exclaimed a moment later.

He eyed her confusedly when she blinked rapidly. Was it just him, or were there what looked like tears forming in her eyes? He could understand why she was flushed red, but tears? "Don't cry. Don't you dare cry." He said, though a hint of panic was in his voice. "I'm not good with crying girls, you should know that!" Last time he'd tried to comfort a crying female, he'd ended up with a handprint bruise across his face that didn't disappear for a week.

A sigh of relief escaped his lips as she seemed to calm down, though he still eyed her cautiously… at least, until her hand rested atop his. His eyes cut down to stare at her hand for a moment before moving back up to her face. He could tell immediately that all traces of playfulness were gone, and honestly, Gabriel had never felt more out of control. One-night-stands he could do with a smile. He used to be able to use people to get what he wanted so easily… but with her, with the one person he'd fallen for back as a teenager but had never found the courage to ask out… he was literally shaking. Get. It. Together.

Gabe took a deep breath and intertwined his and Delilah's fingers, moving slowly until he was holding her hand tightly, though not tight enough to cause any pain or comfortableness. "I…" He paused, thinking back, and finally caught her eyes. He was sure she could see the nervousness now… hell, she could probably hear his voice shaking. When he finally spoke, he spoke quickly, confessing to her what he'd wanted to as a sixteen year old but had never had the chance. "I wanted to ask you out when we were sixteen but was sent away before I had the chance. Delilah, I-I fell for you when… when I was fifteen…" He explained, all in one breath, "When I got back home, though… you were gone. Seeing you h-here… it was shocking. More than shocking!" He took a breath and grabbed his tea, taking a sip of it and setting it back down. "I was like… I saw you… after I recognized you… it all came back. I wasn't going to mention anything but-but you said it yourself that you're still single…" You idiot! You sound so lame… His voice was shaking and he mentally screamed at himself for sounding like such an idiot and not the smooth person he knew he was and could be. "So… I was just… wondering…" He trailed off and bit his lip nervously, not really sure how to go about asking her out now.

[Delilah Wren Cellos]

She knew things were serious, she could feel the tension, but she couldn't help but laugh as the poor boy seemed confused and stumbled over his words. It was pretty darn adorable, but it seemed as though he was a bit less amused than she was. She tried to hide her grin, but it just kept coming back. "Aw, calm down! I'm just having a bit of fun with you," she replied through soft laughs.

She sighed a bit, finally content to believe she had, for the most part, pushed away the tears. Anyone that knew her at all knew she wasn't a very emotional person. Well, actually, she was, just not around others. She hated to let anyone know that she was vulnerable. She glanced up at him, shaking her head quickly. "Me? Cry? Yeah, right. I'm not gonna cry," she replied, wrinkling her nose at the thought of doing such a thing in public. Even though it was true she had been close to tears. she wouldn't have let them spill out, right?

She watched him, wondering why he was so nervous. But as his fingers twisted around her's, she grinned. Now she had no doubt about what he meant. He actually did feel the same way! Her heart raced, her face beaming with joy as his voice came out crystal clear, if not a bit fast and shaken. Her light brown eyes searched his eyes, watching him carefully. She had never seen him like this, not once. And now, he was nervous and sweet and everything she'd imagined he'd be... for her. She bit her lip, trying to keep herself from squealing in joy for the second time today. If he was any good at counselling, he'd certainly know how thrilled she was at this moment.

As she heard him try to ask a question, and fail, she grinned even wider. Was he really asking her to be with him? She tilted her head, waiting for the question to come out, but it didn't. She giggled, squeezing his hand gently. "Yes," she answered, her voice hardly above a whisper. "Yes!" she repeated, her voice growing louder. "God, I've been waiting eight years to hear you say that, Angel," she commented, grinning. "I've had feelings for you for.. well, forever. I thought you'd never ask..." her voice trailed off, her eyes bright with joy as she leaned forward a bit, getting her body a bit closer to his.

[Gabriel Reese]

Even though he'd had an idea, now, that she returned the same feelings as he did, Gabe had been mentally setting himself up for a refusal. There were just so many other guys out there who were so much better than him and who had so much more to offer a person than he did… As such, her words didn't click with him at first, and he found himself almost apologizing to her before the words died in his throat and he locked gazes with her, a look of complete disbelief in his eyes. "Wai… wha.." He stumbled over his words as he realized exactly what she'd said, realized that she'd agreed to go out with him on a more permanent basis, and not just as friends. "You… you're serious…? You're serious!?"

If he hadn't been sitting down at a classy restaurant, he would have jumped for joy. As it was, he knew it could be seen on his face and a wide smile, an actual smile, crossed his face. Not a grin or a smirk, but a true to goodness smile that reciprocated the happiness he felt. Ok, forget the table and the fact they were in a classy restaurant. Gabe ignored every part of his brain that told him he should do so in such a place as this and leapt up from the table, pumping a fist in the air while onlookers gave him shocked and dirty looks for disturbing the peace. "Yesss!"

