Sometime Around Midnight (Snow[Mature])

[Buster]

Luna

The scars of battle still remained, and while the lanes to Artemis City, Luna were clear, large sections of the surface were scared. Of the city itself, it had come a large way since the end of the fighting one year ago. You could hardly tell that Priscus Nox's Reborns Gundam crash landed into buildings, indeed. The spot where the former warmaster's life had ended was now a bustling shopping mall. Since the arrival of the Pegasus class Charlemagne, Florus St-Jacques was released from the brig. Although he was supposed to be confined to his apartment, punishment it seems from Varden Brousse.

Still, it allowed the man to think about that woman, Josephine and what happened at side 3. A shower later and Florus sat down on his couch before swiping a hand across the screen of his personal computer. He was composing a message for Josephine, something that had been on his mind for the duration of the trip, and the title contained one word he thought he'd never use. "Date?" Recording a short video. Florus stared at the camera for a moment before frowning, "Yeah, look..really not good with these things. That being said, been thinking a lot about you, and that kiss..so, why don't we go on a date? I'll take you to dinner, and show you the city?"

Even as it ended, God, he felt like a doofus. What was it about her that drove him up and over the moon? Still, he shouldn't be like this, not at all with her. Captain Varden Brousse had been extremely, almost frighteningly clear about boundaries, and here he was, totally ignoring that because Florus began to think he had a crush on Josephine. Dear Christ, was that it? Part of him hoped so, the other half didn't, because he was supposed to be a straight laced test pilot.

[Snow]

The Adirondack had docked at the spaceport in Artemis City shortly after the Charlemagne's arrival to Luna a while earlier. The Eberhart quintuplets had since remained in their private quarters aboard the vessel, the exception being Susan and Philippa's command of the Bridge. Captain Brousse made it startlingly clear his displeasure since the tests at Side 3, though all but Josephine assumed it had to do with the performance of the G-Bouncer. Indeed, as the ship docked at the port, the sisters maintained a pleasant, if not terse mood. They had been to the moon before, though never in an official capacity, though the quintuplets remembered fondly the trips they took with their father here as children.

Josephine had just gotten out of the shower, her hair still wet, the damn tresses falling down her back to kiss the bare, tender flesh with drops which still fell from the cerise locks' tips. She had only just began to get dressed when she heard her personal computer sound its message for her. Looking up, she found Elizabeth sitting languidly on the room's sofa, the remnants of her lemonade already beginning to condense at the bottom of her glass.

"You've got mail." She mocked, and Josephine, laughed, throwing her damp towel at her, which Elizabeth received with great exaggeration. Josephine made her way to the computer, crossing her legs comfortably beneath her chair as she sat to watch her message, though when she saw the subject her heart immediately jumped into her throat.

A date!? Who--? She turned around at once, sure one of her sisters had seen. Elizabeth was busy flipping through some physics textbook and Caroline, who had been watching some program, looked up at her quizzically. Josephine flashed her an apologetic smile before turning back to the screen. Who in the wide universe would want to date her? She read the sender and immediately grimaced. Florus St-Jacques? Surely he was making fun of her, as if that rude asshole would ever... her mind wandered to their time spent together in Caroline's office, her fingertips pressing to the blossom of her lips gently, the ghost of his kiss fresh upon her mouth. She opened his message.

"Yeah, look..really not good with these things. That being said, been thinking a lot about you, and that kiss..so, why don't we go on a date? I'll take you to dinner, and show you the city?"


She sat in her chair for a long while after, letting his words sink in. Should she really...? No, of course not. This was ridiculous. He was a comrade. She was working with him-- Captain Brousse was obviously unhappy. A dalliance with this man would only lead her to a court martial. She was about to refuse when she heard the stirring noise of her sisters behind her, and immediately cursed her own stupidity.

"He kissed you?" Caroline cooed dreamily, "How romantic! Are you going to say yes?"

