An Uncertain Step with a Leap of Faith (Roselyn)

[Roselyn Veeder]

Rose smiled as Vincent laughed at the false proposal, before taking a drink of his beer. As he started to confess this secret Rose leaned in listening intently to him as if this were some vital information or something. She wasn't really sure what she was expecting to hear from him but the way he glanced around the room and lowered his voice a bit just got her line, hook, and sinker. Her eyes were focused on him and she had to cover her mouth as she gave an embarrassing giggle. She realized how bubbly she probably sounded right now and took a drink of water to push that down. "Musicals, eh?" she asked rhetorically. She really had never imagined him for that type but she was willing to give it a chance. Over the past few years she had migrated her interest to horror movies but considering his next statement, that was out of the question. If Vincent made this small confession that action movies bothered him, well it was probably rooted a bit deeper than one may assume.

She leaned back in her seat, the next words Vincent spoke made her pause. When he told her he 'appreciated the invitation' she was afraid that he would decline. Her heart gave a few hard pounds, maybe she had been a bit foolish to invite him to her house so early. But his lips grew into a smile and it set her at ease for a moment, he answered and she felt a wave of relief. Just like that there was no doubt, no fear. It was almost like the first few steps out on a frozen lake, making sure it would hold your weight. Once you felt secure you could relax and let go.

She smiled and gave a nod of her head. "And it's a rule that guest chooses the movie." Musicals wasn't what she would pick herself but she could learn to enjoy it, or pretend to... for Vincent at least. "Well, at least it is now, starting tonight." She gave a half laugh before glancing back up at him. "I'll watch anything, I like dramas and comedies a lot." She just wasn't too big on the romance stuff right now. That stuff never worked like it did in the movies, only problem was it was in pretty much every movie to one degree or another.

The waitress brought Vincent another beer and quickly left the table to disappear into the back. To Rose inviting Vincent to come into her home was..... complicated. Not that it was hard, there were just many different meanings and angles to look at. He would be the first person to actually be a guest in her new home. Rose had reluctantly gave her phone number to her parents, of course by calling on Sunday while they were in church so she could leave it in a voice mail along with threats if they passed it along to James. They haven't been there, and no one from work had been there. She liked things simple and her house was a reflection of herself. To be in her own atmosphere outside of work was sort of an intimate moment, especially considering how withdrawn socially she had gotten over the past few years.

"I'm glad." she said finally with a warm smile. Perhaps he could pick up on a few things from her, simple things about her character and personality that she wouldn't have to state through their interaction there. If Vincent was afraid of her putting the moves on him, well there was no need to worry there. Not that she didn't find him attractive enough, in fact he had been the first person since James that didn't make her physically sick at the thought of getting in bed with. It made her feel uneasy but because of all sorts of reason. She had horrible trust issues and she forgot what it felt like to have those sort of 'urges'. She had lived life naively and learned quickly. She's not going to lie and said she was never at any fault but she knew what limits she had when it came to destroying her respect. "I think it will be really nice just to sit back and relax a bit." She bit at her bottom lip for a moment, "Just don't expect anything fancy or anything. You aren't allergic to cats are you?" She thought she had hinted she had one before but that was days ago.

Her eyes flashed up to the waitress as she carried three plates their way. She glanced at her water and realized she hadn't even drank half of it. Vincent had his second beer and though she figured he could handle his own when it came to drinking she couldn't help but question what sort of limits he had. It set a simple smile on her face knowing that by now she would already have a buzz, especially if she drank before eating.

[Vincent Romanov]

The waitress returned with Vincent's beer, followed again by their food shortly behind. Rose had opted for the steak and salad with ranch dressing, one of the few things Vincent didn't like to eat. He had spent a good number of years in the Middle East and so, had been introduced to different sorts of foods and spices. Not that he had been particularly picky to begin with, but with all that said, Vincent had quite a wide range when it came to his appetite. Tonight however, he opted for his usual, which was a large rib-eye, cooked just beyond rare on a bed of cook onions, with a loaded baked potato and barbecue beans. It was a heavy meal for some, but Vincent had a large appetite which came with being so physical in his life. Lucky he had remembered to bring some mouth spray to rid himself of onion and bean breath afterward.