He stopped upon meeting the gaze of their waitress, though, as the woman looked like she might throw them out herself, and sat back down meekly, giving Delilah a grin that bordered on a shyness that Gabe definitely didn't have in usual settings. He honestly wasn't sure what to do, now… In the past, he'd always just been up for a night, but with Delly, he didn't want that. He wanted an actual relationship… and well, he knew she'd probably murder him if he did with and to her what he had been known for doing as a teen. He wasn't that person anymore, though… not with her. Never with her. Years of wondering and now he had what he'd desired within his grasp… there was no way he was going to mess this up if he could help it...

[Delilah Wren Cellos]

Delilah used her free hand to nervously twist her dark chocolate hair around her finger, not sure of how he'd react. God, what if he had been joking? What if she was about to be completely humiliated in front of her best friend and all the people who were surely watching them after she had yelled to all of them. Her nerves began to mount as he seemed to stare out her, dumbfounded. Oh, God, he hadn't meant a word he'd said! He was just kidding with her! Panic fled to her eyes as she tore her eyes away from him, trying to keep her breathing still and focus on how she'd get out of this mess.

But she didn't need to carry her plan through. He was... happy? She began to laugh, her nerves probably helping her laugh more than she had needed to. "Oh, no... Of course, I'm serious!" she laughed again, shaking her head at his disbelief. Why was he so surprised? He had always gotten girls with ease from what she remembered. Though, he'd also been a lot smoother back then. Was he like this with all girls now, or was it just her? She was hopeful it was the second option.

Wait, it better be the second option! There weren't any other serious girls in his life now. She was the serious girl in his life. Her heart fluttered and she couldn't even try to wipe the smile off her face. She burst out laughing as he leaped up and pumped his fist in the air. She looked around realizing all the dirty looks they were getting. "It's okay, folks. He just found out the baby isn't his! Please, give a big round of applause to the lucky man!" she called out, looking back to Gabe with a teasing grin. And to her pleasure, a few straggler customers clapped for him. She began to laugh, ducking her head to avoid whatever stern look he'd give her for pulling such a stunt.

As he sat down, she turned to catch the waitress's eye, grinning innocently before quickly turning around. "I don't think she likes us much..."

[Gabriel Reese]

Gabe felt more in control now that he'd gotten an affirmative from her, and he gave her a grin, though it was still just a tad bit shaky, as he still couldn't believe his luck that the most beautiful woman in the world had agreed to go out with him. The man seriously was in a little bit of shock now that it was sinking in, and he found himself simply staring at Delilah as he played with the steak on his plate. She just didn't know how gorgeous she was…

Gabriel blinked back into zone upon hearing her exclamation, and after processing it and hearing a few other people in the restaurant clap, he smirked, raising his voice slightly, though he did give Delilah an 'I know you just didn't' look. "Yeah, you don't know how glad I am. I'm already so behind in child-support…" He joked, as he knew that she knew he didn't have any kids, even though he'd had several girls think they were pregnant with his child as a teenager… luckily, he'd never actually had a child with anyone. I'll probably never be allowed back in this restaurant… He sent a smirk over to where a few other people were suddenly not clapping and giving him looks of disbelief instead, their waitress included. "Gee, how believing can people get?" He questioned in their general direction, "Do I look like I'm the type to even ha- you know what, I'm not even going to ask that. I'll probably get an affirmative from half of yall."

He twisted around to look at their waitress as well and gave her a cheerful smile and a wave, laughing aloud when the woman sent him a look that could, if possible, melt steel. "I agree with you, Delly. I don't think she likes us very much either… Reminds me of the old times… sort of… Us messing with peoples heads and pissing them off in general…"

[Delilah Wren Cellos]

Delilah watched him, brows furrowing as his gaze stayed on her. He seemed almost dumbfounded, as though he had just won the lottery. One million dollars worth of problems. Congrats to the handsome winner of this week's lotto, she thought, a soft frown tugging at the corner's of her pink lips. They'd been friends, well, forever. But did he really have any idea how troubled she really was? He had seemed to fix his problems, deal with them, move on. She hadn't done anything. She'd done what she knew how to do. Run. As fast as she could.

She brushed away the thoughts, not wanting to ruin the overwhelming happiness brewing inside her. This was what she'd always wanted. And even though she had the sinking feeling it wouldn't last when he truly understood how damaged she was, there was no reason she couldn't enjoy the time she had with him. She grinned up at him as he seemed to nervously but happily watch her. Had he really lost his game, or did she just have some magical affect on him? He'd always been such a player, so smooth with the ladies. She chuckled, glancing down at his steak that he continued to play with. "Didn't your aunt ever tell you not to play with your food?" she teased.

Upon hearing his words, she fought hard not to crack up and ruin his moment with their audience. Some things never changed. They'd probably wreak havoc even as eighty year old people. "That reminds me. Your lawyer called. One night stand number sixty three wants to raise the child support," she chimed in loudly, raising a brow at him scoldingly. But she couldn't help but laugh as he turned to reprimand the other people in the restaurant, shaking her head. There was something to be said about the trouble making kids. You can take the kids out of the trouble, but you can't take the trouble out of the kids. Funny how true that was.

