Dark Receiver

[DeathsKnight]

He chuckled softly,

"I never kiss ladies I intend to run away from."

He searched her eyes for a few moments,

"You had me enchanted the day we met and ever since then you proved to be a woman any man could be proud to know."

He smiled,

"And if I do not shake myself awake now, we will never make it to dinner."

He seemed to waver, almost looking like he was thinking about the fact if they should go out to dinner, then he held up a finger,

"Just one favour."

He took hold of her free hand and used it as a guide to make her slowly piroute, his gaze taking in what he saw as an effort, she looked simply divine, he had met many beautiful women in his life, but few enchanted him as much as she did. He gave her a warm smile,

"Seems like I would have to take an army along."

He kissed her knuckles once more and then it became time for them to leave if they ever wanted to make it to their dinner date.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

His soft laughter was Glen's response to her suggestion.

"I never kiss ladies I intend to run away from."

And yet, running away from her would be the logical thing to do, given the secret that he knew about her.

"You had me enchanted the day we met and ever since then you proved to be a woman any man could be proud to know."

She wasn't used to him being so serious, so intense. Her eyes widened in surprise; she'd had no idea of him having an interest in her when she had first auditioned, yet she had gone through a lot with him already, and he knew her, all about her and yet still he liked her.

"And if I do not shake myself awake now, we will never make it to dinner."

She laughed.

"Seems we got .. distracted ... "

She agreed.

"Just one favour."

Though she had no idea what he wanted, she nodded her agreement. Puzzled she let him take her hand and guide her to move, to turn, then finally realising that she wanted her to allow him to view her from every angle. Though unused to such close attention she complied, the way he was looking at her as she finally faced him again, making her blush rosier as she met his warm smile.

"Seems like I would have to take an army along."

She giggled as he took her hand to kiss once more.

"No army necessary, Glen."

She told him softly.

"I'm with you. I'm not looking to attract anyone else."

 

[DeathsKnight]

He escorted her to the car, pretty soon they were driving along to the restaurant that Elron had spoken about, when they arrived, Glen locked the doors and rolled down Claire's window,

"Hey Johnnie, the lady said she wants to give you a tip."

He prodded her to give the doorman a tip, as she did, Glen unlocked the door allowing the doorman to open Claire's door. Glen stepped out, took the valet ticket and joined Claire at the other end of the car as Johnnie opened the door for them to enter,

"Have a good one mister Kane"

Glen gave the older man a smile and a nod as he lead Claire into the establishment, it had small alcoves, the lighting was good, but it still cast several shadows, there was even a small dance floor. Glen and Claire was received and shown to one of the more secluded seats, Glen held her chair for her and then took his seat. He gave her a smile,

"Practically by putting you on the spot with Johnnie saved his life. You did him a favor first."

Glen leaned forward,

"It is not impossible to live life, just need to keep an open head is all."

He sat back,

"But we are not here to discuss such morbid affairs, I am here to enjoy the company of a lovely and smart woman and perhaps even get her to try out the dance floor with me."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

She let Glen lead her to the car. Claire was curious as to where they were going to go eat. The place certainly looked impressive as they pulled up outside.

"Hey Johnnie, the lady said she wants to give you a tip."

Glen's words surprised her, but getting used to his unexpected comments and actions, Claire smiled at the man and dipped into her purse to hand him what she hoped was an appropriate amount of cash. Judging from the man's smile and the way he opened Claire's door she thought she had gotten it right.

"Have a good one mister Kane"

It surprised her that Glen was known here, but judging by the surroundings it was almost the total opposite of the Italian place he had taken her previously. Her eyes widened as she looked around. She could not fail to be impressed.
Promptly escorted to a secluded booth she eased into her seat and smiled as Glen sat down beside her.

"Practically by putting you on the spot with Johnnie saved his life.
You did him a favor first."

Claire gasped as realisation dawned. Just how easy it was to put someone's life at risk without even realising it.

