Oliver Burton

Chizue's interjection was direct as it was surprising to him. It was a first of sorts, that someone told him his role as a gentleman. Yet at the heart of it, she was not wrong either. In truth, it was a viewpoint that they both so happened to share. Yet how was she to know when he intended to make his move? Was that not for him and only him to know unless he wished to reveal it? Those serious nutmeg-hued eyes seemed to study his waitress for a moment longer. "I would agree." Oliver admitted smoothly, unperturbed, yet he was tempted to inquire more of her thoughts of what a gentleman's duty was in her eyes.

However, it was that hint of a tour of her new place that was mentioned shortly after she revealed that she was planning to move and yet not too far. He would not forget the way she beamed at him from those very words, the way she lit up as if that was what she had been wanting to hear all along. Interesting. He could hardly keep back the brush of a smile upon his own lips, especially after her swift acceptance. The woman before him then began to explain all that needed to be done for her move like she had an endless list in her mind. That sense of overwhelm was so apparent, how well he knew that very feeling. Even with a group of people at his disposal. Yet there it was, clear as day. That strange feeling again that liked to appear from time to time. Nagging and insistent, tugging away at him in a curious way with so very few people. The desire to care for a woman he hardly knew. Yet he could not deny it all the same. Not when he could easily 'help' her. It was certainly within the well-connected businessman's power. But Chizue was lost to the mountainous task ahead of her as she wondered how quickly she could pull off a move on her own. He could practically see those gears working as he acted upon that urge.

"I just so happen to know someone who could help with that, and quickly too." The offer was casual, with a natural assuredness. Such a thing for him would be easy enough to accomplish, even though moving was hardly his line of work. He had a wide expanse of connections across the globe, something as simple as moving would only take a simple phone call and he could have it set up within a business day. The only question that remained was, would she accept his help? Despite Chizue's answer, she seemed to further bloom before his eyes. The sudden string of thoughts rushed forward from her so swiftly that he had to concentrate on every last word she uttered. It was like a dam had burst within her and she could not be held back. He was hardly prepared for it and yet he attempted to listen to her all the same. With every last thing that she revealed to him, nearly made him forget why he was here in the first place if it were not for the persistent hunger pangs that rioted within his stomach.

But he could not ignore the very attention that she gave him then. Even as she seemed comfortable enough to list and share them. It was the mention of her hair that seemed to slide into the forefront of her mind as she asked him his opinion of it. She wanted to know what he thought. For a moment he didn't know how to respond. Truthfully, he wasn't even sure he was even supposed to. This was territory he was not so familiar with. How the complex ways of the business world did not seem to prepare him for a woman's aesthetic. The only response he could offer was what he found attractive. He obliged her. An admittance that he happened to like her hair the way it was truthful. It would have been a shame to see that lovely dark shade covered in vibrant pink, in his own opinion. He never quite understood those flamboyant hairstyles. His preferences leaned toward what was natural. It was barely a moment later that she replied that she would keep it, his gaze hopelessly followed the movement of her hand that flicked the hair in question to the side, revealing the slope of her neck. The decision was ultimately her own and yet he would not deny that he took some personal satisfaction in knowing that his opinion held at least some weight in some way. Not thinking too much of it, he offered her a firm nod as if it was settled. Yet, at the heart of it, he could only wonder what was the cause of all the sudden desire for change.

The Were could hardly help that inquiry of genuine concern to slip from his lips. Was she okay? He should have known that it would have been swiftly swept away and dismissed with a bubbly 'of course!'. It was a woman's natural default answer when they didn't wish to comment on it further. He swore her voice raised even a few octaves higher than it usually did as if to convince him of her cheerfulness! The masks of people were so very strange and yet he didn't bother to press the issue. Not when she was so focused on something else.

Oliver watched as she suddenly shifted forward, placing both hands on his table, leaning in closer to him as she declared she was going to quit and for him to come with her. It was not a question, but rather an order. Where was this boldness that night? Far too much didn't seem to add up within him and yet he merely watched it all unravel, wondering who she truly was. It drew him just as the scent of her perfume wafted his way due to her sudden nearness.

"With pleasure." He issued simply before she suddenly remembered the reason why he was here in the first place, the look almost comical. He could see it spark across her features like a lightbulb going off as she appeared to remember that he was hungry, or why he would come to a restaurant in the first place. That mention that he should drink fast. Another order. Was she always this.. bossy? She was a whirlwind, not even allowing him to get another word in before pivoting upon her feet with clear resolve and took off toward the restaurant kitchen. He could hardly fight the small smile that tugged at his lips as he slowly shook his head in thought, accompanied by a few syllables of a chuckle that trailed off. Well, this was not at all how he thought his evening would go and yet he was almost grateful for its shift. She would be far better company than most.

The businessman shifted in his seat, resting his well-muscled forearm against the booth's smooth, clean tabletop, barely left alone for long, Chizue quickly made her return with that drink in tow. Placing his ordered cognac before him just before finding that vacant seat directly across from him, informing him that she placed his food order as she rested her chin within her palm, vibrant and eyeing him from across the table. It was at that moment he was so very curious of her thoughts. He promptly reached for the glass as he eyed the burnt golden hue of the beverage.

"That makes me your last customer here. This seems like a reason enough to celebrate, wouldn't you agree? Hm, if I had known we were about to make a run for it, I would have ordered something that doesn't require a fork. I can't say I remember the last time I did that... not in my bear form." His brows gave way to a brush of a frown in the wake of his serious consideration. When was the last time he ordered anything that didn't require cutlery?

He reached for the glass she had placed before him, determined to enjoy and savour that very first taste as he drew the glass to his lips. Glass still in hand, his gaze returned toward Chizue once more.

" Does this mean you have a plan once we leave? Or does that fall upon me, as the gentleman that I am?" He looked at her from over the rim of his glass, hiding the amused look that traced his lips.