"She will say no." Philippa shot venomously at once, Josephine hadn't even heard her or Susan enter the room, "This is extremely unacceptable, Josephine, I can't believe you would lead on a superior officer like this."

"Superior nothing," said Elizabeth scathingly, "Joey could do a lot better than this deadbeat, I don't care if he is a war hero, did you see the way he latched onto her at Side 3? Talk about creepy."

"Elizabeth!" Philippa gasped, "You're talking about one of our commanding officers! He's a very distinguished man!"

"I thought he seemed very nice," said Caroline peaceably, "I hope you have fun on your date."

"She's not going!" Philippa and Elizabeth cried at the same time, and at once Susan spoke for the first time.

"We don't have time for this," She said, rubbing her temples as though she had just been delivered the worst strike to the end of an already harrowing day, "Whatever Josephine's reply, it doesn't matter right now. We're supposed to meet with Admiral Destin while we're here."

All four sisters paled. They were so under-decorated though? An audience with the Andrew Destin was unheard of for Union members in their position-- but then, they were always destined to be an oddity, it seemed. Collectively interesting, but individually...

"You just found that out now, Suellen...?" Philippa breathed, too aghast to look away from her sister, "When did..."

"Just a few minutes ago." said Susan with no small air of defeat, "This'll be an important meeting, I think..." she looked at Josephine then.

"Just go have dinner with the man, Jo-Jo." said Susan, "It'll bring down the anxiety after the meeting with the Admiral, I'm sure."

"But Susan--" Philippa began, determined to make her sister see reason, though she was met with an irritated and sharp glare.

"No, Pippa," Susan said firmly, "It'll be good for her, and we need to prepare for this meeting regardless." with a deep sigh, she flung the notice on her desk without circumstance, "...What a drag."

There was a long, heavy period of silence then, before Caroline spoke at last, turning to face Josephine once more.

"So," She asked innocently, "What are you going to wear?"

[Buster]

Huh, she said yes.

Florus was actually really happy about that, albeit incredibly surprised, but now he had the problem of finding something to wear. Still, it was really nothing compared to the knot in his stomach, and Florus flashed a brief frown. He wasn't even this nervous when going into battle, but whatever. So, he decided to go with something he'd bought, but never actually worn. A charcoal colored suit, with a long sleeved, stark white shirt, the top button undone as Florus chose to go without a tie. Matching slacks and shoes, Florus sighed for a moment as he looked at himself in the mirror before running a hand through his hair as it fell back into place.

As he boarded one of the increasingly many automated taxis running throughout the city, he let his mind relax and fade away. To a happier time, and it made the man wish he was back at Side 3 to visit his folks. Hell, his dad was there when he woke up after surgery. It was nice to see them, after a couple years, even after what happened..but as the car drove across town to where the Quints were. Florus sighed as he felt the car slowing down before it pulled up outside, and even as he buttoned up his jacket with a single button the man looked up for a moment.

"Well, here goes nothing." Even as the sharp dressed, in his own mind, man made his way to that front door Florus paused for a moment before finally knocking. Three raps of his knuckle as he announced himself through it, "It's Florus St-Jacques." Good lord, please let her sisters not be there. He wasn't sure he could quite deal with how angry they'd be about him asking her out..and he was about eighty percent sure they already knew about it.

God help him.

[Snow]

"He'll be here soon, are you excited?" Caroline said between brushes of Josephine's hair. She had decided to leave it down, more to forego the hassle of finding a style she liked than for any real aesthetic choice. Nethertheless, Caroline had done a good job. It felt... soft, sleek, and looked good falling over her shoulder with that elegant wave only Caroline would have been able to manage. She didn't much care for the idea of wearing any of Susan's clothes, finding the side-slit much too high and the lace at her torso far too tight and revealing, but Caroline had been too enthusiastic and insisted she look her best for Florus and at least the white looked good.

Florus.

What was it about him that made Josephine's heart beat so quickly even as she found him one of the most infuriating people to be in the company of? It wasn't... it wasn't that she liked him or anything stupid like that, surely. He was a colleague. Right? This... this date... what was this date?