"It is not impossible to live life, just need to keep an open head is all."

It was easy for him to say, it wasn't his fault that people lost their lives.

"But we are not here to discuss such morbid affairs, I am here to enjoy the company of a lovely and smart woman and perhaps even get her to try out the dance floor with me."

Claire shook her head, unable to prevent thinking about the man whose death she could have caused.

"And whilst I'm living, people all around me are getting killed ..."

She responded.

" ... if you're right ... and of course you are ... even going out for dinner could end with someone being killed ..."

She looked around, there were so many people, so many members of staff. How could she make sure that none of those helped her first and in doing put their lives at risk?

 

[DeathsKnight]

"Hey..."

He leaned forward and snapped his fingers, making Claire look at him,

"There is a difference, in here it is their job, but when it goes beyond the realm of their work it becomes a helping hand. Johnnie's job is to open the restaurant door, when he sees two people, he helps the passenger by opening the door. Like I said, keep your head open and you will get to see what I mean."

He sighed and laid a hand on her own,

"Forget about all that for a moment please, or must I get up and start singing in this terrible singing voice I have to make you forget?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Hey..."

The snap of his fingers more than his voice made Claire's attention turn back to Glen.

"There is a difference, in here it is their job, but when it goes beyond the realm of their work it becomes a helping hand. Johnnie's job is to open the restaurant door, when he sees two people, he helps the passenger by opening the door.
Like I said, keep your head open and you will get to see what I mean."

Not being used to the idea yet seemed like a lame excuse that Glen seemed so easily to have understood just how her 'problem' seemed to work. She smiled as his hand covered her own.

"Forget about all that for a moment please,"

That was easier said than done, but this was their time together, their 'date' even and she wanted to focus on Glen.

" ... or must I get up and start singing in this terrible singing voice I have to make you forget?"

Claire laughed at the idea, amazed at how easily he could make her forget, make her happy.

"Part of me would really like to see that, but even though they seem to know you here, I think I'd rather we eat first, just in case they throw us out after your 'performance'."

She chuckled.

"But I definitely want a rain check on the threat of a serenade."

She teased.

 

[DeathsKnight]

He feigned a hurt look and use a thick Spanish accent,

"Senora no want zo hear me zing? Ai now I feel sad and must drink Tequila."

He smiled at her and sat back, the way she laughed and her eyes lit up with her spirits always made him happy.

"But then I will advise you to have some fine wine with me, from there we can have a good meal, definitely dessert and from there your wish is my complete command."

Almost as if summoned by his words, a waiter appeared at the table,

"We will start with a 1989 Henri Jayer, chilled if you please."

The waiter took down the order, placed down the Menus and moved away, Glen picked up his Menu and grinned at her,

"And tonight you experiment yourself, I will not tell you what to pick."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Senora no want zo hear me zing? Ai now I feel sad and must drink Tequila."

Claire laughed. With Glen you got a whole cast of characters and never quite knew what he was going to do or say next.

"But then I will advise you to have some fine wine with me, from there we can have a good meal, definitely dessert and from there your wish is my complete command."

She smiled.

"Mmmm, there's a thought ... "

She commented softly, the waiter appearing before Glen could comment.

"We will start with a 1989 Henri Jayer, chilled if you please."

Glen seemed at ease and confident. Claire glanced around relieved that she had made an effort with her appearance. It seemed she was to be truly wined and dined that evening!

"And tonight you experiment yourself, I will not tell you what to pick."

She pretended to look shocked.

"I'm going to be allowed to make my own decisions!?!"

Her eyes ran down the tempting descriptions of the courses.

"We both know that those don't always turn out for the best... "

She told him,

" ... so you can guide or recommend if you like ... it all looks so good ... "

 

[DeathsKnight]

He smiled at her and leaned forward conspiratorialy,

"Everything is perfect, they don't carry a four star rating for nothing."

