It goes well (With a minor bump)

The two made their way over to their reserved table. Each one had a number assigned to it, and the table number for the pair was on the other side of the room. Just past the dance floor and somewhat close to the bar. Not the fanciest spot but Raven wasn't entirely sure what spots would charge more so this was probably one of the more 'average' spots. Before she sat down, Cole made a gentlemanly show of pulling her chair out for her and event took her coat.

"Charmer."

"What can I say? Mom taught me right." He said as he settled into his own chair.

They didn't have long to wait before a young hostess walked up to the table. Like the rest of the employees she wore a simple white dress shirt and black pants, along with a short sleeve blazer that had the restaurant's symbol on it. She handed over a pair of large menus and took out a pencil and notebook before she put on a practiced smile.

"Welcome to Skies, I'll be your hostess, Ema. Shall I get you started on a couple bottles of wine or would you like to order?" She said with a perky upbeat voice.

"I'll need a moment." Raven muttered as her eyes traced the menu.

There was a lot of different items, running the gauntlet of cooking styles. But it was mostly a European based restaurant with a few items tossed in as probably the 'exotic' dish of the month. Some of it she knew just from passing knowledge. When you were friends with both a princess, and an apprentice to one of the richest men in the world; you built up some info from going to **** parties.

Cole for his part knew what he was going to get. Having researched the place a head of time, he'd figured out what looked good and what didn't. Granted he had to put in a translator for some of them, as they used some more... fancy names for some of them. But he wanted to try something different besides just another steak.

Raven's Order
-Zydeco Mushrooms Seafood stuffed and baked mushroom caps with Parmesan cheese and lemon butter
-Saumon Grillé - Broiled salmon filet with three mustard sauce

Cole's order
-Thin Crispy Fried Cypress Catfish Chips
-Côte de Veau - Veal chop, cognac flambé and sautéed with Aconitum cream & mushrooms

The waitress wrote everything down, took the menus and quickly left after making sure they both had plenty of water. Both had decided to skip on the wine for now for their own reasons. This left them alone to stew in their thoughts as the stars overhead passed and low chatter came from other tables. She decided to take the first move.

"Interesting place you took me to." Raven started as she studied him.

He did clean up pretty well in her mind. Not too over done, not too casual; he looked better shaved too. She got annoyed with some of the fuzz BB had tried growing. In the back of her mind, Lust was busy trying to undress him with her eyes. Damn that was a nice package in a suit.

"Yeah... I figured this was the best bet...," He answered, his words coming out slowly as he thought of what to say. Probably best not to tell her it was the only place with an opening. He kept fumbling for what to say next before she spoke up.

"Didn't think you'd get this far huh?" Raven asked. To be fair, she didn't expect either of them to get this far either.

"Honestly not really. Kinda winging it here, but let it not be said I don't honor my debts."

"Well I'd hate for you to think you're doing this out of a sense of paying me back." She said, before raising up a finger to stop him, "Yes I know I asked for it but I'd rather not make this feel like an obligation. After all, I wouldn't have dressed up for a **** dinner."

"Eh... fair enough." he said, his previous words dying in his throat.

The pair sat in silence for a time. Raven noted the few attempts Cole made at trying to find small talk and yet he kept swallowing his words. He seemed so confident before yet now that he was here, he was stumbling. It was a little charming to see this side of him. He was trying his best to put on a good night for her. But if she wanted to see how far he would go, maybe a little push was needed.

"Hmmm I have an idea." Raven said after taking a drink, "Your sense of 'romance' is from old movies and shows correct? Why don't you just copy them. What would be the best thing for the male lead to be doing right now?" This earned a snicker from the other side of the table.

"Well in movies this is probably were the guy starts complementing his gal. I could just say your lips look more inviting than any of the meals here. Your eyes shine brighter than any of the lights we passed here, and well, the show above is breath taking, but it's nothing compared to you." He listed off, a smile growing on his face.