The waitress left and Vincent smiled to Rose, offering her his hand, palm side up. It may have not seemed it, but Vincent was quite the religious man. He wasn't a saint by any means, but he was versed well enough in his beliefs that he could hold his own in a civilized debate. Vincent wasn't sure if Rose was the believing sort, but she had mentioned she was from Virginia which was part of what most of the southern states referred to as the 'bible belt'. He didn't really wait for a response, but bowed his head silently for a minute or two before finally ending his silent prayer. He looked at Rose again and smiled before taking up his knife and fork, diligently cutting his steak. "I know, musicals aren't really popular with some and I'm the last person you'd think would really be into them, but its sort of my sister's fault so you can blame her," he said with a laugh as he finished cutting his steak. Next he began to mash and mix his loaded potato, giving a glance up to Rose.

Vincent wondered what sort of family life Rose had. Was her family close like his was or were they distant and if so, why? Maybe she didn't have any family. Her parents could have dead and her an only child. It was a sad thought but a logical one. She hadn't made mention of any family yet, but then again, until now Vincent hadn't either. He turned a bit red as he thought about how his mother and sister would taunt and aggravate him once they found out he had been on a date.....That is, if he ever let them know. Of course, he knew they would find out, women always found things eventually. He wouldn't mind taking Rose to meet them, but that moment was still far off and up in the air. Vincent laughed once more, before taking a bite of his steak. He swallowed, savoring the juicy flavor, "No, cats are fine. They don't bother me too much," he said rather casually. Vincent himself didn't have any pets, but his mother and sister always kept some kind of animal so he was used to the things by now.

[Roselyn Veeder]

After their food was delivered and the waitress walked away Vincent put his hand palm up on the table for her. In her mind she knew what this meant, and she stalled. She pushed her hair behind her ear and started to reach for his. It wasn't like she felt anything in her heart pushing her to do it, no it was all those years of training. Her hand moved just a couple inches above the table towards him, then back just a small bit before she laid her hand in his. A motion she had made, and almost always did whole heartily for the majority of her life. This time though it was one out of respect for him but he had found her panic button.

She bowed her head and closed her eyes tightly, her mind couldn't even focus on the moment. It seemed like service to God was only followed by pain and loss. Her father is a God fearing man, dedicating his whole life to Him and putting his faith in the Lord to supply for his family. Sure he was paid to be the pastor of a small church but it didn't pay much, not to mention on top of that she lost her sister as she was traveling to a revival her dad was preaching at. Her father always wanted her to be a very spiritual woman but considering the benefits that seemed to follow she had to decline.

Perhaps her lack of concentration showed because she did not move until Vincent pulled his hand back from her. Perhaps her father was right, God would always be right there with her, that no matter what she would always be in His fold now. Only thing was she hadn't found much comfort there. She tried not to act shaken but she's a horrible actress when it came to things like these. Sure if she despised Vincent she could lie but honesty was something she clung to and if a person had a strong moral code she couldn't do that to them.

She felt a chill all over, pulling her hand back to swipe at her hair already resting behind her ear. She reluctantly picked up a fork, in her mind already wanting to run to the bathroom for just a moment to breathe. Maybe Vincent wasn't that religious... But then again what kind of guy prayed with their date like that? It was too much like deja vu and before she thought about it she was glancing around for possible exits (even if just temporary) if the situation got to be too much to deal with. Religion should have brought comfort to Rose... And right now she felt that urge to pray, or talk to herself rather. Her mind was jumbled up and since God seemed to stop answering her years ago she stopped talking. She felt that when she needed God to straighten up her life the most, and the more she asked, the worse things seemed to get.

"So.." she started trying to pick up what small momentum she might be able to stir up from deep within herself before she became completely recluse. "You're sister?" God, now it was family discussion time. She felt herself leading to a panic and she had to do the whole count to five before she jumped head first into something offensively. "I take it you are a religious man." she stated quickly, more or less questioning him and not really giving him ample time to talk about his sister. She was trying not to be rude, in all honesty but this just popped up a big red flag for Rose.

