**Note this is backdated before New Years **


Quinn had pulled up outside of Delilah’s place. He needed a few moments to calm his racing heart. It was just a date, a normal, everyday date. Something he had been on several times before over the years. He didn't understand really why he was so nervous but he was and he could see how his hands shook slightly in the blue glow of the car’s dials. He closed his eyes, rested his jittery hands on the steering wheel and took a few deep breaths.

With his composure once more collected he glanced down at the clock and realised it was time to actually knock on Delilah’s door. Quinn got out of the car and fumbled for a bit when the car chimed at him, he had forgotten to turn off the headlights. Since he had borrowed his mom’s car he had no idea the damn thing would do that. The dark blue four door honda was inconspicuous yet it was tricked out with all the top of the line stuff from last year; rear view cameras were standard, front detecting sensors, seat warmers, auto starts… Quinn was still trying to figure out what all the buttons did. After locking the doors and pocketing the keys he paused once more to gather his thoughts. He checked his cuffs and straightened his jacket, Quinn was glad he decided against the tie, but he checked his collar anyway before he made his way to the door.

He stood at the simple barrer and had a moment of panic, what if she had just said yes out of pity? Had he really gotten dressed up in a suit for a pity date? Had he borrowed his mother’s car so he wouldn’t embarrass himself for nothing? Was it too late to back out? Quinn ran his fingers through his hair and mentally grabbed ahold of himself. A glance at the simple silver watch on his wrist declared he was pushing it so without any further thought he pushed the doorbell…. No turning back now.

((He is wearing something like this cept not jeans and not quite as tight >.> those buttons look a little stressed))
---
Standing in the little bathroom of her apartment, Delilah was checking over her make up one more time. Not a hair out of place or a layer of make-up too think. Turning around to check the back of her dress , she gave an approving smile. One more touch up and…

Ding Dong!

Her apartment doorbell came to life. Picking her head back up, and one more check, Delilah flipped the lights and headed towards her front door. Glancing into the peep hole, a smile appeared that followed through to opening the door.

“My, don’t you look handsome.” She beamed at him, standing to the side and welcoming him in. “I just need to grab my bag but you are welcome to wait inside.”
-----
Quinn could only stand there dumbfounded for a moment. WOWZERS! He mentally picked back up his tongue and rolled it back into his mouth before tapping into the courtesy his mother taught him. “You look fantastic.”

As he stepped into the apartment he was glad he decided to go with his gut and set up a really nice dinner rather than a simple movie date… no straight male in the theater would be watching the movie after they would have come in. “Take your time. The restaurant isn’t going anyplace.” He glanced around curiously, while mentally going over the plan for the night…. request that she cover her eyes for the last five minutes of the drive before they reach the parking garage, the elevator that had the store indicators taped out for the short ride to the restaurant, and the single flower waiting at the table for her; a simple delilah flower. White on the petal edges but the heart of the flower was a soft pinkish red. He hoped she would like it.
---

Delilah smiled back at him with a small chuckle. “Thank you.” Her hands came up to the garment and touched the soft sides. “I was glad when I found it had made the move from home with me. One of those classic pieces every woman needs.” She gave a large smile, clear that her fashion brain was trying to take over but she quickly blinked it off.

Slipping back into the living area of her apartment, it was clear she had tried to break up the over sized living room into half workspace, half living space. Near the window and balcony door sat two rather simple black chairs with a couch lined up to make an L shape. Their color came from the throw pillows and blankets. The other side had rolls of fabric, scissors, and a sewing machine that was clear had been used recently. Delilah herself slipped into the closed door that one could assume led to the bedroom and bathroom.

When she emerged, she was carrying a sparkling black evening bag. “Alright. Now I’m ready. Any hints for where we are going this evening?” He smiled, walking up to him and taking his arm with her free hand.
----
Quinn looked around curiously with his hands tucked into his pockets. "The quintessential little black dress." He nodded and silently added glad it made the trip too. By no means was Quinn misogynistic but he really was torn; on one side he didn't want go out because how epic she looked but on the other side he really wanted to show her off.