Raven smiled as a light blush crept into her face. While not particularly vain, what girl didn’t like being complimented on her face. Online discussions or news/fashion sites it was more about her figure or at best, shots about her lips and the marks she'd make with her lipstick. Even Wonder Woman got stuff like that, and the guys weren't immune to that sort of discussion. But it felt nice to not just be walking pin up for someone.

"But at the same time, this is probably the moment in the movie where the guy puts his big boy pants on and does something like this.” He quickly added.

He gets up and walks over to her, extending his hand towards her as he motioned with his head in a certain direction. Towards the dance floor in the center of the room.

“Would the lady like to Dance?”

"Mmmm. I'd love to." She purred out, perhaps putting a little too much into the answer.

Dancing wasn't something she did often, at least not with a partner. At times she would just put on music and slowly dance in her room, using it as a way to recenter herself. It was a hobby she picked up after a few dinners and undercover missions with Nightwing among others. Her mind turned back to her friends. BB tried and while an excellent dancer, wasn’t good at slower ones like this where as Cyborg was about the same, too wild or too stiff. And Starfire...., well, her race's unique dances were probably not viable for a place like this.

Only she had shown a knack for it when Nightwing tried teaching them for a mission. Would the boxer be able to keep up?

They go over to the floor, a few guests taking note of the new pair. He pulls her to an empty spot on the floor and the two wait until a new tune starts to play. Cole gracefully bowed before taking her arms in his, which she accepted it with a smile. The music was a slow sweeping piece, mainly of piano and strings. To her surprise, Cole's steps were sure and skillfully done, moving in perfect time with the music. His hand on her back guiding her in perfect synchrony with the music.

There were a few missteps, his feet moving a bit too fast at times, but it was rather impressive considering. Well maybe not, boxers were well known for their foot work. Raven pushed that out of her mind as she enjoyed the movement and the feeling of someone close to her. The spin he gave her was a bit of a shock though it earned a smile and giggle from her as he pulled her back in. The couple seemed to be in their own world, unaware of the watching eyes in the room.

The song came to an end and the dancers bowed to their partners. The crowd broke into a low applause towards them all but Raven noted a few seemed to be paying attention to them specifically. Perhaps her paranoia was getting to her.

“How?” she asked as another song started to play, "This isn't a level boxing alone gets you."

“Blame my ma. She signed me up for dance classes one fall. Kinda doesn’t leave you, not with that old bird of a teacher.” he shivered at an memory in his head.

“Really?” her eyebrow cocked. He gave a weak sputter in response.

“Okay okay..., maybe my aunt had something to do with it too. Any time she came over she was big on trying to make me into a ‘proper gentleman’ or something.” he rolled his eyes as he spun with her.

“The one that broke off contact with you?” she asked, hoping to not make him relive that fight too much.

“Yeah....," he sighed, "but she was always kinda interested in me, given I’m the oldest of next gen. She has three kids that are younger than me and my uncle is still single so she doted on me for awhile.”

“She wasn’t too happy about me in boxing but given I was going into engineering due to it she just sighed and gave up.”

“Ah.< well just one more thing if you don't mind some small talk, what does she do?" Raven asked leaning into another turn, "You've mentioned your other family members but not much about her.”

“Well kinda butted heads with her on and off. She's not bad, just.. off putting? That's why I don't talk about her too much." Cole said as he tried to think. Kinda hard during a dance though. "She has an actual title or something but she manages records at a University. Not like school records but like old family records and trees.”

“Genealogist?” she quickly asked.

“Yeah that’s the term." he nodded, "She lives in a pretty big place with her husband, does legal work I think, and most their place is dominated by a study full of books." He paused in thought for just a moment, "I wonder if that had something to do with..." a finger was placed on his lips.

"Shush. We'll talk about that some other time." she pulled him into another dance, "I'll lead."

As the pair started to move once more, lost in the comfort of each other's arms, they were blind to the attention of someone among the watchers. Someone with ideas of their own. Skillfully swiping a cork left behind from another table, the figure waited to time it just right. With a flick the cork flew towards the floor and rolled forward. Landing just under the descending foot of a plate carrying waiter.