[Vincent Romanov]

It didn't take a genius to see the tension in Rose as she let go of Vincent's hand after he had prayed. You could feel it envelop the booth they sat in, but Vincent said nothing nor brought any attention to the matter. He went about eating his steak as if nothing were wrong, because for him, nothing was wrong. Clearly Rose had the problem with the previous moment and if it bothered her so much, then this date would quickly end. Vincent did silently hope that she wasn't some sort of atheist for if she were, then they certainly would not be able to get along. Two clashing views on something so important in life.....that was trouble in the making. However, whatever came of the next few moments would come and he would deal with it the best way he knew how and then it would all just go from there.

Finally, the moment hit, fast and hard. Rose jumped right into her question of Vincent's belief. This had bothered her and so, he would have to diffuse this bomb before it blew up. Vincent would not compromise his faith to satisfy anyone, not even himself. There were times when he wished he could just do so many things which his belief forbid and so, he swallowed the bitter pill and went on his way. That was what he was taught all his life and that was what he would continue to do until he died. "I am," he said simple, before putting another bite of steak into his mouth with his fork. He kept his eyes and focus on Rose, letting her know she had his full attention on this matter. Vincent always tried to look someone in the eyes when talking to them, whether it be out of respect or intimidation. "Is that a problem for you," he asked her, putting another bite of steak in his mouth, continuing his dinner as casually as he could.

Moments like this had popped in and out of Vincent's life many times, especially while he had been stationed in the Middle East. Being a Christian in a world occupied by Muslims wasn't easy, but he had little to fear. Sure, some freaks over there had threatened him but most let him be for the most part. Vincent witnessed some while he could over there and shared many heated debates with devout Muslim men, but in the end had always left with a handshake. Religion wasn't complicated for Vincent, it was this and it was that, plain and simple. He lived his life the best he could and followed his beliefs in the same manner. Rose might prove to be another stumbling block in his life, but then again, she might be willing to put up with his beliefs. After all, it wasn't like Vincent was expecting anything out of Rose, she was free to make whatever choices she wished.

[Roselyn Veeder]

Vincent completely kept his cool as he answered her. And his answer was simple at first, he didn't seemed to be bothered at all that she was uneasy with this situation. What really surprised her was that he didn't suit up to march in to battle and bring the woman to repentance. He didn't start preaching at her or anything of that sort. He kept eating his meal as if she had asked him about something as casual as a food preference. She felt that sense of panic, dread fleeing from her quickly. She sat quietly in front of him, her body starting to relax as her mind soaked up in the wonder of this fact and then he asked it if was a problem to her...

Should she say 'yes'? Perhaps 'no'?

It was complicated but she really didn't want to pull that out all in front of Vincent.

Her mind, the logical part of her, was telling her that Vincent had done no wrong. After all he had not pushed anything upon her, he didn't preach to her about her life mistakes. But her heart, it was a finicky thing and it was wanting to run. James had said he was a Christian, and yet that was not enough to keep him loyal to her. She prayed so many times for God to bless her family, and for Him to let it grow. If God was going to work like this in her life, well she didn't want any of His blessings. She felt bitter, the more she seemed to devote herself to religion the more misery was poured out in her life.

She would struggle giving him an answer without letting too much be known. And what if Vincent found out she was divorced? Just what were his views on that?

She poked her salad with her fork before stabbing a piece of light lettuce gently. "I've had enough religion in my life." she tried to state simply, Vincent could do what he wanted as far as that went she was just trying to make it clear she didn't want to be an active participant. She really didn't want to give any reason why but knew that everyone else she had met always tried to pry. And she could understand, she liked to have that sort of understanding. Not everyone had the same experiences in this life and seeing things through another's eyes gave you better perception when it came to life in general.

She took a bite of lettuce, hoping that they could move past this stumbling block and get on better ground. Her appetite hadn't really returned to her and she struggled inside as she looked at Vincent. She let her fork rest in her plate before taking a sip of water and letting her hands fall in her lap. Vincent had seemed completely perfect, he's been nothing but a gentleman to her and he volunteers his time at the hospital. Could she not look over this one small detail? She didn't know much what to say but she didn't want the conversation to stay here where it was now. "You mentioned you have a sister? Where is she now?"