Jarred from her thoughts by Caroline's question, Josephine laughed nervously.

"I-I don't know," She lied, "Not... really?"

However, she stood at once when she heard that knock, but it was Philippa who strode with purpose toward the door, and when it slid open Florus was met with sharp, angry turquoise eyes and an appraising look.

"Good evening, Sir," She said harshly, "You're early," and Caroline joined her at the door.

"Don't be that way, Pippa," She said sweetly, "Only by two minutes." She flashed Florus a smile.

As her sisters conversed, Josephine entered the room, looking shyly down, to the side, her hands folded neatly in front of her.

"Er..." She announced, unsure of what to say, "Hey... do you... want to come inside?"

God, what was she, an idiot? She felt her cheeks burning.

[Buster]

"Pippa, has anybody ever told you.."

Florus was angry when she chimed in, and looked at him that. However, on sight of Josie his reaction softened in about the span of less than 30 seconds. An angry look faded away, and for anybody that saw, being all of her sisters, Florus was quite smitten by Josephine. "..Damn." He thought Josephine was quite attractive, like her sisters, but for now..he barely registered a single word Caroline said. "Huh? Better early than late.." Those grey eyes looked over Josephine before Florus St-Jacques stepped inside and his shoes, softly tapping against the floor carried him towards Josephine.

He'd stop within a foot or two of her, his chin lowering to look down towards her eyes. However that gaze shifted off to the side as he reached a hand up to rub the back of his neck for a moment before he went for it. Stepping up close, that head leaned down as he'd bring his lips close to Josephine's ear so he could whisper, just for her to see. "I've never seen anything as beautiful as you are..not on earth, or space." Florus honestly forgot he was in the room with all of her sisters too, at least for a moment until he suddenly straightened up.

Still, Florus wasn't able to hide the fact he was falling pretty quickly for her. Even if the shaggy haired pilot wouldn't dare to admit he could do such a thing. No, God no, why would he be feeling that way? She was a fellow pilot, and it could end at any given moment..still, what was it about her that made him watch Josephine at all times. Even when she wasn't looking at him, Florus St-Jacques wanted to watch the beautiful woman, she had his full attention.

"We can leave whenever you want.."

[Snow]

Philippa was taken aback by Florus' response. Not only was he able to make the distinction between herself and Elizabeth, at least, but to use the deeply personal nickname... her eyes hardened like uncut sapphire at his words, and she jut her chin out proudly at the Ensign's indignation. He may have been their superior officer-- a hero, but they were off duty now, and she...

"Yes." She hissed softly, "I've been told 'damn' quite often in my life..."

Caroline was smiling when Florus entered the apartment, hovering beside Philippa, who promptly pushed her in the opposite direction with irked intent.

Josephine, for her part... she watched the shaggy haired pilot approach her, and felt the hard beating of her heart in her ears. In her neck. The deep, embarrassed pink colouring her cheeks and neck, blossoming down her pale chest so barely concealed by that sheer lace. She felt Florus' hot breath caress her neck-- the shell of her ear as he stepped close... so close, she actually had to keep herself from swaying into him consciously. His words urged her to turn her head from him, sleek amaranth of her hair cascading over a creamy shoulder in a bashful curtain.

"Please don't say things like that..." She whispered, embarrassed, her sisters were still here. Indeed, Elizabeth even crossed her arms with distaste, Josephine spied from the periphery of her vision. She couldn't even tell if Florus was making fun of her... but the way he made her feel now... both confused and frightened her. Deep cerulean of her eyes found his gaze then, and lingered over his lips for a moment, remembering their time together in Side 3, "Thank you."

The girl took Florus' arm gently, allowing herself, perhaps even against her better judgement, to be ushered by this man anywhere for the entire evening. Susan spoke at last.

"Have fun," She offered, cheekily, "Don't do anything I would do."

[Buster]

"Why not? It's true." Soft grey pupils looked down at her, even as Florus enjoyed the feeling of her holding his arm.

