A week had passed with no incidents to Alfred's continual relief. He checked in with Francis every evening either verbally or physically to the other's joy. The Frenchman had no idea of his true intentions but loved that he was making time for him. Tonight Alfred was taking Francis to dinner after a long, stressful week. The strain from work seemed never-ending and the new addition of keeping Francis safe was going to cause him to burnout if he didn't keep one under control. Since he had never been able to prove that the strange man existed and he couldn't do much to protect Francis besides the nightly check in, he had been throwing himself into his work as hard as he could. If he managed to reduce the workload to a more feasible amount, he would have more time to spend with Francis which would help with his other problem.

The car was waiting outside Francis' apartment building for only a moment before the man came hurrying out to meet them. He had chosen to wear a pair of tight fitting black pants and a lavender shirt under a matching black suit jacket. As he neared, Alfred could see he had also worn pointed, black dress shoes. Bruce dutifully opened the door for him and Francis thanked him kindly as he slipped into the car. The driver quickly scurried back around to take them to the restaurant Alfred had chosen for them.

"How was your day, doll?"

With a deep sigh, Francis replied, "It was fine. I had to throw out an entire pan of eclairs because Xavier wasn't paying attention. Then there was a clumsy customer who bumped me while I was carrying some marzipan and I dropped it." He rolled back one of his sleeves to show a white bandage wrapped around his forearm. As he did so, Alfred noticed a small silver band around his left ring finger which, while he knew it was fake and part of the act, still made a flash of jealousy and possessiveness rise up in him. "It landed on me as it fell."

Gasping quietly, Alfred cradled his arm and inspected it closely.

"Does it still hurt?"

Francis shrugged.

"Only a little. I've been burned before, it happens sometimes when you bake. It will probably be gone in a few weeks."

Pulling away, Alfred started to tug out his phone.

"I'm calling my doctor and having him come over to look at it. It may be serious."

"Alfred," the other began, rolling his eyes at his boyfriend's dramatics. "I am fine. Do not worry. You do not need to call a doctor about a silly burn." He pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I appreciate the thought though, darling." When he noticed that Alfred still seemed to be hesitating, he added, "If it does not look better in a few days I will let you call, does that work for you?"

Relaxing a little, the other nodded.

The car rolled to a stop outside the restaurant and the door was opened for them by Bruce. Thanking him, the pair stepped out and Alfred led them inside the building. The interior of the restaurant was dimly lit with some sparse tables spread throughout the large room. Each table was covered in a tablecloth of a rich plum color and a full dining set was laid out at each seat. A few glass chandeliers hung from the ceiling that had gold candleholders. Many tables were already filled with couples or small groups of people in clothes worth more than Francis' entire apartment. The whole room gave off an aura of wealth that made Francis' stomach turn.

A man in a pressed tuxedo approached them and Alfred spoke with him easily, informing him of a reservation in his name. The man checked in a small roster laying on a podium of cherry before nodding and leading them through the restaurant. However, he did not stop at one of the tables and continued on through a door at the back. The door led to four more doors, two on either side of a decorated hallway. They were led to one and shown inside.

"Here you are, Mr. Jones. The private room you requested for your business meeting."

Though he was confused by those words, Francis did not let it show. He knew that Alfred must have chosen them for a reason and he would be made aware of that reason soon enough.

"Thank you," Alfred replied smoothly, tipping the man and letting the door close after he walked away. He sat on one side of the table and let Francis take the chair next to him. "Since our relationship is a secret, I had to create a cover story for why we would be dining together," he explained. "I thought that a business meeting was innocent enough and still allowed me to take you out on a date." He looked around the small room. "I know that this most likely making you uncomfortable but there are few restaurants in the city that have these private rooms. This way we do not have to keep our charade up at all times and can act as if we are actually on a date when we are alone."

Smiling softly, Francis reached over and took Alfred's hand. He truly appreciated all that the other was doing for them. They had never truly had a date since Alfred's father had continually tried to separate them and then Alfred had been so busy since his death. It was nice to see him trying to let them have a normal relationship.

There was a knock on the door and he quickly pulled his hand back into his lap before the waiter stepped into the room.

"Good evening, gentlemen," a tall man greeted with a smile. "My name is Damien and I will be your waiter tonight."