[Vincent Romanov]

The moment was still tense, but Vincent waited for Rose to make her move. Either they would move on past this part or it would stop them dead in their tracks. Vincent hoped they would just move on...in a positive fashion. He wasn't asking Rose to go to church with him or help organize a bake sale, he just expected her to let him continue doing what he did as he was prepared to let her do the same. Matters of the soul were a fragile moment and Vincent wasn't about to apply pressure to a cracked soul. Rose had her reasons for not being religious and while a part of Vincent wished to know what had left her bitter in that area, it also knew it was none of his business. Perhaps later on down the road, Rose might feel comfortable enough to open up to him on the matter, but then again, she might not. Rose had not pushed Vincent on the matters of what hallucinations he had from time to time or why he left the military and so he would return the favor now. Respect was given where it was due and Rose deserved much respect.

Finally, the moment broke and Rose moved on to another conversation altogether. This was a welcomed moment as it meant she was still willing to give Vincent a chance and continue on with the date. Everyone had their flaw and it seemed Rose was fully aware of this. Thankfully she was one of those people who were willing to look past things in order to pursue a happier moment. She was a rare find and one Vincent was very fortunate to have found. It seemed liked a one in a million shot, but Vincent really didn't believe in random luck. Perhaps God had crossed their paths for a very certain purpose? However, this was Vincent's opinion and the whole date could be taken however you wanted.

A smile tugged at the corner of Vincent's lips as Rose asked about his sister. Vincent loved his little sister dearly and she was very important in his life. Natalie was a kind soul, much kinder than Vincent and while she herself had never married or had kids, she was very motherly. Natalie had always been there to guide Vincent through his darker days, especially those days after he was discharged from service. Those first few months after coming home were hard for Vincent and even harder after his father died. Physically Vincent was in perfect health, however mentally he was shattered. Thankfully, the closeness of the Romanov family kept his sane and slowly, over the next year and half, Vincent finally recovered and started to become his old self again.

"She's a ballet dancer and right now, if memory serves, she should be home in New York. She and my mother had went over to Russia for a while. Natalie was invited to perform with the Moscow Ballet," he said rather proudly, taking a large bite of his baked potato followed by a swig of beer. He wiped his mouth with his napkin, stifling a burp, hoping Rose hadn't noticed that part. "What about you Rose? Got any brothers or sisters back home or scattered about?," he asked her, still trying to get to know her. Vincent had to admit, this date was going rather well and he was enjoying getting to know Rose. The bump with religion had proved shaky but things looked to be back on the right track now.

[Roselyn Veeder]

Rose smiled a bit more as Vincent eagerly switched topics to his sister. He didn't say too much about their relationship or about her but his body language and tone showed he was proud of her. "A ballet dancer?" she asked sort of softly. Well I suppose with the Romanov children they fit the role. Vincent, as gentle as his soul seemed to be, on the outside was all man. And now it seemed his sister was just as feminine as he was masculine. "Russia?" Her eyes glanced back up at his, "Were you born there... or over here?" She hoped she was right with her assumption that his parents were at least from over there.

She definitely made a note to herself that if she found out he was from Russia, or visited it some then she would have to ask how much of the language he spoke and if she could hear it. She wasn't a sucker for foreign language, usually.. I mean it was kind of alarming for someone to be talking and you not understand a word and still be attracted to them because of it.

Vincent asked Rose if she had any siblings. She had started cutting her steak and seemed to pause a bit before answering. She didn't mind talking about Amber, sure it hurt and sometimes her heart felt that bitter sting but it was better than acting she were never there at all. "I had a twin but she died when we were young." She took a small bite of steak, giving a weak smile in remembrance of her sister. After she swallowed she delved a bit deeper, "Her name was Amber and she was a bit more free spirited than I was. She was closer to our mother and I... well I took up more with my father."

She tried to push to positive feelings and though it was hard to let anyone know that you had something painful like this in your past it also felt good to say it aloud. "She used to play piano like she was born to do it. I remember listening to her before we started school." She wondered often what Amber would be like if she were still alive. As different as they were in some aspects they were still so close and she was certain that they wouldn't have let anything come in between them. She felt that at least Amber would give her some support for her life decisions. She couldn't help but wonder if her mother wished she were more like her sister....

She put the ball back in Vincent's court, "What about your mother and father, were you close to both?" She really didn't know anything about Vincent's parents other than his mother must be fairly well considering she would have made such a journey with Natalie. They say boys usually cling to their mother but that wasn't every case. She continued to eat a bite here and there as she waited for his answer.