He didn't have much more time to think about it but when she came back in he once more had a flash of pride... Totally glad he pulled out all the stops for dinner and couldn't wait to take her out. He smiled as he realized that the other side of his very male thoughts fell on the 'show off' side. "Nope. Though will tell you that I think everyone will be wishing I'm me when we get there." His smile got wider and had more than a shadowing of rakeishness.

He preceded her out the door and waited as it was locked. "Remember to close your eyes when I tell you. Can't ruin the surprise by seeing where it is." He chuckled and bounced a little in his shoes. Now he really couldn't wait to get there and see her reaction, and the reactions of the other people there.
------
His words brought a huge smile to Delilah’s face. The vanity within her was pleased by the praise that was given to her and she knew that her time was well spent. Quinn kept this up and she would be beaming all night!

But her gaze quickly shifted from pride and happy to one of wonder and interest. Leaning her head to the side as she walked the hallway with him to the elevator, she poked “Now what in the world are you planning?” Of course she knew it was dinner. Being a first date and that they were both dressed up, she prayed that it was some place nice. Last thing she needed was a college style date to Taco Bell in this dress and heel combo!

As the elevator dinged open and she slipped inside, punching the ground floor for their 6 story ride down, Delilah was keeping her eyes on him. “What are you up to Quinn?” She was smiling playfully. The question was not asked to be answered directly but more as a curious, thinking aloud moment.

“Well, I trust you. You did after all ask me out so I know your taste is good.” And with that, she gave a smirk.
------
Quinn just smiled and kept his mouth shut. The suspense would make the surprise just that better. The elevator ride was fast as was the short walk to the car. He politely opened the passenger side door for Delilah and handed her into the car like a chauffeur, something he had never actually done. He had only seen the family driver do it or his father when he is feeling particularly gallant.

The drive was round about and rather circular but at a light he glanced over and and said, "ok time to close your eyes. I'll pull over till you do, don't want to ruin the surprise." When the request was fulfilled he continued on the way. Only a few more turns and soon they were pulling into an underground parking garage. With the car parked he said, "ok keep your eyes closed." He couldn't get the numerous pillars with the building names on them covered like he did the elevator.

Luckily the elevator was just a few feet away and he navigated to it without any issues. Once inside with the button pressed he practically bounced in place, "ok you can open your eyes." There wasn't anything to see, the simple posh elevator made it's way quietly and imperceptibly. The whole button panel was covered with a blank cover as was the floor icon above the door. Nothing would give away their location. The surprise was yet to come and he couldn't wait to see her reaction.
-----
Her only objection to the request had been a look of 'what are you up too'. However, Delilah had followed suit trusting him enough not to drive her off a cliff. That was what phone GPS was for.

Her sense of direction was then thrown off as she felt the car turn and move. Lights from outside played with her eyes and frankly, she was lost.

When they stopped, she almost flicked them open but stopped when she felt his touch. A guiding hand, a ding and then they were moving.

When he gave her the command, Delilah's red eyes opened and blinked to clear the haze. Looking around, she found him standing to her side. "Gee. An elevator! Just where I always dreamed of going." It was sarcastic but teasing as she looked towards the panel. The cloth made her stare.

"Quinn," she asked this time, softly and confused. "Where are we going?" As she turned her eyes onto him, Delilah looked soft and just a touch nervous. Even with her normal exterior, she could still be confused.
------
Quinn smirked at Delilah's smart a** response. He was tempted to reply with one of his own but he kept quiet. Only her quiet question had him respond. "To the restaurant. I promise. I didn't want to ruin the surprise by letting you see the floor number." She had sounded confused and to Quinn, a little worried so he hoped his explanation helped. He opened his mouth to say more when a soft ding permitted the space, announcing their arrival.

The elevator doors opened quietly to reveal a nice hallway, carpeted in muted tones and embellished with choice plants and art. A large opening was directly in front of the elevator, just on the other side of the hall, revealing a few well placed tables. A young lady stood behind a dark podium with a smile on her face. Quinn gently lead Delilah up to her and began to speak, "I have a reservation under..."