For the man, it didn't matter who else was here, he wouldn't take his eyes off Josephine. Watching her with those grey pupils as he walked with her towards the door as he'd whisper to her, "I should be thanking you.." Briefly, for a moment he'd shift his mouth to a soft smile. He wouldn't go as far to say his life was hard, but it had been trying to this moment in time. Indeed, Florus was beginning to understand what it was he felt when he first laid eyes upon the woman in a pilot suit in side 3. Not that he wanted to admit it just yet, could be a fleeting feeling, at least a voice in the back of his mind told him so.

Florus would escort Josephine from inside, and to that waiting, automated car. However, for anybody who bothered looking, they might see they were being watched. Just about six feet tall, caramel colored skin, with silvery hair..and behind the dark sunglasses was just the fainted hint of color. A cascade as those lips shifted, peeling to a toothy grin as he watched Josephine, and whoever else bothered to look at him.

Florus however, wasn't looking for anybody else. Even as he'd open the car door for Josephine, he found his eyes drawn to the lacy bits of her dress. Even after closing the door for her, and walking around to get on the other side of Josie, Florus didn't look at her for a moment before the car began to slowly pull away. "I was put in the brig from Side 3 until we got here..but it was worth it, just for this." This being the date, and slowly the man leaned over as he raised his hand, aiming to turn Josephine's face to his so he could give the woman a slow, hungry kiss. He wanted to do more, but Florus wouldn't, even with a whisper against her mouth, "..Hungry?"

[Snow]

Josephine lowered her gaze away from the intensity of his grey eyes, squeezing his sturdy arm against her as they walked, "Because," She said quietly, "It's embarrassing..."

Josephine allowed herself to be led from the quints' apartment. She spared a glance over her shoulder, at her sisters before she crossed the threshold. Caroline's wide smile made her feel much better about Elizabeth and Philippa's steady, disapproving stares. Susan it seemed had fallen asleep on the couch. "Thanking me?" She asked, "For what...?"

Looking ahead she was ushered to that automated car, looking about the night of the city with piqued curiosity. Artemis was very beautiful, and the busy evening lights made everything seem so much less quiet than Side 3. Her eye caught a dark skinned man smiling at her, face unreadable beneath opaque glasses. She couldn't help but hold Florus a little tighter as she looked away quickly, stepping into the car gracefully.

She knew Florus would have been punished for the incident back on Side 3, but she hadn't known it would be with confinement to the brig for the whole journey. She couldn't help but feel a little guilty. She tucked a long lock of hair behind her ear, the tips brushing again over the milky white of her shoulder. The sheer white lace of her dress barely covered her body from him, and Josephine felt the same as she did back in that hospital room. Exposed and vulnerable. She shouldn't have worn Susan's clothes...

She was about to respond when she felt Florus' large hand raise her chin delicately to face him, her eyes finding his, wide and surprised. Was he going to kiss her again? Did she want him to? She hadn't realized she had slid closer to him in expectation until his lips already claimed her mouth. She cried out softly, hands sliding up his chest to clutch at his shirt, body trembling against his as she pressed close against him, soft, ample montrals of her breasts pushing warm against his chest. The sensation was powerful, and her tongue danced with his, not satisfied with the chaste touching of lips. She was breathing deeply when she felt his question, the caress of his breath against her lips. She tilted her head up, attempting to meet his mouth again.

"Yes," She breathed, hand sliding down his torso, "Where... where are we going?"

[Buster]

"Good, because I'm incredibly hungry.."

Whispered soft as Florus focused his grey eyes on Josephine's face, before he leaned in. Teeth biting for a moment at her bottom lip before pressing his mouth back against hers. Hungry to continue tasting those lips, as his tongue slipped out, to slide into her mouth before he reached his hands down. Florus's long fingers tracing down Josie's sides before he moved, squeezing as they slid around to the back of her legs, he went to pull her into his lap.

