SA 8

As you approach the table together, Mr. Aldric gives you smile, a predatory glint barely hiding behind the friendly facade.

"Is everything all right?" he asks as you sit again, Lukas taking his place at your side. You nod, but choose not to elaborate. If you bring up what happened in front of his peers, he would definitely take it out on Lukas. You take a deep breath as you return your napkin to your lap, steeling yourself to continue the meal.

Nothing occurs for the rest of the entree course, your muscles relaxing as a pleasant conversation strikes up. Lukas pats your leg softly, comfortingly as the waitstaff clear your empty plates, replacing them with a raspberry sorbet palate cleanser. You smile, an expression he returns. On your other side, you feel a foot bump into yours. As it pulls away soon after, you brush it off as an accident.

All is well until halfway through the dessert.

You go rigid mid-bite as the fingers return, this time immediately under your dress, pressing steadily upwards. You try to be subtle as you drop one hand, pushing against the invading arm as you take up your napkin, excusing your actions as wiping your lips. While some ground was lost, the hand was determined, immediately advancing once more as soon as you were no longer occupying the space.

Lukas gives you a look which is questioning for only a second before he understands. You take a deep breath, determined to push the fingers now toying at your underwear out of your mind as you slightly more quickly than before finish your creme brûlée. Lukas finishes slightly before you do. Thankfully, the event has already offered you a way out.

Music started playing about a minute before you were through, a few couples taking to dancing in the open area. Very politely, Lukas stands, offering you his hand. You cannot help the giggle escaping your chest as you take it, leaving your napkin and empty plate on the table as he leads you out to the dance floor. You ignore the disgruntled look Mr. Aldric shoots your way.

As you arrive, you are surprised at the song that comes on, wondering who put together the playlist to include at least one song from a mobile game-- not that you are about to complain at the inclusion of "Moon Without the Stars." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f\\_9J86\\_4Lxo)

It is to this song that you and your impromptu date begin to dance. It is nothing fancy, of course, mostly just the two of you swaying calmly to the melody. His eyes never once leave yours, a soft smile on his lips. You return both the gaze and the gesture.

"I hope this hasn't been too horrible, all things considered," he comments softly. You shake your head.

"Honestly... it's been fun, being your girlfriend for the evening..." you admit almost more quietly, trying to keep him the only one able to hear you. A slightly sad look crosses his features briefly.

"Yeah..." he concurs. A few seconds pass in silence. "Is that really your favorite restaurant?" You cannot help but laugh, nodding in confirmation. He blushes bashfully, averting his eyes.

"You know," you begin, "I wouldn't mind actually going there together sometime..." He looks back to you, brief surprise replaced with the same smile he had given when you first agreed to come with him tonight. Lukas pulls you half a step closer, the two of you continuing to dance while completely unaware of the rest of the world.