The hostess cut him off, "yes sir. We've been waiting for you. Please follow me." She scooped up two leather bound menus and made her way slowly into the depths of the restaurant. Quinn followed, ushering Delilah along as well, as they passed several well dressed customers seated at just as well appointed tables. The white table cloths were spotless and draped to the dark carpet, the silver utensils gleamed in the muted light as flashes of color from the covered candles played across the gold rimmed porcelain plates. Overall an extremely elegant look for an extremely elegant restaurant.

They were lead to a isolated, intake to table situated right at the wall to wall, floor to ceiling windows that provided an excellent view of the city. Destany City was spread out below them like a carpet of lights, high enough that one could pretend that the turbulent night was nonexistent and it was nothing but a normal city. Quinn stared at the expanse of lights wondering what chaos was stalking the shadows and who was out protecting the innocent. He was pulled from his musing as the hostess gesture to the table, placed the menus next to the table settings, and informed them the sommelier would be over shortly.

Quinn nodded his thanks, quickly withdrew Delilah's chair like a proper gentleman, and seated himself once she was settled. He smiled uncertainly over at his date and said, "they really do have some of the best food in the city." His hand idely traced the gold embossed logo on the menu; Le Clair de Lune. He was going to say more when he was interrupted by a tux clad gentleman.

"Monsieur Quinton, fantastic to see you again," his French accent was heavy but his English was flawless. "What would Monsieur et Madame," he gave a slight nod towards Delilah, acknowledging her, "prefer from the wine selection. We have a very good Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas Terres Brûlées from 2008. It is a quite balanced, with hints of liquorice and coffee."

Quinn blushed slightly, the color nearly lost in the low light of the restaurant, he had forgotten about the wine and while he knew that they wouldn't question either of them for id he was driving and Delilah was technically underage. One glass wouldn't kill either of them but he didn't know if she would even like any, or what she would like if she did. "Not right now François. I think the lady should chose and she hasn't had a chance to become familiar with your wide selection." The sommelier nodded his assent and indicated he would return shortly once a selection was made and once more the two were alone.
---
Words couldn’t even come to Delilah’s mind as they were lead first from the elevator then through some of the most beautifully decorated tables and finally, the people. Oh the attire they were wearing was made of materials Delilah could only dream of getting her untrained hands on! Suddenly, the woman who had felt so dolled up felt completely underdressed. Her jewelry was some of her nicest and it felt like chump change compared to a few earrings she saw.

This was the life her family, well her father, longed for. She mixed and mingled with the highest class most of her life and had come to hate it. Now, Quinn had brought her to one of their restaurants? There had to be a mistake!

And then she saw it.

The view.

It took her breath away as she felt her jaw drop slightly. She knew of only one place that had a view like this and there was no way a college student could afford that. “Quinn, there has to be a mistake…” Her voice trailed out as she slipped into the chair and looked down at the menu. The words confirmed what she believed. Le Clair de Lune. Oh how she had dreamed of one day coming here. Maybe for her wedding.

But here she was, gazing across the table at the man she had come with. Her eyes narrowed and she was about to push again when the waiter joined them.

Monsieur Quinton.

Her heart stopped. As the waiter walked away to leave them a moment, Delilah’s eyes opened wide and then narrowed again. In time, her mouth went from a small circle to a thin line. “Quinton?” She finally asked, turning her head in a questioning manner. Her tone was clear. He needed to start explaining.

“You know, I always assumed Quinn was your first name and never pushed but I take it now Quinn is a nickname?” She raised a brow watching him closely.
----
Something in Delilah's look set off his internal warning bells, 'danger Will Robinson, danger!' Something had pissed her off and he had no clue what. Yeah he hadn't ever told her his full name but who would when saddled with a pretentious name like his. Leary about just how pissed she was he answered slowly and cautiously, like a man crossing thin ice. "Yeah. Mom said she wasn't calling me AJ. Can't call me Author since that's my grandfather and James is my dad. Besides only other option is to go with the full name and Author James Quinton the third just doesn't roll off the tongue like Quinn does."

