X - - - The deadly truth [[Cookie&MadHattersRevenge]]

Bang. Bang. Bang. Three bangs, three people. Down, on the floor. The blood slowly crept out of their head. The three had been hit in the same spot, same way by the same person. The killer pulled his hood up, a small, yet satisfied smirk rested on his lips. The large trench coat he wore made his look suspicious, but the strangers passed by paying no attention. His simple hand held pistol was slipped back into place, tucked in carefully on the folds of his shirt. The large coat he wore helped too cover up the oddly shaped bump.

Turning a sharp left the killer walked into a decent family restaurant. Making no eye contact he headed straight for the pretty blonde headed cashier. Flashing her a charming smile he began to speak in Italian with a hint of an American accent, "Dov'è il bagno?" he had simply asked for the bathroom. A bit flustered by his model like appearance she pointed to the left of the vending machine. "Grazie caro" his voice was smooth as honey as he gave the girl a small wink before turning on his heels and walking straight towards the bathroom.

Wasting no time, he quickly checked the stalls for feet. But luckily he found none. Locking the door before anyone could enter he wasted no time stripping his body of the clothes he wore. His tall six foot four frame shuddered as his warm, socked feet touched the cold, rough tiles. Kale VanHeusen, the odd creation of love between an Asian man and an Italian mother. Kale was always noted as exotic because he possessed beautiful double lidded hazel eyes and dark brown hair with streaks of lighter brown. He had this natural charm about him, every time he smiled he would have a flock of girls swarming around him.

The twenty six year old male quickly changed his get up, he now wore a black long sleeved shirt, he left two or three buttons open as usual. And he had pulled on simple dark denim jeans. He shoved his gun in the trench coat and bundled up his clothes as he unlocked the door. He walked out glancing this way and that, probably a force of habit, as he left. He popped up the collar of the trench coat as he reached outside, it had started to drizzle. The gloomy weather only seemed to enlighten the males mood.

Hearing a buzzing in his pocket his hand snaked in and fished out a cell phone. He squinted his eyes, unable too see the name in the darkness. "Ciao" he said. It was his boss, he listened patiently. "The job is done, I am on my way back" he spoke into the phone. Kale was careful not too give away extra information too the listening ears around him. He would explain once he was back at the "lair".

Putting his phone back in he pulled out a set of silver keys. He walked over to a silver, Maserati convertible. Kale loved fast things, his hot "wheel" set included; two bikes, one with thick tires and one with thin, a Porsche convertible for those hot days that he felt like picking up a few ladies and his old silver Maserati. His Maserati was the most reliable, he had been driving this car since he was almost twenty two. Quickly pulling on his seat belt he quickly revved up the car.

Kale had made sure to put the car at least three blocks from the crime scene. He was always careful when he had jobs too do. The boss couldn't handle loosing another of his best hit-man too the police. The police seemed to be hot on the trail of the Italian mobs boss, Kale was his protector. He drove on in silence, no radio, only the faint pitter-patter of the rain.

Click. Click. Click. Every push of the button brought the comforting click, the sound of the shutter slamming shut, the slight burst of heat from the flashes, and of course, and the resulting image playing back on the digital screen of the Canon 5D Mark II, not the newest in the Canon line, but it had always been her favorite. Neiva Namara had a passion, and that passion had grown into a hobby, and slowly a career, one that had brought herself and her parents from Spain, to Los Angeles, and finally here to Italy, where she’d decided she wanted to settle down for a while. It was deciding to stay in one place for so long that had caused the current problem she was in. It was 7:30, and she was suppose to be going on a blind date at 8:00pm.

Sighing, she nodded at the male model before her, posing for a simple fashion spread for a magazine issue releasing at the end of the month, and just as he was leaving, as suspected, both parents came barging in. Her mother, the lovely latino, was perfect, and someone Neiva used as a model on a regular basis. Her father still looked like that old cowboy he was, even moving to another country he’d refused to change his style, they’d met while he was vacationing in Spain, fell in love, started a small farm, and then Neiva got a scholarship for a great school in LA, and had then verbalized her job offer in Italy, and they had never left her side. When she was born, she’d been sick, for some reason her protein levels were always too low, it’d caused the melanin pigment in the roots to stop functioning, and it turned her hair white. Her hair had never regained any color, and despite the suggestion to dye it, she simply found no reason to hide her true self from the outside world. Most people assumed she had simply died it white herself.