Florus would watch Josephine as he sat back against the chair, head leaning up to look at her before he began to slide one hand down her back as the other curled up to her neck. Aiming to pull her head down softly to his so he could give her another long kiss, taking his time to admire the feel of her against him. The feeling of her body pressing against him only furthering his desire for the woman as his right hand trailed along her upper back briefly before the man pulled his lips away. Kissing at the side of her neck with a slight laugh, "Friend of my father came here from Side 3 to open up a "real classy joint." Been bothering me to come and see it, supposed to be pretty great.."

It took everything he had to keep himself still, and his mind relaxed with her like that. Still, it wouldn't stop him from lowering his eyes to Josephine's ample chest, before slowly fixing upon her lips, watching them for a moment. "Kiss me, Josephine.." It was a dare, but the man loved to see how she'd react, even as his right hand began to move. Fingers teasing a downward trend before beginning to climb up her back.

"..Unless you don't want to, we still have a few more minutes by ourselves.."

[Snow]

"Florus...!"

Her voice sounded foreign to her. Delicate. Mewling. She didn't quite care for the way her voice broke when she said his name. Her breath hitched as she felt him bite the soft crescent of her lower lip, mouth opening to allow his tongue to slip into her mouth, giving him possession of her as her own tongue danced with his, meeting his kiss tentatively. Shy and desperate. She felt his strong hands trail down the gentle curve of her sides before sampling the supple flesh behind her thighs, his hands slipping easily beneath the high slit of her gown, ushering her into his lap, settling her there as she whimpered into his mouth. He felt hard against her, sturdy. Her hands dragged down the long plains of his chest, gripping his shirt as she quivered against his body, biting her lip when she felt his hot breath on the tender flesh of her exposed neck.

"O-Oh.." She breathed as Florus spoke, barely registering what he was talking about as he touched her. She saw his eyes dip to her chest, nipples hard and visible against the tight fabric of her dress. Embarrassed she pushed herself a little further into him, the pillowy orbs pressed salaciously against his chest. A fetching pink blush coloured her cheeks, missing his gaze linger on her face. His words snapped her attention immediately back to him, and she studied her face with mixed shock and haughtiness. She knew they shouldn't, on a first date, in a car, she barely knew him. But he had kissed her before, and her body betrayed how much she wanted to do just as he asked. Her back arched as she felt his fingertips trail along the creamy flesh of her back, making her hips jerk astride him, a lewd wet patch blossoming upon the thin silk barrier which separated her bare flesh from his lap.

He taunted her again and she leaned forward, brushing her lips against his shyly at first, unsure, testing. Trepidation for their setting, for their acquaintance before her lips opened, tongue darting out to taste him gingerly. She hand't mustered the courage to kiss him long and deep the way he had her, but she wanted him, and it showed in every honest, betraying move of her body. Every sound, and every blush. What would her sisters think?

[Buster]

Another taste, and it made Florus want to melt. Instead it had the opposite effect on him, making him feel as if he was running hot, from the top of his head, down to his feet. However, only the soft grunting was the only noise escaping the man, and his mind began to wander. Simpler things, like watching the grass grow..or television. God, anything to take his mind off the woman in his lap. It was quite difficult to do though, even as his right hand drifted down, squeeze firm flesh through lace as he began to reconsider where they were headed.

Still, Florus brought his left hand around. Sliding down her side before it curved to run along one of those legs as he did his best to push down what he was feeling. However, when the chance presented itself, it was pushed outward with the softest voice he could manage. "Or..I can cook you dinner.." Finished with a grin, Florus's right hand gave another squeeze to supple flesh as he simply enjoyed the motions of the woman on him.

At least to the man he didn't want his own body to react, but it had already begun to do so. However, her tongue was met with slow brushes of his own, inviting her to taste more of him at her own pace and whim. Granted, Florus has kissed other woman before, however, something about Josephine simply stirred his soul. Made the man feel weak in the stomach and nervous ever time she was around him. God, that couldn't be right, could it?