He tried to make it a joke, to relieve the mood he felt building. "It's not like my name is as nice as yours is. Who actually saddles their kid with a 'the third'? Junior makes sense but once you start getting up in the numbers there is a problem." He smiled half heartedly hoping to get an answering smile from Delilah.

He was still a little lost as to what she could be mad about. When he looked down at the menu he realized that maybe that was the issue. "Look if you don't like the food here we can always go somewhere else if you want. Although the head chef here is pretty epic and he can make just about anything you want even if it's on the menu." It never occurred to him that maybe that casual comment was part of the problem.
---
“Arthur James Quinton the Third…” The name came out broken. After each part Delilah felt her voice catch. With the first being his grandfather and second…his father.

Her head was racing her eyes wide. She was putting things together and quickly as she stared down at the table cloth. “Of the Quintons?” Finally her head snapped up and she locked eyes with him. “The Quinton family. Not only one of the oldest families in Destiny City but in this country?” Her voice rose a pitch at the last part. “And you didn’t think that was of any interest?”

Her head was at an angle now to give off her facial expression. She was trying to come to terms with the fact that the son of Arthur James Quinton Jr. had asked her, a lowly upper middle class woman, to dinner!

And then he spoke of the menu. Her attention shifted down to it. For a moment, she stared at the beautiful gold letters, eyes tracing over them. Then she jerked back to lock eyes. “Oh no Quinn, it isn’t the food.” She forced out through a dark smile. “It’s more the fact that I’m speaking to someone who is on a name basis with the staff at one of the nicest restaurants in town!” Again her voice rose and Delilah had to stop herself from standing. “When did you plan to tell me who you really are?”
----
Quinn was beginning to get an inkling as to what was freaking Delilah out so badly. "Well really that's more my mom's side of things. Dad is just the tech geek who married in." He tried to smooth over the whole 'family lineage' because apparently that was what was freaking her out. At Least as far as Quinn could tell. He had actually seen a wide variety of reactions from people when they learned his full names but he never thought that the normally self composed girl across from him would have a problem with it. "It's not like the whole 'dynasty' crap affects me. I am going to be an architect, not some stiff shirt CEO. Besides no one cares about bloodline anymore, right?" His last statement ended in a question, trying to get her to agree with him.

"Why wouldn't I know their names?" He questioned as he unconsciously ran his fingers through his hair in agitation. "My folks love eating here and I use to be dragged along. Hell one of the sous chefs use to work at the house." He made a discreet gesture to indicate some of the other diners and lowered his voice, "I know some of these dinners come here just as often as my parents do but they don't bother to learn the staff's name, or at least the staff such as the busboy or the simple waitress. That wasn't how I was raised. Everyone deserves to be acknowledged for the work they do even if it's just picking up trash." He still remembered distinctly the frank discussion his father had had with him when he was little and made a comment regarding such jobs. It was one of the reasons he lived the way he did now.

Quinn fell quiet when she asked her very legitimate question. He thought back to the time they spent together and realized he really never did speak much about his family other than the generalities, stuff that could easily be misunderstood. He sighed and smiled wryly, "I guess now. Surprise." His fingers shoved his hair around before falling limply back to the table. "I just don't think of myself as, Arthur James Quinton the Third," he said his name with a pretentious sounding accent before falling back into his much more quieter tone, "I haven't earned the right to the 'silver spoon' as it was. Hell if it wasn't for my parents pockets I couldn't even afford to take you to a three star restaurant let alone here." He gesture wide to encompass the whole place. "But I just wanted it to be special... Our first date that is." He looked out onto the city, his reflection showing a sad smile, "You deserve special atleast but I guess I missed the mark on that too."
---
Leaning forward, Delilah rested her left elbow on the table and plopped the bridge of her nose between her thumb and middle finger. Her eyes closed for a moment as she listened to him. Just listened. Maybe she was being too hard on him after all. He did mean well…

“Quinn,” Delilah started very slowly, her tone very even as she took a deep breath in and then slowly exhaled. “I need you to stop for one moment and think about this from my point of view.” Even though she still head the bridge of her nose, her eyes shot open and locked onto his face. “I am a girl from a middle class family. Upper middle class but middle class none the less.” She started, her head slowly coming away from her nose. “Sitting in a place that for one meal would basically take out a good chunk of our spending money for the month. About to have dinner with a man who comes from one of the richest families in the country. “ She narrowed her lips. “Who, mind you, after having spent time with, I have come to find has been hiding the fact of who is family is.” Her arm dropped down, a small thud on the table.

