Sara hadn't been in Greg's apartment for a while. Usually they were too busy to have a lot of spare time and when they met after work, they did that in a restaurant or somewhere else. When he opened his door, she needed a second to recognize the place. The chaos, she had teased him with the last time, was gone. Everything was tidy, everything was on its place and a light smell of food was in the air.

"I'm impressed, you tidied up."

"The times when my apartment was full of pizza boxes, computer games, soda cans and whatever was on the floor, are long over. I grew up, in case you didn't notice."

"I noticed that with your hair, I didn't know it also affected your apartment. Impressive. I like that."

"You could ask if it was really me, who cleaned to the place or if I have a housekeeper."

"You don't waste money on that."

"True." He vanished in the kitchen. Sara went to his couch and sat down. Yes, there was no chaos left. The playstation was under the TV, there were no games on the floor, every CD was in its cover on a shelf. Instead of a box of soda cans under the table, there was a bottle of wine on the CD shelf.

"You know, this new you is a little bit scary." Sara smiled when Greg came in the room.

"Is it? Why?"

"I don't know, I mean, it was obvious that you're not any longer the lab guy who listens to loud music during work, but that you've changed that much. What happened to my Greg?"

"He's still here. He only grew up a bit. I still listen to loud rock music. I'll get tickets for the next Marilyn Manson show in Vegas and if you want to join me, I'm more than happy to get two tickets. Plus I still wear funny colorful t-shirts, just not for work anymore. I'm out in the field, people can see me. If I look strange, people will lead that back to the lab. I've some responsibility now; not only for my own work but also for the whole lab."

"Yes, you grew up."

"Disappointed?"

"No, I like you grown up. And I know, as soon as you see a Harley, you'll be a teenager again."

"I won't drool on our bike, promise."

"Good. What did you cook?"

"Potatoes, salad and a special creation, I made just for you."

"What's that?"

"It's egg, oats, carrots, peas, corn with herbs, formed into something like the burger meat and fried in a pan."

"Sounds interesting."

"I hope it's tasty." He got up.

"Shall I set the table?"

"Sure."

Sara followed into the kitchen, got plates and cutlery and put them on the table. Greg had even put a flower on the table. There was nothing left of the sloppy young man who had only young men in his apartment to party.

"Tell me, who is she?"

"I beg your pardon?" Greg's head appeared for a second.

"The woman, who made you give up your old lifestyle."

"Oh." He laughed. "There is nobody."

"It's hard to believe that, Greg."

"Believe me, there is nobody. There's no time, I'm always working."

"And when you've got two weeks off, you go away on a road trip instead of looking for a girlfriend."

"Exactly. I prefer to spend time with you."

"You mean, you prefer to be on a Harley."

"Both." He came out of the kitchen with a bowl of potatoes and salad. "Time to sit down, dinner is about to be served."

"Looks good."

"Thanks. Do you want some wine?"

"Sure, we don't have to work tonight. Shall I open a bottle?"

"Take the one from the shelf. A corkscrew is in the upper drawer on your left. There's also a lighter for the candle."

"I get a candle light dinner, that's sweet."

"All for you, Sara." He blinked at her and left to get his special dish.

Sara took the wine bottle, got the corkscrew and opened the bottle. Greg came with another bowl and two glasses for the wine. He really had wine glasses and they looked everything but cheap. Sara was impressed – again. It seemed like she had underestimated her friend. She had to spend more time with Greg, there were sides of him she didn't know of and she would like to get to know.

"Is there some desert too?"

"Sure. I made a sundae."

"Is there anything you haven't thought of?"

"Let me think…I hope not. No, I know something! Music. What would you like to listen to?"

"Well, why not put on some of the latest Marilyn Manson stuff? Maybe I like it and want to join you to the next concert."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes." Sara laughed.

"Your wish is my command." He didn't have to look for the CD, it was already in his CD player. Within seconds loud rock music was all over the room. The proof Sara needed to know, her Greg hadn't changed completely. There was still loud rock music in his life. He turned the music down.

"I'm not sure anybody ever had a candle light dinner with a glass of wine and Marilyn Manson." Greg chuckled.

"Probably not. But it's an interesting combination. And now I'll try your self made…how do you call this?" She lifted one of Greg's vegetarian burger up.

"I call it…Sidle food."

"Stupid name, try something better."

"Veggie experience."

"Better. I'll try one of these."

"Try some sauce with it." He pushed the little bowl with sauce towards her. "Mushrooms, onios and garlic, I made it myself."

"You're a little chef."

"Only if I want."

She smirked. He had put a lot of effort in this dinner. Was he still trying to make up for the trip? There was no reason to do so. She was more than happy with their holiday plans. Maybe she had to make it more clear to him.