With a cry of shock the waiter stumbled as he fought to keep his balance which was a pointless attempt. He held it only for a few more steps before crashing forward, and smashing into Cole's back. Raven took a quick step away as she realized what was coming but Cole and the waiter both tumbled to the floor. The pair covered in a mess of now spoiled food and wine.

"Oh I’m sorry terrible terrible sorry sir." the worker said as he fought to stand up, trying to regain his balance again.

"It’s… alright" Cole replied as he helped the younger guy stand up straight, "Not your fault. Bleh, kinda sticky now." he gestured at his clothes now covered with all sorts of substances now. From food, to creams, to some wine; Cole's suit was looking pretty grimy now. Well he wasn't too attached to it.

“What’s all this now?” a loud booming voice came.

Cole's gaze turned and saw a rather portly short man in a fancier suit start stomping over. Given he wore the same symbol on his suit as the rest of the staff, he probably worked here. Some sort of manger of some kind. He was about to explain when Raven stepped between him and the fuming man.

“A server tripped over this and slammed into my partner.” she explained and before the man could start laying into his employee, Raven held up something in her fingers. A misplaced cork. "This seems to be the problem."

“Yeah no need to hang the poor guy out to dry over it. This feels like a fluke accident, considering how neat and orderly everything looks here. And I’m fine, just need some cleaning up.” Cole spoke up as he leaned to the side to be seen past Raven.

“Hmmmm...., " the manager thought, running ideas though his head, "Waiter, show him to a back wash room to clean him up in private. M’am while I check on your food, you can attend to the bar. Your drinks will be comped for the evening. Is this agreeable?”

“That would… be acceptable.” Raven gave a smile before turning back to Cole. She cut him off before he started talking. “It’s fine. Accidents happen. Perhaps we make a date to go out dancing some other night.”

“Maybe. I’ll be back soon.” he turned to follow the waiter before processing, "Wait... what did you..." he started.

"Go clean up already." came the response and a light push on his back as she moved over to the bar.

Not much of a drinker herself; Raven wasn’t going to let free drinks go pass without a sample. Cole followed after the server who took him into and then pass the kitchen. He got a few looks from the cooks but given the route took them on the edge of the kitchen, no one felt like challenging them. Besides he was with staff anyway.

“Here we are.” The server said as he turned a corner down a hallway. A few simple door frames dotted the walls, oddly spaced out. A few boxes and containers dotted the hallway.

“Storage and utilities?” He asked motioning towards the crates and doors.

“Yeah. Mainly cleaning and tableware but sometimes someone spills like and entire jar of something or makes some foul smelling mess, so the faculty washrooms are a bit stronger than the guests.” The server explained as he opened the first door they came to.

It was maybe a little bigger than a normal house bathroom, though there seemed to be an emergency shower in place of a normal tub. Rest of the space was taken up by a few cabinets that probably held more odds and ends along with a few more crates shoved in.

“You guys get burns or something?” Cole asked as he walked in.

“Newer guys. Other times people lie about their allergies. Have to hose it off their skin some days.” The server said, voice dipping as he sighed, “Happens more than we like considering our food. Err you aren’t…”

“Neither I not my ..., wife have any. Not to our knowledge that is.” Cole said, starting to take off his suit jacket, “There’s a lot of food in the world and it’s not like we have opportunity to try them all.”

“I suppose not..” the reply came, “Hang on I’ll get you some club soda for your suit.”

Cole nodded as he heard the door close. He knew a few tricks of cleaning stains and the club soda would help. Granted he was more used to cleaning sweat and blood, not food, but should still work. Besides this gave him some time to catch his breath.

“Bleh, that smell again.” He muttered as he walked up to the wash basin and started to clean up.

It was a similar smell from that memorial park they went to a day or two ago. Maybe three, last few days had been a bit of a blur of activity. But it as hard to forget that weird sickly smell. It was missing the more wet and rot bit of it from before, probably due to no rain inside. But the restaurant had metallic acidic odor to it. Perhaps it was some sort of cleaning product? A few tables were being cleaned when they arrived so it wasn’t out of the question.