“Now, you tell me what you would think because right now I have two thoughts going through my head. The first one is you pity me and the second one is that you hoped to impress me so much tonight that you got lucky.”

Her face was hard as she watched him.

“Because you know, why else would you have not been up front? Yes I would have been surprised.” She opened her arms up in a jester to expand on her point. “But it would not have changed the fact that I still would have helped you on your project.”
----
Quinn watched her quietly as she explained what was going on in her head. He was slowly getting redder and redder as he realised just how badly he had screwed up… and how badly he made her feel, neither was his intention. “I didn’t… I’m sorry I…” He kept opening and closing his mouth as his mind scrambled to figure out how to explain without making it worse. Finally he stopped and breathed deeply. “When it comes to my family I tend to avoid the name because there have been some instances where it wasn’t me that they were interested in but the name.” He watched her, trying to let her see the sincerity in his face. He normally shrugged off his connections and completely ignored them when possible but right now Delilah deserved better. At least a honest explanation and dinner at least.

“Once we got started working on the project I forgot about it. I was having too much fun working on the dress and the paper and with you. It just never occurred to me that I never actually told you. Never once did I lie to you! I guess what I said however was misconstrued.” He glanced down in disgrace before returning his eyes to her’s. He wouldn’t back away from his massive screwup.

“I thought you would like the food and the view and I only wanted to see you enjoy yourself tonight. I don’t pity you,” He shook his head and added, “You have more guts than anyone I've met in a while so no I don't pity you and while I like you a lot I respect women too much in general to trade food for sex.” His gaze was direct and a bit hard on that last part. It was true that Quinn never had to beg for company but he would never, ever, think that a meal required anything more than a verbal ‘thank you’. His moss green eyes softened slightly and he smiled while adding, “Besides my mother would kill me for daring to even think about a date that way. Let alone using this place as bait.” He looked around at the darkened room, the glowing candle light, and the murmured voices as others enjoyed their food. “You know… he actually proposed to her here.” The little anecdote was said quietly and had no real bearing on the conversation, it just slipped out.

He visibly shook off his nostalgia with a quick shake of his head. “I really messed this up. I went about it the wrong way and all I can say is I’m sorry.” He glanced at her before gently closing his menu and placing his napkin on top of it. “I’ll just go. You can stay and order whatever you want, I owe you that much for this royal ******** up.” It was said with a sad smile. “Enjoy the view and the feel of the place. I’ll let them know to call you a cab when you’re ready to go home.” He stood up and still he hesitated, he really didn't want to leave this way. “I really am sorry… about everything.”
---
For a long while, Delilah was silent.

She listened intently to his words and realized for as much as she asked him to see it from her side, she needed to see it from his. Of course people would just use him for his connections and wealth. That made complete sense.

What surprised her was that he had really enjoyed his time with her.

So when he stood up, Delilah cast him a look. “Quinn, sit that adorable rear end of yours back in that chair and pick out a bottle of the best white wine. Red is too dry for my taste.” There was a flicker of a smile in her eyes even as her lips remained pressed together.

“And then tell me what is good here. I have only heard stories about this place.” And she looked down at the menu, her hands tracing over the letters again. “So I’m a bit lost as to size of plates and what comes on everything.”

A bit? She was out of her element.

----
Quinn sat back down hesitantly, unsure about the relatively drastic shift in her anger. She seemed to at least forgive him this screw up but he wasn’t quite sure yet he wouldn’t screw up again that night. He smiled gamely and opened his menu, if she wanted to know about the food he was more than happy to oblige. He began going over each item starting with the appetizers and as soon as François came back he was definitely getting them some white wine. He had a feeling he was going to need it.