She turned to catch another peak at the waitress as Gabe agreed. She flashed a grin, waving at the waitress before whirling back around. "We've always been too good at that," she laughed, relaxing into her seat once more. "I'm afraid I'm a bad influence on you. You seemed to have turned your life around. And now I'm here, getting you into trouble," she added with a grin, slowly moving her hand forward to place it on top of his. She raised a brow, a slightly seductive smile playing on her lips. It was no secret how attracted she was to him, how attracted she'd always been to him. But now she didn't have to hide it. Of course, there was that risk, fear even, that bringing him home tonight could leave her as one of his one night stands. Perhaps she should just keep him wanting her. But he'd always been so protective of her. He wouldn't take advantage of her. She studied his face, hoping to find something to confirm that. She'd always trusted him, but he had such a history with women...

OOC: I'm so sorry this took so long! I promise, I'll try not to have you waiting that long again!

[Gabriel Reese]

Gabriel tilted his head to the side as she frowned, and he wondered what she could be thinking of to have made such a face. He hoped she wasn’t regretting her decision to agree to see him on an actual dating basis… She had seemed so happy just moments earlier… The man let a confused look slip into his eyes, as he really was confused at the moment, but chose to not say anything.

He knew that, unless she chose to leave, this relationship would last. He’d make it work. He’d waited… he didn’t know how many years now… and finally… Gabriel knew without a doubt that he’d not break up with her. He knew that he didn’t just like Delilah, he loved her. He’d loved her since they were teenagers…

“She might have… not that I ever listened.” He replied to her teasing, glancing down at the mess he’d made on his plate. “Hm… needs more ketchup, I think.” He mentioned offhandedly before grabbing the ketchup bottle and lathering the steak with more of the stuff. He then speared a bit of the meat on his fork and popped it in his mouth, chewing and swallowing with a grimace. “Maybe it didn’t need more ketchup…” He muttered softly, making a face and drinking more of his tea before waving the waitress back over to pour more drink into his cup.

“You’re the bad influence on me, Delly?” He raised an eyebrow disbelievingly. “I’m still just as much trouble as I used to be, just in different ways.” He stated, pushing his place a few inches away from him, the food not any good to eat any longer now that it was mostly ketchup. A few moments passed, and their waitress soon came and took the plate, bringing the desert he’d asked for. “Oooh…looks delicious!” Gabe exclaimed happily, grabbing his spoon and digging into the Berrymisu. “Wow, this is good!” He said after the first bite, “Try some.” He offered the spoon to her, pushing the desert in her direction.

He glanced down as her hand rested atop his again, and gave Delilah a crooked grin in return of the seductive smile she’d tossed at him, not moving and letting her hand stay where it was. It was part of his ‘charm’, he had been told by past ‘girlfriends’ (if one could call them that, honestly). He’d been called ‘roguishly handsome’, as he was more rough around the edges instead of smooth and suave… Oh, he had a smooth and ‘suave’ side, but around Delilah, he could just be himself… Besides, there was a huge difference between Delilah and the other woman/girls he’d been with… He respected Delilah. Respected her enough that he wouldn’t try anything with her until he knew for a fact that she knew he was dead serious about her. He wanted things to last with her, and he knew he was going to try his best to make them last.

[Delilah Wren Cellos]

Delilah caught his eye, picking up on his confusion. Poor guy. It seemed she always confused him. Maybe that was just true of all women to men. They were confusing creatures. Something told her he wanted to know why her mood had suddenly switched, but she had no intentions of ruining the night with her seriousness. She'd just handle her worries the way she always did. She'd ignore them, bury them, and eventually, they'd go away. Whether or not it was the best way to handle things didn't matter to her. It temporarily solved her problems. Just like running.

She grinned, letting her worry drift away. Tonight was a good night. No, it was better than good. It was perfect. She'd only been dreaming, secretly, of being with him for most of their young lives. Her attraction to him had been instant, and she'd always felt so close to him, so trusting of him. He was the only one on Earth whom she trusted, really. "You not listen to your aunt? No, I don't believe it!" she replied sarcastically, giving him a fake look of shock before laughing softly. Neither of them had ever been praised for being good listeners. Her mother would tell anyone who asked, or even those who didn't, that she was a terrible listener. But funny enough, she had always heard every word her mother had said.

She scrunched up her nose as he added more ketchup, shaking her head softly. "Gabe, I don't think that's what it needs," she laughed, rolling her eyes playfully. She had never understood how the man could stand so much ketchup. But apparently the amount of ketchup he'd used tonight was too much even for him. She laughed again, placing her fork on her plate as she finished the last of her chicken parmigiana, settling back in to her chair.

As their dessert came, she pushed herself up some to inspect the dessert while Gabe tested it. It did look pretty dang amazing. She was feeling pretty full, but there was no way she would miss out on the wonderful food that had just been brought out. She grinned as he confirmed it was good, happily taking the spoon from him and scooping up a large piece. She popped it in her mouth, a grin spreading over her lips. "Wow! This is amazing!" she exclaimed, scooping up another piece. "I don't think you're getting any more of this!" she added teasingly with a laugh. She held up the spoon, raising a brow as if to challenge him to try to get it from her.