Anna's point of view:
Looking in the mirror, I guided the red lipstick onto my mouth. After the putting the lid on the lipstick, I stepped into my black, tight dress. I'd purchased it before I got hired as the Muggle studies teacher on a whim, and never thought I'd really wear it. Grinning, I put my hair into a simple bun. I knew that I'd have Severus in the palm of my hand.
It was our first official date tonight. We'd had dinner several times, either in my rooms or his while Minerva watched Karina, but for New Years, I begged him to take me out until he agreed. There was a knock on the door, and I opened it to Minerva, holding an overnight bag.
"Wow. You're going to kill Severus," she muttered as she eyed me.
"I'm not sure about that." I ran my hands down the front of my dress, smoothing it out. "It's not too much, is it?"
"No, it's perfect." Minerva smiled at me. "He's going to be floored."
"I hope so." I grinned.
"Please be careful with him," Minerva said gently. "I see him like a son, and I don't want to see him get hurt again."
"Again?" I asked, taking her bag from her and leading her inside.
"He was in love with a girl who didn't return his feelings. She was a good person, but she strung him along for a long time," Minerva said.
"There's the difference between her and I; I realize what I have and I refuse to let him go." It was my turn to smile.
"Oh, my dear girl," Minerva whispered. "You really do love him."
It wasn't a question.
"I do." I bit my lip. "It's just fast, I think."
"Well, with Severus it'll be deep even if it's fast." Minerva put her hand on my arm. "He doesn't do anything lightly, if I know him at all."
"He's an amazing man," I whispered. I smiled and sat to put my shoes on.
"So, what do you need me to know about tonight?" Minerva asked.
"Karina's playing in her room right now," I said, sitting up. "She hasn't had dinner yet, and her bed time is eight, and she takes a bath around seven."
"I'm looking forward to spend time with her tonight." Minerva crossed her legs. "I enjoy spending time with her."
"She's looking forward to it too," I said. "Although, she was a little sad she isn't going on a date with Daddy tonight."
Minerva laughed. "If you told me a year ago that he'd have a daughter …"
"And that I'd be dating," I added.
A knock on the door halted our conversation. My heart started to beat out of my chest as I walked to the door. Opening it reviled Severus standing there. His hair was tied back, and we wore black slacks and a button down shirt. I swallowed hard. He looked amazing.
"Good evening, Anna," he said in his deep voice.
"You look amazing, Severus." I reached up and kissed his cheek.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you," I said. "Let me grab my purse."
I turned and walked to the couch where my purse sat.
"Daddy!" Karina ran past me in a blur.
I turned to see Severus picking up Karina.
"Please, let me go to dinner with you," Karina said hugging his neck.
"You get to spend some time with Aunt M, remember?" Severus said. "I'm taking Mummy out, just special."
"Will you take me out sometimes, just special?" Karina asked.
"Yes, I will." Severus kissed her cheek. "Listen to Aunt M. Do you understand, Karina?"
"Yes, Daddy." Her lip quivered and she started to cry.
"Why are you crying?" Severus asked gently.
"I'm … I'm going to miss my Daddy!" Karina started to cry heavily.
"Shhh," Severus aid. "I'm here, honey."
My heart swelled as I watched him rock our daughter.
"Karina," Minerva stood and moved by Severus. "Aren't you ready to play with me?"
"Yeah," Karina said through her tears.
"Say goodnight to Mummy and Daddy," Minerva said softly.
"Good night, Daddy." Her arms reached out to hug his neck tightly.
"Good night, Karina." He kissed her head.
"Good night, Mummy." Karina said when she pulled away.
"Good night, sweetheart," I replied, moving to kiss her on the cheek.
"Be good for Aunt M," Severus said.
"Okay, Daddy." Karina perked up. "Can we play with Snow White, Aunt M?"
"That sounds like a plan, honey," Minerva said.
"Let's go!" Karina declared.
"Good night you two," Minerva said and winked at Severus before carrying out daughter to the sleeping cat.
I laughed as I headed out the door with Severus behind me. I grinned when the door closed.
"She's so clingy," I said.
"I don't know why." Severus rolled his eyes.
"She adores you, Severus." I took his hand, giving it a squeeze.
We held hands for a little while before letting go; Severus wasn't big on public displays of affection.
"So, where are we going?" I asked.
"To a small Muggle restaurant," Severus explained. "I set up the floo in my rooms to get through to the Leaky Cauldron."
"Oh, that sounds lovely." I smiled. "How did you find a Muggle place?"
"I'd go there sometimes to escape, especially during the war." Severus put his hand on the small of my back, making my heart leap out of my chest.
"I can't wait to see it," I whispered.
"Me too," Severus said softly. "I'd like to share this with you."
When we got to his rooms, we flood through to the Leaky Cauldron. When we stepped outside into London, I shivered. I only wore a light jacket.
"Are you cold?" Severus asked.
"Very." I gave him a shy smile. "I was so excited for tonight I forgot a proper jacket."
Severus chuckled. "Good thing I'm here then."
He wrapped an arm around me, surprising me with the affection.
"This way, every man will know that you're mine," he said in a low voice.
"Possessive much?" I asked.
"Very much so."
My heart sped up at the thought. We walked at a quick pace to get out of the cold, although, I didn't want to be out of his hold anytime soon. Within a few minutes, we stepped up to a quant Muggle restaurant. There was a small window, where light spilled out. Severus opened the door for me, and just as I feared, he dropped his arm from around me as we stepped inside.
I immediately felt warmer, but a little sad that I had to be out of his arms. Looking around the room, I smiled. It was a small, quiet place and perfect for a first date.
"Severus, this is lovely," I whispered.
"I'd hoped you like it," Severus said, whispering into my ear. "I want this to be special."
Short and sweet. Reviews are always lovely.