[Snow]

What was she doing, in the back of a car with a man she had only met a day prior? She didn't know Florus at all, and this date... she thought he was undisciplined and rude, so why had she agreed to it? Was it because of the way he spoke to her? The way it had felt when he helped her out of her ZAKU, or when he had kissed her in Caroline's office? Was it the way he touched her now, the soft brushes of his fingertips against the smooth flesh of her legs making her gasp, pushing against him harder as she met his kisses with more fevered urgency?

Still, his words registered some warning in her mind, and she gasped against his lips, clutching at the fine shirt he wore until her legs trembled astride him, her core hot and wet and eager astride him.

"Y-You went through all the trouble to make reservations," She panted, unable to think through the wanton haze his touches brought to her mind, "We have to at least honor them..."

In truth she was scared, of the way Florus awakened a flame within she didn't know existed. Of what she might do with that feeling. If it was real or an illusion. She shifted against him, sliding deliciously against him in her attempt to maintain some semblance of decency, "We... can stop by your place later, if you like..." She said artlessly, innocently.

[Buster]

"Mmm, you're right. It'd be incredibly rude, wouldn't it?"

Deflated. Whatever.

Florus shifted his grey eyes to the side before finally turning back to Josephine. Those pupils watching her lips, and only that, even as his hands slipped along her thighs before curling up her back. Moving slowly with spread fingers, his big hands enjoying the feeling of her dress under them with another sigh. "We'll see, won't we? For now, a little dinner and wine, then some dancing." Finally those eyes were turned away, looking out the window as his hand drifted lower. Past the small of her back before it finally settled with a slight squeeze of his hand.

After he realized what he did, Florus dropped his hand to his side before frowning at the corner of his mouth. The trembling legs didn't go unnoticed, and Florus thought she wanted him to continue, so he'd stop. Still, he wanted to kiss her again, and gaed at Josephine. Eyes gleaming with his desire, as did all parts of him, to be with her. Still, it was a date. So Florus relaxed in his seat and simply watched the woman's face.
"You know everybody is going to stare yeah? Only because they're jealous of how beautiful you look."

God, that sounded so stupid.

[Snow]

Josephine closed her eyes, turning her face to the window of the car. She took in a deep breath, swallowing hard before her eyelids opened, letting herself gaze out into the scenery of Artemis city, the night lights busy as they slid by the moving vehicle. She felt her heart beating thunderously in her chest, and some part of her felt like she was doing something wrong.

Still, she did agree to this date and she did want to go-- to have fun. The sisters had not been afforded much of that since joining the military, let alone since arriving to the moon. And while vexing, Florus didn't seem like a bad person. She needed it, the escape. The wine at least. A blush flushed the skin at her neck as he spoke, and she shook her head with more timidity than she was used to.

"You keep saying things like that..." She breathed, before blue eyes found his, and she worried her lip softly, "Where exactly... did you say this place was, again?"

She stared at him for a long time, taking him in. He was indeed a war hero, and some part of her was in a state of disbelief that she was even sharing a car with such a person at all. If the night passed and she woke up still at Side 3, that would be more normal, wouldn't it?

[Buster]

"Not far, within five minutes from here."

Florus frowned at the corner of his mouth as he shifted in his seat, a hand width of distance between them. Felt like a mile in his mind, but he'd note this uncomfortable, deflated feeling and save it for when he'd need it. Need it to stir himself into anger, but, that's for a different time and place. "You know, I don't consider myself anything special, not a hero like I've been mockingly called." That was a minor annoyance, enough to rustle skin and get his blood rushing, but Florus was too indifferent to do anything about it.

"Here it is." He saw a little ramen shop and knew they were there. Even before the car began to slow down before pulling over to the curb. Once it stopped, Florus opened his door and stepped out quick enough, however, he did come around to Josephine's side of the car and opened the door. Waiting as those grey eyes watched the woman carefully to exit the automobile before the door was closed behind her with a solid thunk.
Even as Florus buttoned up his suit, a single button he'd walk beside Josephine, although a step or two behind her. Much like with the door, Florus St-Jacques would open the door and give a light smile to Josephine. He did have some manners after all, didn't he?