“Whatever..” he muttered as he splashed some water on his face, “Deep breathes. Focus. Keep it together for Raven.”

He was pretty sure Raven would be willing to cut the night short if he wasn’t feeling well. But last thing he wanted to do was ruin her night do to just some stupid smell. Heck, he wasn’t itchy like he was at the park. He took that as a good sign that this was something different or at least weaker.

“Maybe skip dessert though.” He thought as he looked over his clothes. Maybe with some of that cleaner he could get to a presentable state.

A noise from outside the door made him look back up. Probably the server back with the club soda, or to let him know he didn’t find anything. Something like that knowing his luck. Only the door never opened, nor was there a knock on it. Confused, he walked towards and tried to open it. A dull 'thunk' was heard. He put more pressure on the door, but was greeted with only repeated dull thunks.

“The hell?"

On the other side of the door, was a heavy rolling cart off to the side. The boxes that would be resting on it having found their way in front of the door. Amazing what happens when you slip someone 50 bucks.

---

Raven sat at the bar as she enjoyed a Boulevardier, bourbon based drink. It was something she'd picked up from some cover missions. Which one she forgot but it was something suggested by Nightwing when Cyborg's suggestion was way too strong. Her thoughts turned towards them, wondering What they’d be doing. Searching for her or had they even noticed? Probably would in a week at least given how busy there were. Each one had their own things to focus on.

“And Star was off planet.” She muttered, swishing her drink around in the glass. She'd probably be the most in tune with worry.

“Yeah, the stars seem a little off. Wonder if the display is bugging.”

Raven looked towards the voice. Sitting in the bar stool next to her was a man wearing a similar outfit to Cole; dress pants, vest and coat. Only his were a dark black, with yellow or gold trim. His hair was also dark, cut close and neat with small stylized beard on his chin. A pair of heavy shades sat on his face.

“You said something about the stars being off right?” The stranger said, nodding his head upward.

“Hmm..., yes." Raven said, hoping to lean into the misunderstanding. "This is my first time coming here, and the first time I’ve seen one built into a restaurant. So I’m unsure how true it is or if it’s more for the splendor."

“Nah you're right, see, look at the edges.” The man said pointing a finger.

Following his hand, she saw what he was talking about. At the rim where the dome met the rest of the room, with the display seemed foggy or covered with a layer of static. It was just small enough that you wouldn’t know unless you were looking for it.

“Either something is burning out or they got a new guy running the system” the man said, "If you don't set it up right it doesn't loop correctly and some errors crop up."

“Interesting. I suppose you have info of this… how Mr..?”

“Black’s is the name.” he said with a slight bow.

“Am I really to believe that?” her eyes narrowed as she folded her arms.

“Now why would I lie to a fine curious woman like yourself. Doing so makes an ass out of myself.” he chuckled as his posture loosened up.

“Charming. Do you always compliment lone ladies at the bar?”

“Only the ones that keep asking questions. Tell me to beat feet and I will if that’s a problem for you Miss…”

“McKay And keep talking.” she figured some entertainment was in order. Given how long it was taking Cole to clean up; it HAD been a large mess though.

---

"You know, if I’m not being too forward, would you do me the honor of having a dance with me?”

And there it was.

The pair had talked for a little while; mainly about books. Raven felt it was an easy topic and surprisingly, this Black character had a few books that were on her own shelf. He was a bit lax in understanding some of the themes of them, but it was refreshing to talk with someone that at least read them. Even Nightwing had skipped out of some of them. But she had been wondering how far he'd push.

“Hmmm, no. After all, I’m waiting for my date.” Raven said, tapping on the counter. The bartender came along and refilled her drink. She was on her second while Mr Black was on his third.

“That guy that went to the bathroom?" he asked, thumbing towards the kitchen, "The one looking kinda green and nervous? Mr Deer in headlights? Really? Seemed like he was trying to **** himself to be here."