He chuckled,

"But in my humble opinion, under seafood the angelfish is divine, of course it has some strange Italian name and occasionally I indulge in a platter, absolute divinenes."

He leaned back and studied his own menu, the waiter arrived with the wine, pulled the cork and left it open for a few moments, then he poured a small amount into a glass for each of them. Beads of condensation formed almost immediately, Glen motioned for his glass to be filled, he had tasted this wine enough to know if he liked it or not.

"Have a taste Claire, let's see if you like it."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Everything is perfect, they don't carry a four star rating for nothing."

She knew this place was impressive, but perhaps it was even more so than she had realised.

"But in my humble opinion, under seafood the angelfish is divine, of course it has some strange Italian name and occasionally I indulge in a platter, absolute divinenes."

She didn't like the idea of eating something she had seen swimming round in a tank. She perused the list in search of something 'safe'.

As per an establishment of this type, Claire watched as the waiter served the wine. She was unused to the whole occasion and formality of the place.

"Have a taste Claire, let's see if you like it."

She ignored the prompt for the moment.

"Glen, why did you bring me here?"

She asked not wanting to offend him.

"Four star ... fine wine ... ?"

Glen looked comfortable enough there, but to Claire it was not something she was used to.

"If you come here regularly, then you're much more sophisticated than I took you for ... "

She commented.

 

[DeathsKnight]

He arched an eyebrow at her question,

"I like the food and wine. A man can entertain himself every once in a while I believe and if you have good company I can not see why not enjoy the three together."

He smiled,

"I like you Claire, like you in a way more than a friend and I would hope that given time we can expand on our friendship. Don't get me wrong, this is not to impress you or anything, I just like the place."

He motioned to the dance floor,

"And it has a place where I can smell your hair without looking like a freak."

He gave her a grin

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I like the food and wine. A man can entertain himself every once in a while I believe and if you have good company I can not see why not enjoy the three together."

Claire nodded. She could hardly find fault in anything he'd said. She picked up the wine to sip at it, halting in surprise as he continued.

"I like you Claire, like you in a way more than a friend and I would hope that given time we can expand on our friendship."

He had said it; clearly. She managed not to appear too outwardly shocked.
It seemed the Elron and Abigail were right whilst she had merely dismissed the hints, the signs that had seemed too fleeting to actually 'mean' anything.

"Don't get me wrong, this is not to impress you or anything, I just like the place."

As she had feared, Glen was more sophisticated than she had assumed.

"And it has a place where I can smell your hair without looking like a freak."

She chuckled.

"We can't have that."

She commented.

"In the interests of not having you thrown out of here, I suppose I'll have to dance with you,"

She joked.

"Least I can do ... "

 

[DeathsKnight]

He smiled,

"Ah a maiden so fair and a heart of gold, makes the eyes look in wonder and the coldness fold."

He grinned,

"Now a dance would be something I will enjoy very much, it's been way too long."

The waiter returned and Glen ordered a meal, after Claire have ordered her own, he asked,

"What did you think of today's performance?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Ah a maiden so fair and a heart of gold, makes the eyes look in wonder and the coldness fold."

Claire chuckled at Glen's recitation; it was a habit of his that she was becoming increasingly attracted to.

"Now a dance would be something I will enjoy very much, it's been way too long."

Again the 'bravado' dropped and Claire's heart raced at his words, at the prospect of dancing with Glen...

The waiter distracted them. She ordered her meal, a prawn starter and a salmon main. Not exactly the recommendation Glen had made, but she loved fish dishes. Relaxing finally, Claire sipped her wine and looked around loving the intimate ambiance of the restaurant.

"What did you think of today's performance?"

Glen asked unexpectedly drawing her attention back to him.

" ... frightening ... "

The confession fell from her lips before she had time to think.

"You like your little surprises, don't you Glen?"

She asked with a smile, then considered how to respond better.

" ... the performance ... well ... we got through it ... though you obviously thought it needed work ... "

She hedged.