“Neiva Namara what on Earth do you think you’re doing. Do you have any idea what time it is?” Before she could answer, her mother was rambling off, barging over to yank her camera from her hands and shove a large shopping bag against her chest. “March your ass in that bathroom and get ready before I smack you! It took us forever to find someone perfect, you will not ruin it by being late.” What she was leaving out was that he was ‘perfect’ because he looked nice, seemed safe, and hopefully would be giving them a grandchild. Something she wasn’t ready for, but her parents had watched over her all her life, she never had the heart to argue against their wishes. She’d been given the chance to find someone on her own, but she just couldn’t connect with anyone, they were either rude and cocky, or gay, and half of them ended up being clients instead of boyfriends. Pictures she understood, dating still confused her.

Sighing, she looked to her father for help, but the graying man just shook his head and held up his hands, the usual sign that he was not getting between the two women for fear of his own safety. Defeated, she dragged her feet into the bathroom, slipping out of the comfortable blue jeans and tank top she’d been wearing to look at the outfit they’d decided for her to wear. The dress was silk, and a dark red, her favorite color at least, and when she slipped in it, it hugged the curves of her body in all the right ways, and just barely reached her knees. The v-neck showed a bit more of her chest than she desired, but again, arguing against it would be pointless, she’d simply be yelled at in Spanish until she felt bad and ended up wearing it anyway. The strap heals matched the dress, and so did the small purse. Finally dressed, she re-entered the main room of her studio, heals clicking against the floor, and after her mother beamed with excitement about how lovely she looked, shoved her daughter in a chair before quickly attacking her face with red eye shadow, black eye liner and mascara, and a lipstick that matched the red of her outfit. Rituals she was not use to, because she preferred going to events as comfortable as possible, but now she was not only going to have to meet this stranger that assumed she wanted to be on this date, but she would do so feeling naked and out of place.

Neiva was not given time to protest or come up with a reason to cancel the date. At 7:45 her mother was shoving her in her black Audi and rambling off directions to the restaurant. Despite wishing to drive anywhere else, she forced herself to make sure her cell phone and wallet were in her purse before shifting the car into drive and making her way through the city to meet the man her parents were already in love with.

“Kale! Buddy ol’ pal! You’re back just in time!” Vinny yelled, jumping out of his seat the moment Kale walked through the door. “Listen, we already ran this by the boss man and he agreed that you could use the fun, so he’s expecting you later. Right now you need to clean yourself up, you have a date at 8 o’clock.” The grin never left his face, the one that made it clear the boys had been up to something behind his back, something he probably wouldn’t have bothered to do on his own time, and they knew asking him would only get them shot down, if they wanted him to actually go out on a date, they would simply have to throw him into it. Pulling out a piece of paper, he quickly jotted down the address and name of the restaurant before handing the paper to him. "Here, the girl shouldn't be hard to spot, her hair's white as snow, and her name is Neiva."

[[Terribly sorry about the late reply, I haven't had a chance too post on WTF~]]

Kale's eyes narrowed in suspicion as Vinny jumped up at the sight of him. He was acting oddly kind..."What?" Kale nearly spat out. This idiot had set him up on a date?! Kale had a short fuse for this kind of behaviour. He whipped out the gun, and almost immediately he could see the colour from Vinny's face drain. He nudged Vinny out with the tip of his gun and nearly chopped off the boys hand as he grabbed the address/ information and simultaneously slammed the door...real loud.

"Fuck" he muttered as he looked at the address, he knew where the restaurant was. It was about thirty minutes away from where his current location was now. He looked up at the clock, it was about six forty five. Not being the kind too stand up a lady for any occasion he headed into the bathroom with shoulders slumped. Stripping himself quickly out of his clothes, he started the warm shower. He grabbed the bottle of shampoo and washed his hair, what had Vinny said? The girls name was Neiva and she had snowy white hair. He smirked, a girl with white hair? That was interesting, he would have too ask her if she had dyed it or whether it was natural.

