A fancy italian restaurant.

==========>From Above & Beyond Investigations

Friday was grinning as she drove to the restaurant.   Being in Lucas's company did that to her.   Her entire being was like a piece of flotsam caught in a whirlpool at times, but he was the anchor that kept her from drifting more than she had to.   She parked her vehicle and got out.

Actually, I probably should have dressed a little nicer for this.   Oops.
She chuckled.
Mirage had been helping her "soften" her image, with more feminine clothes and activities, but she was still a tom-boy to anyone who looked at her.
Her leather jacket and tapered slacks were nice, neat clothes, but they were VERY casual.

Lucas smiled.

"Anywhere you go with me, Friday...it lights up my world. I like you just the way you are.."

He was wearing a black polo shirt and khakis, so he looked relatively good.

He held the door open for her as they went in.

"After you, Mi Amor..." he said grinning from ear to ear.

She blushes a bit more and seems amused a bit less by the opening of the door this time, though he can tell she's just getting more embarrassed with each "gentlemanly gesture", and isn't really upset.
From past experience, Lucas suspects that he tries to pull out her chair for her, he'll have crossed the line into annoying her.

Once inside, the Maitre D' greets Friday warmly and, when he thinks she's not looking (he's incorrect) he gives Lucas a little wink.
Lucas can see Friday shake his hand at one point, and a folded bill of somesort, possibly a twenty dollar bill, goes into his hand.   The man graciously leads them to a table and takes their drink orders.

Coke for me, thanks.

Lucas would know that while Friday likes to drink, she generally avoids it during the day, despite her high tolerance.

Lucas knew that Friday was a tomboy...in more ways than one. And past experience told him that while she definitely enjoyed the attention...she did so to an extent. All the same he definitely enjoyed her company.

After they sit down and Friday orders her Coke, Lucas then chimes in, "I'll take a Ginger Ale please."

As the waiter goes to get their drinks, Lucas looks into Friday's big brown eyes.

"Well, Ms. Winters..." he said, smiling. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company today?"

Friday started chuckling, then responded in the same deadpan tone.

Well, I had noone important to talk to, so.....  She waved her hands at him.
Then laughed.

Reaching across the table, she took one of Lucas's strong callused hands.
I keep getting so busy that I forget how much I need you in my life.   

Lucas took her hand as well.

"I've never forgotten, Amor. Oh sure...things have been busy, both in my job and my 'other' job. But I still think about you everyday. I know it sounds corny...but you are close to me even when you are not there with me physically. I don't think that I have a word that sums up my experience with you...but I like it. I really do."

Friday laughed, her happiness so intense that her laugh was practically a giggle.

God!  I'm missed how corny and sappy you are.    You're really kinda wonderful, you know that?

She gave his hand another squeeze (a light one, obviously), and then sat back.

How's the dojo going?  Please, tell me everything.   I know I was supposed to come back to finish my lessons but.....well, you know.....I'm VERY lazy.
She smiled.

Lucas blushed slightly.

"Thanks for that..."

When she asked him about the dojo, he then said, "Things are going well with that. We're getting a lot more students that either Flip or I had thought possible. So much so, we've actually had to put together another class. So...things are definitely taking off. You know, Flip thinks really highly of you...which makes me very happy. And if you need motivation...how about seeing me shirtless?"

After that, he waggled his eyebrows.

Friday roars with laughter, though she quickly stifles her guffaws when people start looking.

Clearing her throat, the smiling woman gives Lucas a sour look as if her outburst was ENTIRELY his fault.

That might work.  It's certainly a better deal than MOST gyms give you.


OOC:  I need to sleep soon.  I'll check in either this afternoon, or tomorrow after work.

Lucas sat back in his chair.

"So...how about you? Above and Beyond is doing pretty well...so much so that you have a receptionist now...and you can be choosier about your cases. And...my offer as a freelance troubleshooter still stands if you need one..." he says winking.

OOC: That's cool. Take care Friday :)

Friday grinned.
I may take you up on that, if only for the company.   You have the bad habit of making long stake-outs much less boring than they're supposed to be.

She reached out and took his hand.
I'm very happy you're in my life, Lucas.   Without you....well, I'd be at a loss as to who I'm supposed to be and what I'm supposed to do, I think.   

Lucas smiled as she took his hand.

"Well...that makes two of us Friday. I apologize if I sound like a broken record, but ever since I came...back, I thought I had all that I needed to sustain me. That's what I thought....until I met you in the sky that day. You've become a great force in my life, Friday...and someone that I can't envision my life without."

Their food came, and Friday ate with obvious appetite and enjoyment.    She grinned at Lucas as she told him about the fumbling interview with Jamie.   How Friday had been forced to reassure the terrified woman that she wouldn't have to "plug anyone" in the course of her job.

Then Friday got quiet and looked at Lucas shyly.

Perhaps, if your schedule permits, we can take a little vacation together.   You know, go away somewhere.    Just to two of us.  Somewhere private.

She blushes a bit, obviously not asking to go to DisneyWorld.

Lucas had ordered his favorite Italian dish....Spaghetti and meatballs. There was something about the sauce here that tasted extraordinary to him...but he liked it. He always had..and this was no different.

No...this time WAS different...because he was enjoying this meal with someone he cared immensely about.

He laughted with her as they talked about Jamie's interview. It was mildly amusing to hear about some of the fumbling that she did.

Then Friday "popped the question," so to speak...

Lucas smiled at her, and said softly, "I would love to, Friday. I really would. I have looked forward to spending some time with you aside from the Legacy meetings and the occassional supervillain...You name the place, and I will gladly go with you..."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:49, Wed 11 Nov 2009.

Friday made short work of her Chicken Tetrazini and salad.

I'm glad.   I..... Well....I have to admit, Lucas, I never really thought of our "relationship" in terms of more than "wonderful while it lasts".
I....I guess thinking that a supervillian might destroy the world makes you not bother with "long term plans".

She was struggling to keep the conversation light, but was failing miserably.
Sighing with an embarrassed grin, she looks into the man's eyes.

I guess I'd like to "move to the next level".   

She seems at a loss for words as to what to say next.

As you know, I've never had a boyfriend before, so....well....I have NO idea what I'm doing here.   

She begins blushing furiously.

Lucas put a reassuring hand on Friday's, seeing that this was somewhat difficult for the normally near-invunerable heroine.

"Hey...". He then spoke softly. "You know, as much as you and I have been through together, Friday, most people wouldn't expect a relationship like ours to last. And yet...here we are. And quite frankly...I wouldn't have it any other way. I know that both of our situations are unique...and that's why I never pressed you Friday. But if you're ready...then so am I. I am so grateful for knowing you Friday..."

He then considered something for a moment.

"If you really want to know me, moreso than you already do...then may I make a suggestion for our vacation spot? I have an uncle of mine who has a hacienda in Puerto Rico, right outside of San Juan...and I haven't seen them in years. Just a few phone calls and I'm sure he wouldn't mind having us out there...or letting us have the place for a short while. What do you say?"

Friday grinned in relief.   She should have counted on Lucas to be sweet and understanding and patient, but she was too insecure to be so presumptuous.

You know, I've always wanted to see Puerto Rico.   

There was more she wanted to ask, but figured that she should take it slow.

Lucas grinned.

"Fantastic....San Juan is not far from his place. But it's almost like being in the middle of...well...paradise. There's lots of scenery and jungle around...it's perfect for someone who wants to get away from it all. It has been some time since I've been but with everything that's happened...I couldn't think of a better time to go back...or someone more special to share it with..."