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent continued to polish off his meal as he listened to Rose's question about his family and his lineage. "My mother was born here in America, but my father was from old Russia, just outside of the Ukraine. He came here in the early 60's, settling in Manhattan. Story goes he met my mother at some little grocery market, talking with her several times over a month or so and one thing led to another and well.....the rest is pretty simple to figure out," he said with a smile, finishing off his meal and pushing his plate aside. "My sister and I are one hundred percent American and proud of it," he said, his loyalty to his country showing through proudly, "My father often talked of homeland, but mostly with a disappointed tone. He loved Russia, did up until the day he died, but hated what the men who ran her had turned her into," he said with a disappointed shrug of his shoulders. "He did his best to make sure Natalie and I were fully aware of how lucky we were to be born here in America and how special that made us," he finished, offering Rose a bit of a different view of what it meant to be an American. Not to say any other free country was less, but just how lucky those who were born in a country ruled by the people really were.

Rose then went on to talk about her sister and mentioned how she had died young. That was a sad thought and Vincent tried not to dwell on the thought. He would be crushed if he lost Natalie and wasn't really sure if he could handle it mentally. She was the one who anchored him after their father had died and if she was gone who would anchor him then? Rose seemed to handle talking about the loss of her sister rather well which meant she had come to terms with her loss years ago or she was just putting up a good front for Vincent's sake. "I'm sorry," he muttered as he listened to Rose continue with her story.

Vincent sort of came back fully into the conversation with a smile as Rose asked him about his relationship with his parents. "Our family is very close," he said with some pride once again, "отец made sure we all stayed close, a Russian thing I guess," he added with a shrug of his shoulders, "He always made time for all of us. "I was really more close to mom emotionally but отец and I were close as well," Vincent said, slipping in the Russian word for father, something he always said when he referred to his dad.

[Roselyn Veeder]

Rose's mind was slipping away from the religion incident as they kept talking. She was almost back on track like it had never happened, in fact. She listened to Vincent as he told her about how his mother and father met, sure it might not have seemed like much to some but it made her smile. Not everyone can have some sort of fairy tale beginning, but those that stay together, who have that much love and faith in one another, that tugged at Rose's heartstrings.

She ate a bite here and there, her appetite picking up but already getting full. She hated having Vincent wait on her seeing as how he had finished his meal quickly. She was sure that that probably had much to do with the military. He told her that he was sorry for her loss and she felt sincerity in his comment. "Thank you. It was extremely hard... at first. You have to move on but you don't have to forget." And forgetting was something Rose couldn't easily do. She would let minor offenses pass but other things, things that really turned her life upside down, well she wasn't apt to forgive either. That was perhaps her biggest weakness as a Christian and when there wasn't anywhere to point anymore fingers she looked up.

Vincent slipped in a word that she couldn't quiet understand and at first she doubted what she heard. She listened to Vincent intently and as he repeated it again, she couldn't deny it. She tried not to let that sly smile slip across her lips but her body would betray her every time. Rose was not a good liar, yes to those she despised or if it was for a good cause she could. But those sort of people didn't deserve honesty. Vincent had taken her in stride, and kept impressing her. Despite the fact he had tumbled into a bad topic he was doing an excellent job of making her feel comfortable. She knew she shouldn't trust too quickly and she still was a bit defensive but less than normal.

She chewed another piece of steak, watching him. She believed his father was right, that he was special. Did he get his faith from his mother or father? Rose quickly pushed that out of her mind. She didn't want to spoil this moment by bringing this back up. Vincent had mentioned that his father died, this was something she could ask about later but it seemed both were at an understanding not to ask for details with these types of situations. "What about your sister? Does she have a family?" She started realizing that considering that Vincent's father came from Russia that he probably didn't know that side of his family very well. She tried to give an explanation of her question before it seemed odd, "You're just so good with children. It seems like you would have a lot of patience with them." Or really anyone, she thought as she realized how she must have acted earlier.