"I think having to go through it with an audience made it all very ... real ... "

 

[DeathsKnight]

He smiled at her, she really did see things her way and he was glad that he had asked her opinion. He was in the spot where he could ask her impression on what he did and get an honest opinion, no sugar coating. Just the way he liked it.

"My dear, surprises is what makes the world go round, that and good acting."

He gave her another smile,

"Of course it also tends to keep the people around me on their toes."

He gave her a playful wink,

"You will see tomorrow why I thought that more work is needed, I have another little surprise in store."

He took a sip of his wine,

"I am glad that we got such a good crowd, it gave you more of an idea what it will be like with a full theater and most of you did rather well, made me believe that the audience was just there as time-locked participants. That is the passion and poise I want to capture. But I think over-all we have come a very long way."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"My dear, surprises is what makes the world go round, that and good acting."

Claire giggled.

"Your philosophy on life, Glen I think?"

She quipped, only actually half joking.

"Of course it also tends to keep the people around me on their toes."

His wink was playful and Claire reflected, not for the first time just how easy Glen was to be around and what great company.

"And that includes me of course..."

She commented as she sipped her wine.

"You will see tomorrow why I thought that more work is needed, I have another little surprise in store."

She rolled her eyes theatrically.

"Not more challenges. Working for you and living with you ... I could end up a nervous wreck... "

She stated playfully though actually she loved the unpredictable element of being with around him so much.

"I am glad that we got such a good crowd, it gave you more of an idea what it will be like with a full theater and most of you did rather well, made me believe that the audience was just there as time-locked participants. That is the passion and poise I want to capture. But I think over-all we have come a very long way."

She listened attentively to his evaluation.

"I can only aim for passion and poise. I doubt I'm there yet ... "

She reflected critically.

"I can't believe I'm actually doing this, even now ... things have moved crazy fast ... and with everything with my parents and ... well ... "

She shook her head incredulously.

"But at least I feel like I'm actually doing something with my life at last ... "

 

[DeathsKnight]

"And THAT is what matters."

He found that their glasses were empty, but instead of a refill he got up and with a bow offered his hand,

"May I have this dance mademoisele?"

As he led the way to the dancefloor he could sense that she wasn't quite at ease, he held his hand for her to place her own in and rested his hand lightly just under her shoulder, he gave her a relaxed smile,

"Just relax, don't look down, just follow me."

They started dancing to the rhythm of the slow song, he watched her the whole time, smiling at her. He kept the dance simple and slow, feeling how she moved along with him and in all honesty, she moved perfectly. He leaned closer, whispering in her ear,

"Ooh I love a woman who is light on her feet."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"May I have this dance mademoisele?"

Claire looked up as he stood with his hand out, a theatrical bow accompanying his request. There was no way she could refuse him, nor did she want to, yet as they made their way towards the dance floor Claire could not help feeling 'out of place' and marvelling yet again how at ease Glen seemed to feel wherever he went.

"Just relax, don't look down, just follow me."

She was shocked that he was aware of her nervousness. She put her hand in his and drew closer, moving with him to the steady rhythm of the music. Being with him, that contact, the intimacy of the dancing soon outweighed any self-consciousness she had felt. Returning his smile she relaxed further and decided just to enjoy this rare opportunity to be close to him.

"Ooh I love a woman who is light on her feet."

She giggled at his words.

"From an experienced and cultured man like you, I'll take that as a complement."

She responded softly.

" ... so many new experiences with you, Glen ... "

She murmured moving close to speak in his ear as he had done with her.
It was on the tip of her tongue to suggest that he might prefer someone more used to his lifestyle, but she realised that it was she who he had asked to be with him and she in whom, for some inexplicable reason, he seemed interested.

"All part of keeping me on my toes ... my light toes?"

She asked playfully.

 

[DeathsKnight]

He chuckled,

"Some experience I have yes, being cultured I don't know about. I just go where I want and what feels good at that moment. And right now, I am glad that we came here. You look fabulous, you dance very well and the conversation is tasteful."

