#elsewhere

For August, there is always something to do. Legal studies are in full swing and he is at his study learning all he can

Sometimes knowledge comes freely... sometimes it must be earned; hard-earned. But he has good study habits! Paper, pen, soft music, good lighting....he uses all the sense he can involve to burn memory paths in his brain.

Time passes without being tracked, often a good sign for focus.

There's a mental zone you can get into, where you're laser-sighted on target. August has been here before.

A knock on the door gentle yet almost jarring

"Yes?" a touch sharply, then he clears his throat "Yes?" more moderately.

Yup. The Zone is lost

"Hey, August," Leonora says "You busy?"

"Come in." He stands, winces just a bit, and stretches.

Judging by his stiffness, he had been in the zone for awhile

She enters in "hey? sore back?"

"Oh, it will be fine." a rueful smile "I've been sitting for.... ah, a while."

"I figured. I was wondering if you wanted to go out for dinner? I had a date, he had to canncel but the reservations are still good."

"Ah." he looks at the books and papers on his desk "Well.... ah, yes, of course. I'd be delighted. Did you want to invite Coradel as well?"

"Coradel is out tonight I hear," She says

"Ah. What, ah, day is it?"

"Monday? She has late classes on Monday...."

"Monday, oh wow, you really have lost track of time" She smiles "August, when is the last time you went OUT for a dinner among a mortal establishment?"

"I was rather deep into my studies." he admits "But I patrol mortal establishments for the bannerhouse regularly."

"Often with another, a duo-patrol."

"Well, how about we PATROL at this lovely French Restaurant, you've got timed to get a nice suit and I have this dress that's smashing. Don't worry, I'll buy"

"Please, allow me?"

"It's a bit pricey, Augustt" She says "I don't like to throw my money in anyone's face but.. ah, you have college debt acruing"

"I do very well with scholarships, Leonora." with a smile "and I'm not without means either."

"Oh fine, you are so very old school," She kisses his cheek, "Now go get dressed. Tie is required."

"I'll meet you in the foyer." he agrees, and goes to get dressed; and yes, he has a few very nice suits; tasteful, understated, but excellent quality and well cut. Much like the man himself.

Indeed.

And soon he waits. Patiently.

Of course, somehow, she was forewarned, had a dress ready, and yet, he's still waiting on her. Well, that is the old fashioned angle isn't it?

But out comes the Fiona, a glorious red cocktail dress

He doesn't mind. And when she appears, he smiles and offers his hand. "Perfection."

"Flatterer" She says but the way she says it does nnot make it sound like a flaw. She offers her own hand to his grasp to kiss, or allowing her to take her arm

He takes her hand and leans over for a chaste kiss on the cheek before taking her out to the car.

And out they go, she allows him to drive her car if he wishes.

Or they can take his Prius.

"May I ask to what do I owe the honor of this invitation?"

"It was a date with another, who cancelled, and I hate to eat alone."

"But you asked -me-." he points out.

"Well, August, you are a friiend and more" She reminds with a soft laugh "So of course I'd ask you out. I do wish Coradel was available tonight. The three of us might be able to squeeze in"

"We should, ah, make time. Together. Perhaps a meal at our house."

"We should" She agrees "And accepted. I've missed you both"

He glances a smile over to her.

She smiles and gives him directions, i'ts a fancy place, very upscale, and just a bit out of the way

Grand French restaurants are not difficult to find; with a few exceptions, the -point- is to be found. August pulls up, a valet gets Leonora's door, and August ensures his attention, and care of the car, are rewarded upfront.

He does pause at the host's stand, and turns to Leonora to provide the reservation.

"Table for two.." she gives the nname and they nod "Of course, madame. This way" they're lead through , well, it seems almost like a Jardin de Toulouse

Hanging plants , exquisite furniture for dining... stained glass

Their table is not as out of the way as August might like, but nor is it central to the traffic.

It suits him. He allows the maitre de to get her chair, and takes care of his own.

The waiter is gracious. Professional... and a wine list is given verbally. He has it memorized