SA 4

The most convincing argument comes from your stomach, reminding you that you have yet to eat dinner.

Finally, you smile coyly, taking a deep breath through your nose before speaking.

"All right," you agree. He looks up, muscles relaxing after a second of surprise. The smile he returns to you is wide, bright, full of relief.

"Thank you," he responds breathlessly. Turning halfway, he offers his arm to you, earning a small giggle before you take it. "Have you ever been there before?" You shake your head as he begins leading you down the street in the opposite direction of your original destination. "That makes two of us," he admits, a bashful smile conquering his expression. "Oh, um... Lukas." Your blush flares briefly as you also realize neither of you had introduced yourself yet.

"Eris," you reply.

"That's a lovely name," he comments quietly, the two of you slowing as you reach a crosswalk. "It suits you."

"Th-thanks..."

For a few seconds, the sounds of the quieter part of the city replace your voices.

"So, what do you do for work?" you finally ask. Before he can reply, the little walking man illuminates.

"I just started at the Aberash Marketing firm," he answers, leading you across the street quickly. This light was infamous for being ridiculously short, especially for the crosswalk. You let out a gasp, losing your balance in your heels and starting to fall. His other arm catches around you before any damage can be done, and her proceeds more slowly after getting you settled on your feet again. You feel like your entire body should be red at this point.

"Th-thanks..." you mutter, too embarrassed at your own fumble to meet his eyes.

"New shoes?"

"First time wearing them," you admit quietly.

"They were a good choice..." he half-mutters, his own blush resurfacing as he clearly tries not to ogle your body with the thought. You manage a grateful smile. Whether or not you tell Skye about this is something you will decide later-- she will never shut up about it if she finds out the clothes she **** on you successfully got you a date.

...

Would this qualify as a date? You guess so, considering you would be referred to as Lukas's "date" for the evening. Your smile softens gently. Not how you expected your first ever date to work out, but you can't complain.

"What about you?" he asks as you pass the first building on this block.

"Oh, I'm still in school," you say. "I'm working on a Photography degree." He smiles.

"Well, if you want to stay in the city after you graduate, Aberash is always looking for new photographers in the advertising department."

You smile in return. "That's good to know. Thanks." He nods.

"It'd be nice to see you there, too..." he mutters, clearly not intending for you to hear. That is why you hold your tongue, consciously fighting not to blurt out that you would enjoy seeing him, too.

Only one more block remains. When you reach the intersection, the light turns red. He turns the both of you so that you face each other, meeting your eyes directly as you look up.

"Um..." He clears his throat slightly. "Would... would you mind if I introduce you... as my girlfriend?" You blink, not entirely sure exactly what you had expected-- you had not really thought about that part of this outing. Hurriedly, you shake your head.

"O-of course not," you answer, barely whispering. He smiles gratefully. Diffidently, he leans down, placing a kiss on your lips. You jump faintly, but do not try to pull away. You are supposed to be his "girlfriend," after all. This can just be... practice...?

As you separate again, you see that the light has changed. Hurriedly, the two of you make your way across, Lukas clearly trying to make sure you do not fall again. You seem to be steadier on your feet now, at least. Just in time to arrive at the place where you will be spending most if not all of your time seated.

Lukas opens the door, holding it for you to enter ahead of him. The hostess smiles welcomingly as you approach.

"Welcome to Spontanée," she greets. "Two?"

"Actually, we're here for the Aberash Marketing event." His words seem to surprise her.

"Right this way, sir," she turns, beginning to walk away. Lukas follows first, holding your hand as you make your way through the crowded establishment. Despite the prices, this is clearly a popular restaurant. The hostess leads you all the way to the farthest reaches of the establishment, leading you up a flight of stairs to a closed set of double doors. "Here we are." She turns to smile at you once more. "You've arrived just in time."

"Thanks," Lukas replies with a charming smile.

"Of course." With that, she opens the door for you.