He looked down at her,

"Keeping you on your toes? Oh yes it could be, or perhaps I like to watch your calves as you hop around on your toes."

He gave her a cheeky grin, then twirled her around in a quick spin, the return only causing her to be held closer to him,

"And that is how you keep a lady on her toes."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Some experience I have yes, being cultured I don't know about. I just go where I want and what feels good at that moment. And right now, I am glad that we came here. You look fabulous, you dance very well and the conversation is tasteful."

She laughed.

" ... tasteful...?"

She repeated finding his choice of word curious.

"Keeping you on your toes? Oh yes it could be, or perhaps I like to watch your calves as you hop around on your toes."

She gave a gasp as he twirled her finding herself held more closely against him when she finally came back into his arms again.

"And that is how you keep a lady on her toes."

She was amused at how pleased with himself he was.

"Methinks you have done that before ... "

She accused lightly.

"Does Elron know that you have such ... skills ... at your disposal...?"

Claire wondered if Elron was aware that they were out on a 'date' and just how much Glen had confided in him, or if they had actually discussed her between them...

 

[DeathsKnight]

He pursed his lips as if in thought,

"Why yes I do believe I have done that before, but it took much more effort to pull off."

The song came to an end and switched to a slower song, much more romantic, he smiled at her,

"Oh Elron knows almost everything about me. But there's things he doesn't know. A man got to have a few aces."

He pulled her even closer, the song had a slow waltz tempo and he led her across the dance floor, his eyes fixed on her face as they danced.

"I don't think I can stop telling you that you look lovely."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Why yes I do believe I have done that before, but it took much more effort to pull off."

He told her thoughtfully.

"Oh Elron knows almost everything about me. But there's things he doesn't know. A man got to have a few aces."

She nodded, very aware of the song change, of the slower sway of the song and that he was holding her more tightly.

"You certainly have aces to spare... "

She commented softly as she followed his lead, finding amazingly that they seemed to move as one.

"I don't think I can stop telling you that you look lovely."

She blushed, unused to such compliments.

"I thought I'd make an effort ... "

She responded shyly, pleased that she had taken Abigail's advice.

"Being wined and dined isn't something I'm used to ... "

Neither was being with Glen in this 'mood', but Claire found that she was enjoying both new experiences ...

 

[DeathsKnight]

He laughed softly,

"Be careful, I might just add another item to that list of what you are not used to."

He leaned his head against her own for a few moments and then raised it again,

"As for aces? I have a whole pack up my sleeve, I'd warn you to not play poker with me."

He gave her a grin, he enjoyed her company more and more, every moment with her made him feel like he belonged with her, like he had known her for ages. And to top it all off...

"Your hair does smell lovely."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Be careful, I might just add another item to that list of what you are not used to."

She joined in his laughter.

"If you're trying to warn me off, I'm getting braver by the day ... "

She replied, her soft words giving way to a sigh as he moved so close that their heads touched and held for long moments, both savouring the closeness before easing apart slightly once more.

"As for aces? I have a whole pack up my sleeve, I'd warn you to not play poker with me."

She chuckled, enjoying his quirky banter.

" ... and I don't even play poker ... "

She murmured as they moved together, she now totally oblivious of anyone or anything around them.

"Your hair does smell lovely."

She lifted her eyes to his again.

"Oh yes ... that was the reason you wanted to dance with me in the first place, wasn't it?"

She queried and then glanced around.

"I think you've gotten away with it ... so far ... "

 

[DeathsKnight]

He leaned closer again,

"And what if I lured you on to the dance floor to instead do something else?"

He slid his hand slowly down her back, stopping just short of the gentle curve of her buttocks, for a moment his hand lingered, seemingly ready to travel further, but instead he slid it slowly to her hip and used it to do a slow turn, his hand leaving her body only to return to her upper back where it belonged.

"But I must admit the bonus of smelling your hair does help."