"After you, but I do have to admit..not quite so good at picking out food. So I might need some help, if you don't mind?"

[Snow]

Josephine started at Florus' words. How... had he been able to tell what she had been thinking? She tucked a lock of fuchsia behind her ear and looked away quietly after he spoke.

"Is it mockery, though?" She asked, before blue eyes found him, "You did help win an important victory..."

She was cut off by his announcement, and, with a look that almost bordered impress when he opened the door for her, stepped out into the chilly night, rubbing her forearms gingerly against the breeze. She stepped forward, preparring to enter the establishment with more than a little trepidation-- suddenly the feeling of this date became even more real for her. Still, his last comment provoked a laugh from her. Sweet and soft.

"You want me to order?" She laughed softly, "But I don't even know what the food's like here." she paused then, when her eyes found his face, suddenly subdued, and looked away from his face then, "I... wouldn't mind, if you want me to."

[Buster]

"Well, if you want to pick, you can. I'm just saying I need some help choosing what I'm going to be eating."

Florus spoke the last word slowly, making sure it came when Josephine was looking at him. Rich with innuendo, even as his grey eyes held a distanced look to them. Florus wanted to curl his mouth into a frown at the moment, and wanted to leave, but he'd see this through. Was already here, so why not?
As the doors parted, notable first was the soft, warm lighting mingling against the rich wooden floor. At least it bared the look, sound and feel under a foot of wood. To the left was a long, U-Shaped seat. A book and a few scattered papers, one of them a printed newspaper, a rarity on the moon and a few men sat around, enjoying drinks from round, deep glasses. On the right side, sitting on a tall stool sat a man. Shoulders hunched forward, a guitar setting across his lap. A wide brimmed hat was pulled low on his forehead, the caramel skinned face largely hidden save for a wide, toothy grin. "Hola.."

Clasped in his hands was a guitar, fingers working as he briefly looked up towards the couple, once at Florus before turning to Josephine. Perhaps it was the light, but for a moment his eyes seemed to glimmer. Cascading and glowing, he shifted his grin, a far more devious once on his mouth as he began to play, slowly the sounds of Lágrima. However, after a few moments, around an unseen corner came the man Florus St-Jacques previously spoke of. Even though he just touched 50, he barely looked like he passed his 31st birthday. Thankful to his coordinator genes, he was tall and lean and his tailored suit hung to slender shoulders as a long hand was extended first to Florus. "Florus! I was surprised when you called. Have a table ready for you two downstairs, and is this her?"

Florus St-Jacques offered his best, albeit fake, smile as he offered he clasped his right into the man's left to give it a firm shake. "Steffen Nagal, this is Josephine Eberhart." Motioning with his left hand, Florus introduced her to the older male, who offered her his widest smile. "Ah, the pleasure is all mine, Ms. Eberhart. So why don't you two follow me? I found the perfect bottle of red wine for you..I think you'll like it."

At least from the look of the opening, it looked small, until one walked around the corner and down the stairs. It opened up into a much larger space, twice the size of the floor above, and thanks to a choice in lighting, tiling and walls, looked huge. Recessed lighting dotted the isle ways, but it was mainly hanging pendants over a section of booths Steffen was walking towards. The man wanted it to all be very warm, and inviting, the walls adorned with black and white all the way around the room as he finally stopped in front of a table for two. An easy eye sight line was presented to the kitchen across the floor as Florus stepped to a chair and pulled it out for Josephine.

Always the gentleman right?

[Snow]

Josephine looked away from Florus' face quickly when he spoke, a pink flush on her cheeks as she was greeted, truthfully, with a much better sight than she had been expecting. It felt cozy on the inside despite the size, but not in a slovenly or dingy way. Not that she had been expecting a man of Florus' distinction to take her anywhere particularly unpleasant. No, she found the slight rustic design of the place to be charming, and was caught in the guitar player's song before sue turned to the man Florus had begun speaking to.

