Welcome to Gaia! ::

Jerry tried to count how many months he had been sober. He couldn't remember anymore. Let's see... If he had been taken into custody in October, that was five months, plus a few months before that- "I um... h-how about you ah... order for me?" He turned his trembling expression into a pained smile, putting the menu down.

"It's... it's been a while since I've had... this sort of... um. Any sort of like... proper date. Let alone on Valentine's" He blushed, smiling over his water glass. He drew in a deep breath, drumming a finger on the table as he tried to will himself to relax.

Something would go wrong. Someone would report him for drinking, Chantelle would lose interest in him, They'd get mugged and he'd get in trouble for pulling a bazooka out in the middle of New York...

Deep breaths.

Charlotte's words softly returned to his mind's ear. Denied the ability to live normal, happy, human lives... Maybe they weren't. Maybe they still could. One just had to work by Deus's rules was all.

His smile picked up. "I can't believe how beautiful you look tonight. I'm the lucky guy."

Jerry sank down in his chair slightly at the compliments, fidgeting with his napkin before tucking it onto his lap politely, his face red. "I'm... I'm n-not so great," He smiled unevenly, "But... but I'm really glad you gave me the chance."

The waiter returned with their wine, setting the glasses down before carefully pouring first for the lady, and before Jerry could open his mouth, had poured his as well.

He tried to focus on how frustratingly tiny the portions on their plates were, for how pricey. They better taste like nothing else he had ever put in his mouth before.

Even so, his eyes drifted back to the wine. "I um." It was probably good wine. Something H would be jealous of, no doubt. Vintage and lovely and he could smell it from where he sat. His hand was shaking slightly as he reached to draw the glass to his nose, eyes closed as his suspicions were confirmed.

It probably tasted heavenly.

The wine remained untouched as he reached to gently try one of the small h'ors d'ouvres and instantly his eyes lit up. He chewed slowly, taking in the texture, the taste. "Oh... oh wow..." He wanted more, but, portions were small- that was it. "That's... that's got to be the biggest oral tease..."

Jerry laughed awkwardly when his joke didn't seem to fly. "I mean it's delicious!" Finally, he caved. He needed to calm down. He needed to relax. That was what today was all about, wasn't it?

He wasn't on a mission. He wasn't (as far as he knew,) being monitored. And he'd have to watch his intake if he wanted to walk out of this with his pockets in tact.

He took a sip of wine, and at least had the presence of mind to savor it in his mouth, deep breaths from his nose just amplifying the flavor.

It was the best wine he had ever tasted.

He took another sip, and it took all of his control to keep it at a sip.

"Well, he's got excellent taste, whoever Christian Grey is!" Jerry laughed, nervousness fading from him the more sips he allowed himself. He drew in a deep breath and helped himself to another sample of their fancy little meal. "I never realized food could be this complex, ahaha. Well, I did, but I mean I've never tasted it, really. I mean, I've had lobster before and good steak and stuff but I'm not sure Outback Steakhouse compares to this, ahahaha. Very good pick."

Jerry had also drained his glass. He wondered how much a refill would cost.

"Pick a girl? Oh, it's a romance story? I know I'd pick you immediately," No need to rush it. He could still taste it, smell it drifting up out of his empty glass with it's rare bouquet. He chose to concentrate on this marvelous woman ahead of him, an eager smile on his face to keep the conversation rolling. And he'd much rather pick the girl than the wine, that was for sure.

Her outfit was stunning in the backdrop of the dinning room, her makeup like a painting. An avid reader, a lover of music, sweet tempered...