“I happen to like his awkwardness." came the huffed out response, "He has an honesty behind it. Where as you, well, it’s been an enjoyable talk, but I have to read between the lines with you. If it's not completely obvious.”

“I’m that obvious am I?” he gave a weak smirk.

“Quite. And sorry, this doesn’t seem to be the type of place to pick up a night cap. Perhaps try a place with more… hot pants. And maybe..." she looked him up and down with her gaze before adding, "Shoot lower.”

“You wound me Miss McKay." He put a hand over his chest in a fake performance, "While I would enjoy a passionate evening with a stunner like…”

“Oh hello dear.” She made a show of smiling wide.

“Dear?”

Mr. Black turned and saw her date standing behind him. He seemed bigger than expected this close. With a growl he glared at Mr Black, arms folded with his fingers drumming away at the inside of the arms. For just a second, Mr Black saw a glint on one of the fingers. He turned to look at the woman who gave him a little wave, metal glinting on her finger.

“Well. I have egg on my face." Black said before the pair could say anything, “I’ll just beat feet now, though as a way of saying sorry, do me the minor offer of letting me get dessert for you.”

“Giving up that fast? Noble.” Raven said as she got up and made a show of swaying over to Cole, just to help put the pin in.

“My dear I have several reasons for bailing and to avoid looking more like an ass and or fool, I’ll save you the trouble of listing them. Just have a good evening folks.” he explained with a sigh.

“We will Mr Black. Though I hope we don't bump into each other again." she said with more than intended venom as she cupped her arm around Cole's and dragged him away.

“Who was that?” Cole asked as they walked back to their table.

“Horn dog. Pay him no mind.” she offered.

“You could have shown him the ring and maybe gotten him to back off.”

“Maybe. Someone like him, I don’t think he would have stopped till he saw the both of us. And chatting with him was more entertaining and informative than watching the stars. besides." she put her head on his shoulder, "Watching them with you is much more enjoyable. So I see you got cleaned up..., you look better at least in the suit. Maybe a little color around the cheeks though.”

"Just.... kinda frustated at having to clean up. Don't worry about it." Cole offered, hoping he didn't have to explain why he looked, off.

---

“Poor showing.”

Black looked up from his grumbling and blew out some air as someone took Ravens seat. A rather thin woman, with her brown hair done up in a bun, wearing a simple white dress. Long white gloves and half mask that covered her face and hid her eyes finished the look. While her tone was rather flat, he knew she was enjoying this.

“Don’t. Start with me.” he muttered as he downed a drink.

“Mmm think I will Mr ‘Black’." She went on, finger tracing a circle on the counter top, "Picking up girls when you have a companion like me for the evening.”

“Well you’re a given, and I owed you this dinner for other reasons." he grinned and leaned over, "Unless…”

“No”. Her voice came, cold enough to re-cool his drink. He leaned back with a weak huff.

“That’s what I expected. Besides sleeping with job leads to so many problems. And there's so many more possibilities tonight." he motioned his head towards another woman in a rather slinky showy dress, "What can I say, the hunt is fun.”

“Even when you lose?” she motion with her head towards the one that got away.

“So long as I don’t get entangled in anything, I find it fun." he raised a glass towards the pair sitting down at their table now, "Besides they’re interesting.”

“Oh?” Mrs 'White' asked as she leaned closer.

“Well pretty sure I didn’t see a ring on either of them earlier. If I did, I wouldn’t have pulled that stunt. I avoid married couples cause that’s messy. Maybe it was a trick of the light but more interesting is the guy." he said gesturing with his glass towards the man.

“And why is that per-say?”

“Oh I’ve done this a few time, trip a guy up, pay waiter to trap em in the wash room; make moves on the gal. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t but I’m long gone by the time they get out either way.” he gave a bit of a grin at that.

“So he got early, what’s special…” she stared before he continued.

“Waiter put like two crates in front of that door. ‘Misplaced’ supplies. I don’t wanna tangle with a guy that can shove that without a dolly.” he finished his drink with a big smile. “Not in public at least.”