"Likewise, Mr. Nagal," She said, flashing a smile, "I didn't know that Ensign St-Jacques was so well prepared for the evening."

Her eyes found his, brow rising cheekily at the prickly jab, she wasn't going to make it too easy for him, was she? Josephine did, however, like the view of the kitchen as they were lead to their seats, and tilted her head in... was she impressed? When Florus pulled out her chair for her. She half expected him to run it out too far like a naughty child at the very end and have her fall unceremoniously on her ass.

That didn't happen.

She waited until Florus seated himself before she spoke again, a little embarrassed, she brushed a lock of hair behind her ear nervously, "Wow," She said, cursing herself for the slight tremble in her voice, "I didn't think... I mean, it's really nice here."

[Buster]

What, was she..teasing him?

Florus had to do a mental check to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Nah, not dreaming, so why not push it a bit? So, as Josephine continued to speak, with that slight tremble, Florus made no attempt to hide the face he was watching her. Her mouth to be precise, Grey eyes looking, taking in the very shape of Josephine's mouth and Florus briefly looked up to her eyes. "Yeah? It was the only place I thought of when you agreed to go out with me tonight. Something beautiful, for a beautiful lady." It was true, and Florus St-Jacques thought it was a shame they were here instead of somewhere a bit more private.

"You know, the dishes they serve here are good.." Florus thought about it for a moment, but the man let his eyes wander, back down to Josephine's perfectly shaped mouth. Down her neck as he'd briefly catch his bottom lip between his upper and lower teeth before letting go as he began to speak. "..However, there's something else I'd much rather eat." His lips shifted, moving to flash a smirk before a grin began to etch it's way over Florus St-Jacques's half sicilian, half french face.

That being said, the man looked back back at Josephine. Jesus, what was it about her? It made him feel...not like himself. He wanted to be near her, or with her physically all the time. Inwardly it made Florus St-Jacques want to retreat to a better place, he was a pilot for the Union. This, these types of relationships weren't good..right?

Whatever, full speed ahead right? So, Florus St-Jacques would have to sheepishly admit this to Josephine.

"I think I might need help ordering something. You have all the class, and I mostly eat on the ship.."

[Snow]

Josephine shifted uncomfortably under the powerful scrutiny of the man's gaze, she supposed he didn't mean anything by the words, but the way his eyes flickered down when he spoke gave her the distinct impression her deduction was incorrect. In truth, it was a pleasant restaurant, quaint and classy. She was admittedly surprised he even knew a place like this existed, let alone that he would eat here, but may be she was treating him unfairly? She... reveled, in the physical attention she gave her, knowing it was probably improper given their military circumstances. She couldn't help, however, herself from staring at him. He was handsome, strong and famous, that... were these things an unnecessary complication?

She flashed a lovely smile to Florus, deciding to take his words at face value, even as she squirmed in her seat at his double entendre. She remembered the car, her shameful behaviour, it brought a furious pink to her cheeks she was desperate to fight. She shouldn't do things like that on the first date, should she, she was certain he knew that too... right? Did he think she was lose now, guided by lust for a famous hero, against the opinion of her sisters? She hoped not, for it would embarrass her greatly, to think of shaming herself not only in front of her sisters but him as well. She picked up the menu with delicate fingers, her hands shaking slightly. There was no need to be flustered. It was only dinner. Only... dinner. Right? Right.

"A-Alright, then," She said quietly, "If you don't mind..."

She scanned the menu carefully before placing their order, her attention once more turning to Florus. She looked up at him, feeling the blush rise in her cheeks, asking the question that had been plaguing her since she first received his call.

"Why... why did you ask me here?" she asked quietly. She knew it was a date, obviously, but surely his superiors wouldn't approve of this. They had only just met, and she couldn't help but feel all of this was a little... fast. Odd. She looked to the side, unsure.