She smiled at Vincent, "When we do leave, if you'll take me back to the hospital I'll get my car and you can follow me home... If that's okay with you." She really didn't like going back out after she had gotten in, especially not late at night. Even though it didn't bother her to think about her home being 'empty' she figured that she would probably be lonely after Vincent left tonight. Rose was more fragile than she would let on, in certain aspects, but she had grown to cope over the years.

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent scratched the side of his face and then shook his head as Rose questioned him about any nieces or nephews. "Natalie hasn't married so far, she's had a few boyfriends here and there, some of them seemed serious, but they sort of fell through," he said with a sly little smile, as if he knew something his sister might not. Big brothers were sort of famous for protecting their little sisters from would be boyfriends and while it might seem cliched, sometimes it was sort of true. "Natalie's got a busy schedule with all her dance practices and what not, not to mention all the traveling and shows she performs throughout the year," he added, "but not to worry, our mother never lets her forget that its never too late to settle down and start a family, so who really knows," he concluded with a laugh. Vincent's sister was a good eight years younger than him and as such still had some time to really find a good man to marry and have kids with, if that was what she desired.

The Romanov children were both very professional and invested a lot of their time into their jobs. Vincent had dedicated his whole life thus far to be a soldier and defender, but he loved it all. True, some of the things he had done as a soldier still haunted him, but that was just part of the life he had chose. It wasn't easy being the sort of person he was, but Vincent knew it was his calling and so he answered with a rabid devotion. Natalie on the other hand had pursued a more feminine career, much to her mother's joy. In Vincent's family, things were what some would could very old fashioned. The men in the family had certain jobs which were expected of them simply because they were men and the same went for the woman. However, Vincent's father had never expected his American wife to bow down to such gender roles, but she had given somewhat and things just worked out. So in short, in the Romanov house, men were men and women were women, there wasn't any blurring of the lines like you saw so much today.

"To be honest, I don't really know why I'm so good with kids. It just kind of happens," he said, putting on a puzzled look of sorts, really thinking about Rose's question. It was odd to see a single man with no real experience with children, handle them so well. In Vincent's defense though, he did find it easier to handle the younger ones than the older ones at Hammel. Teenagers and those right on the verge of adulthood were usually so smart mouthed and spiteful. Hence the tough guy act Vincent put on back at the school. He heard the odd rumors floating around about him among some of the new students and he had even contributed to some of them. It was a good way to keep the intimidation factor in his favor. Vincent hadn't bothered to ask Rose about having any children as she had already talked about only having a cat back home. He didn't find it unusually really, as Rose looked rather young and she had hinted at still being really knew to the doctor game. She was just really starting her professional life so really not much time to sit down and start a family.

Vincent's ears perked up as Rose sort of set out a game plan. He was to take her back to the hospital and then follow her back to her place. He wasn't against the idea, but it did make him nervous. It wasn't like he was looking for a quick one night stand and it had been a very long time since he had been really alone with a woman. He could feel his face getting hot and knew he had to blushing a bit. "Sounds great," he said, trying not to give off that creepy pervert vibe. "We can leave anytime your ready. If you want to stay and listen to some music for a while, then that's fine too," he added, rubbing the back of his neck. He felt like some dorky high school teenager talking to the prom queen.

[Roselyn Veeder]

Listening to Vincent talk about Natalie and his family brought her back around, now religion was the last thing on her mind. It seemed that his family was still pretty close despite his sisters busy schedule and she admired that. It was nice to have family that supported you no matter what life seemed to have dealt you. And honestly Rose hoped that eventually her mother and father would come around to the idea of her never mending things with James. Rose was usually a rational person but not when they split up, after all her whole life, her dreams all seemed to shatter around her and if she had to mop herself up and carry on she was gonna make the biggest mess out of him she could. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Rose's mind had lingered on the fact of what her mother would say if she knew that Rose went out on a date. She could already start picking out arguments that her mother would start about the situation. That's one reason that Rose didn't talk to them much anymore, her mother was always trying to urge her to make amends, telling her James still loved her... And perhaps he did. From what Rose understood he still visited her parents house and he lived alone, cutting off all ties with Stephanie and not pursuing anyone else. Part of her wanted him to marry, even if it gave her a sting of pain to think he could have a 'family' without her, why that would put her as the weakest link in their marriage before.. that would make her the dysfunctional one. But something needed to give because it was ruining her family.

