"Favorite tv show?" She playfully asks. They've been at this game since they left Kol's and now it's passing the time after they order breakfast smoothly.

"Hannibal. Hands down." He says with conviction.

"Hannibal?! As in cannibal?" She questions.

"That's a tv show? People watch that?" She cant help but tack on, hysterically.

He grins.

"It's quite fascinating. It's more than a show about eating people. It's a psychological masterpiece, really. And the paradox of people who are supposedly 'intellectual' being so carnal is very true to life." He replies calmly, not affected at all by her hysteric questioning.

She stops short at his words.

"Surprisingly, that does intrigue me." She almost whispers in surprise.

"Something to look forward to, then. Watching the show?" He lightheartedly adds.

"Hmmm. Maybe."

"It's too good to pass up, really. I'll just have to make sure you see it with me, won't I?" He flirts.

She smiles at what he's implying.

"Making plans to see me again, so soon? Breakfast hasn't even arrived yet."

"Yes. Yes, I am." He feels no shame at her teasing. He would be a greater fool if he let her slip past his fingers rather than playing it cool. He didn't even know what cool was anymore, he felt like he couldn't hide from her.

She flushes at his sincerity.

"I like that." She smiles shyly at him.

He returns her sweetness with his own.

"Favorite animal?" He asks this time.

"Horses! Definitely horses."

"Really? I love horses! In fact, I own a few."

"You do?!" Her eyes widen in excitement.

He laughs.

"Another plan, Miss Forbes? It would be rude of me to mention my horses and leave it at that, wouldn't it?"

"It would be downright cruel, Mr Mikaelson."

"Then it's a date." He concludes.

She flushes again but is quick to change the topic, refusing to have the subtlety of a teenage girl with her first crush.

"How many do you own?"

"Two."

"Perfect." What symmetry, she thinks.

"Yes, I really only needed one but I didn't want him to be alone. Especially considering that I don't see him everyday, I keep him at a ranch and I obviously live here in the city."

She smiles at his sweetness.

"He would be miserable if he were alone." She teases.

"Quite." He says. The somberness in his tone surprising her.

Normally, she'd forego all sense of decorum and begin the Caroline Inquisition but even she knew that a first meal, not even an official date, was not an appropriate time to ask about emotional baggage. Instead she briefly places her hand on top of his.

He smiles in gratitude.

"Why, a ranch? Aside from sheltering your horses."

"The change of scenery inspires me. Helps me paint sometimes when I find myself stuck."

"Ah, yes. I forget that you're the painter/curator extraordinaire. What does it feel like to be the king of the art world?" She asks.

"I love my art. And I love other people's art. I love curating museums but I struggle with the commercialization of it, I know it's not right but the fame makes me feel less authentic. It's hard to explain. And of course, I'm grateful for the success, I don't mean to sound whiny." He explains in a breath.

She laughs.

"Tortured artist, then?" She concludes jokingly.

"I wouldn't say tortured. That part of my life is over. Maybe slightly frustrated?" He replies evenly.

She smiles in admiration.

"Good. I'm not really that fond of people who thrive on excess."

He smiles.

"Yes, you seem like the very controlled environment type."

"Oh, it's not a type. It's my soul. Who I am." She returns unaffected.

"I like it." He says.

She's evidently surprised.

"You do?" She asks.

"There's nothing wrong with being in control of your life. As long as it's not in excess which defeats the whole purpose of control." He explains.

"I like that." She smiles.

Inside, they were both reeling. Both sure they were on the precipice of something great, but unwilling to be foolish and jump in headfirst. What now?