Nar Shaddaa

Zane waited outside the Silver Leaf for his dates arrival. The deep blue gown he had bought her alongside a pair of earrings had been delivered earlier that day. He didnt know if she would choose to wear them. But he was curious about the result his gifts might have.

The restaurant itself was an expensive one though it didn't carry the price tag of the Aurum Rancor meals started at 100 credits per person and went up from there. Reservations were almost always required but you could usually get them if you called a day or more in advance.

The interior was praticably high-end, the tables made of imported wood and the clothes of high quality silk. Dinner was accompanied by music, and there was a dance floor available for those who wished to use it. All and all it was a popular date spot for the affluent but not sure rich denizens of the city.

Arsele showed already dressed to the nines, having heard it was an upscale joint, so wearing an elegant white dress, having been inspired by Arali's dress the other night. A folded umbrella was slung over her wrist.

"...are you sure about this Zanebry? I know piano playing can't pay ~that~ well."

He was a bit disappointed, but the dress was more then sexy enough to make him forget about such things. He let hid eyes drink her in for a moment before speaking. "You make the stars seem dim beautiful. You look gorgeous tonight."

Approaching he offered her his arm, as he made to escort her towards the entrance. "I'm absolutely certain Arsele, I'm no pauper, and you're worth all of this."

Chuckling softly, she shook her head as she took the offered arm, "Sometimes I wonder where you come up with all these compliments and such; Surely you have to run out eventually?"

"I'll never run out Arsele, not as long as there are women like you who deserve them. If I did what kind of man would I be?" He offered her a charming smile, placing his opposite hand on hers as they moved forward.

He'd lead them slowly into the restaurant, exchanging a few words with the Maitre D as they entered. There table was almost ready, but it's be a few moments.

She watched the maître d' walk off before turning back to Zane, "As long as we're waiting... you habe me curious; What is it, to you, that makes me deserving in this case?"

His lips curled up into a soft smile and he looked her in the eyes. "There are several things actually, Your help two nights ago, when you always had the option to sit back. How kind and patient you were with Ashla yesterday evening, as well the fact you accepted my selfish offer in the first place."

"Of course there is also the case on your beauty, and the fact you listen to my selfish requests, but I'm sad to say those last two play second fiddle to the first three. At least this evening."

She had to ask on one point, "What selfish offer are you talking about?"

He had thought she would understand, but if he needed to clarify he would. "The get together yesterday, there was no reason for you to accept, other then the fact I asked. I know I promised a good time, and I hope you enjoyed it, but that doesn't make it anything less then what it was."

"Mmm... well, I don't know that I'd call setting me up on what was essentially a blind date is something I'd call selfish. Unless you had some ulterir motive that I'm not aware of."

She gave him a curious look.

"I didn't." He snorted. "And it wasn't a date it was a friendly gathering, it just so happens that Arali is interested in you." He offered her a charming smile. "I expressly told her that entertainers don't go out on dates with their fans."

She offered a small sigh, "True... though don't we have to make an exception at some point? I mean, I would like whomever I eventually settle down with to be a fan of my music as well; Just as long as the 'real' me comes first."

"We do, at least to some degree, we can always introduce them to out craft after we meet after all. Or find our happiness with another performer." The Maitre D' arrived and they were escorted to their table. Z walking slowly with Arsele the whole way. "Either way I think the difficult part is the second you mentioned. Getting them to put the 'real' you first."

He smiled softly. "I wish I could do more for you on that account."

"Hey, at least it's easier for singing than for my work at the Dancing Girl; My image singing is not something I think has a huge amount of specific idolization, at least comparatively."

Following, she took an offered seat, "As far as you helping... it's not like you don't already."

"There is nothing wrong with being a Dancing Girl, but that's my opinion as one that doesn't visit such establishments." He smirked." Though admittedly part of me wishes to see you dance like that, at least one time... I much prefer the dancing we do together."

He offered her a smile albeit one that was a bit bitter sweet. "Thank you. I do try, but sometimes I feel because of our work we show each other as much lies as truth."

A small nod, "I... suppose there is at least a little bit of truth to that. Though, at the same time, I never really lie to you Zane; Never have, never will. I just leave some of me out, perhaps."

"I know, and I respect that, so I try to do the same." He relaxed into his seat and pulled off his gloves, laying then on the table beside him. "As for leaving things out? Well, that's second nature to me. So I can't blame you for that."

There was a thoughtful pause. "I've at times considered telling you more, but I believe that requires a certain intimacy that I'm not sure either of us are prepared for."

"It's not even that though; It's more like... hm. I don't know, like telling those things would be almost dangerous, or complicate things, you know?"

"That's probably true, at the very least it would change the relationship he have now." Though admittedly he had at times desired more then what they had. "And I do enjoy our relationship, the dinner, the drinks, the dancing." His tone turned teasing. "Perhaps one day we'll even be able to add kissing to that list."

"Kissing? Oh my! How simply scandalous~"

She trailed off as the waiter approached with waters. When they asked about drinks, she looked back at Zane, "Do you wish to, perhaps, share something?"

He chuckled. "I wouldn't be me if I wasn't a little."

"I was thinking that might be nice." He looked over the wine list thoughtfully. "Do you have any preferences my dear? I was leaning towards a red."

"A red might be nice; One a little fruitier, less tannic..."

She looked over the wine list too.

"I think that would do nicely." He browsed the list a little more before making a suggestion. "How about the Cel'stin Valley 61?" He asked indicating a Corellian wine, which promised fruity but not overly sweet.

"And I think... that would be a wonderful choice. And a good wine to toast some things to perhaps, hm?"

She gave a soft smile as she set down the wine list back in its holder.

"Toasts?" He raised an eyebrow. "I'd have to agree, this wine would be good for them. Though now I'm curious as to what you have in mind."

He offered her a playful smile, before calling over the waiter, and placing their wine order.