She watched Vincent's reaction as she talked about going back to her house. She was poking at her salad a bit, really done with her food but usually needing to busy herself with something especially when she was nervous. It may have not been too dark but she noticed that rosy color creep upon his cheeks. He seemed to like the idea and Rose couldn't help but wonder what was going on in his mind. Why was he embarrassed? If anything she should be the one that should worry. "Are you sure?" she asked with a half laugh trying to smooth over the situation. "You seem a little shy." which was ironic considering the butterflies gathering in her stomach.

Vincent didn't make her nervous but men had... expectations when a woman offered such a proposition. Just an innocent invitation to her house, letting him see a little bit more of her world was what she was offering. There were so many things about a persons life you could not get by just talking. She may have been taking a foolishly bold step opening up this much to him so early, not to mention his meta ability and how vulnerable she would be around him if anything went south.

She thought about making a joke about it not being a full moon and that if she bit him he would remain a human but she didn't want him to feel anymore on edge. She found his kind demeanor endearing and it drew her in that much more to him. She offered him a reassuring smile, sure that she wanted to do this. "I'm ready right now." She grabbed up her pocket book and took her billfold out. It was a pretty basic clutch, nothing fancy or glitzy at all. Of course there was no room for pictures, only the basics, her drivers license and a couple of cards here and there. She leafed through a few bills until she pulled out a twenty and handed it his way. She learned one thing from James, don't ever let a man dominate you financially or be completely dependent on them. Besides it was rude to think just cause Vincent asked her out meant he was obligated to pay.... rules like that didn't apply these days it seemed.

[Vincent Romanov]

No matter how cool Vincent tried to come off sometimes, he failed, especially now. The situation with Rose was something new to him in a sense and to be honest, Vincent really wasn't all that smooth with the women. Sure, he could flirt and carry on in such manners, but when it came to backing up his talk, his game might be more than a little rusty. He really had no idea of where he was going with this date and while he was more than sure that Rose wasn't looking for some quick sexual fix, it was still a nervous and awkward moment. This was why Vincent liked being a soldier. That was easy and came so natural. You just followed orders and did what you were trained to do. Socializing, that was the hard thing in life. All those little social steps to take into consideration made Vincent's head hurt. He wasn't special or fancy but rather simple and to the point, something which the world really didn't enjoy. People liked to put on a fancy show to make themselves look more important than they really were, and perhaps it was Rose's lack of doing this herself which attracted Vincent. She was rather simple as he was and wasn't trying to make herself out to be something she wasn't, or so it seemed.

Rose quickly caught the blush on Vincent's face and he felt a warming sensation across the back of his neck. He smiled, embarrassed, and glanced away from rose as he rubbed the back of his neck again. "Well, I don't go on dates much," he said, clearing his throat and looking to Rose, trying to offer some weak excuse for his shyness. The smile on Rose's face apparently meant she didn't mind the soft hand Vincent was using with her. It must have been nice to be able to go out on a date with someone and not expect them to try some cheesy moves on you later. Some so called 'men' expected a certain something from women and it sickened Vincent. A woman was not some pretty plaything to have your way with, she was a human being like anyone else.

Vincent felt a bit of worry in his stomach as Rose mentioned she was ready to leave right now, but part of him was glad. It would be easier to talk to Rose and get to know her in an environment void of staring eyes and one she was more comfortable in. As Rose reached for her purse, Vincent narrowed his eyes. Clearly she meant to pay her half of the meal and while a respectable move, Vincent would have none of it. He was old fashioned and that meant the man paid when he asked a woman out on a date. Putting his hand up when Rose took money from the small clutch, he said, "I've got it, don't worry." He wasn't too sure how Rose would take to this gesture, but he wasn't about to give this one up without a fight. Giving a whistle toward one of the waitresses working the floor, Vincent yelled out above the crowd and music, "Hey Wendy, add this to my tab," he said with the woman smiling and nodding in agreement. It was abundantly clear now that Vincent was a regular fixture here if he kept a running tab.

Standing up, he offered Rose his hand once again to escort her out to the car. "I know, I'm old fashioned, but you'll just have to live with it," he said with a wink and a smile, clearly feeling a bit more relaxed at the moment than he was just a few minutes ago.