The warm water felt good on his aching bones, stopping the shower he dragged his body out. The bathroom was full of steam, he wiped the condensation off of the mirror and looked at his appearance. He ran his hand over the small stubble that was appearing, but nothing to worry about, he was still clean and shaven. As he gazed into the mirror his own cold hazel eyes gazed back at him. He had a small frown on his face as he looked at the dragon tattoo that covered most of his left shoulder. Should a man from the mafia really be set up to go on dates? What if someone from the other gang was there, they would surely recognize Kale. He was known as a cold, brutal assassin in the underworld. Wrapping his towel around his waist securely he exited the bathroom. The cool air felt great against his warm skin, Kale took a brief second too stand still as he shuddered. He walked over too his closet and flung it open. What to wear on my date....

Kale finally picked out what too wear, he pulled out a crisp pair of black jeans and a yellow v-neck sweater. The sweater showed off his lean, muscular figure from underneath. It clung too Kale like a tee, it was perfect on him. Kale wasn't the type of guy who liked too wear baggy, ugly clothes. For a guy, he was rather conscious of his appearance. He liked too make a good impression on people, even if sometimes it was their first and last impression of Kale. He closed the closet too reveal a full length mirror, he looked at his hair and fixed it with his hand. His hair had always been shaggy and unruly, and too be honest he preferred it that way.

Kale checked the time once more, it was seven fifteen. Kale sighed and pulled out black sneakers. He tied them tightly and grabbed his gun, he shoved it in the back of his belt. The sweater covered the bump perfectly. Kale always liked to be safe and sure. He grabbed the keys off his Maserati convertible and then decided against it. Instead he ran too his balcony too check the weather outside, it seemed too be clearing up. There was only the beautiful smell of rain lingering in the air, he grabbed the keys too his Yamaha motorcycle instead.

Kale saw Vinny snickering as the male made his way too the garage. He had on a black leather biker jacket as he mounted his red Yamaha R15. He revved up the bike, "Have fun on your date" he heard Vinny sneer as Kale rode away. It took him about twenty minutes to get too the restaurant, less time that it usually took. The rain had cleared out most of the people from the streets. He gave the valet attendant the keys too his bike too park. He took off his leather jacket and slung it over his arm and walked too the seating assistant. "I believe I have a reservation here either under the name off Miss Neiva or Mr Kale" he said smiling at the man.

Kale saw him check the list briefly and he nodded, "Ahh yes, Miss Neiva. Follow me, but it seems that you are ten minutes earlier than your reservation" he said. Kale just nodded politely, he knew he was here early. "I know, I thought there would be traffic because of the rain we've been having. But I guess I was wrong" the male that helped seat him laughed along with Kale. The weather sure could get crazy here in Italy. He slung his jacket over the chair and waited for Neiva, as he sat he glanced around the room casually. It was a force of habit, but thank god for him he saw no other gang members here.

With five minutes left, her car was still running, parked a block away from the front of the restaurant. She was nervous, like she usually was about meeting someone for the first time who wasn’t a potential client. Though he could be, she knew the point of this date was to try and get someone interested in her not just her work. Sighing, she finally caved in, deciding that not showing up at all would do more than make her parents upset, it would be very rude to do to the man.


Handing the key over to the valet, she had to refrain from chewing her lower lip as her hands fidgeted with her purse. Smiling at the host, she softly informed him of her name before he smiled back and lead her to the table. Her heals were cushioned by the carpet, hair gently swaying against her back as the silk of the dress brushed against her legs with each step, she focused on the feel of it all to help clear her head. It was easy to recognize which man was waiting for her before they even reached the table. Her mother had been shoving his picture in her face all day, and unfortunately he looked better in real life. Neiva only thought this unfortunate because guys as sexy as him usually weren’t great matches for girls as soft spoken and nervous as her.


“Thank you.” She replied softy as the host gave a small bow, with a promise their server would be over shortly to take their drink orders, before leaving her alone with her date. A smile managed to grace her lips, the perfect practiced smile used to make it seem as if she weren’t nervous at all, as if she did have some ounce of confidence around new people. Finally, she offered him her hand, “You must be Kale, it’s wonderful to meet you.” Wonderful for her parents, not so wonderful for her.


This was how it usually went, after so many failed attempts on her part, they’d put her on some new online site and pick out a new blind date for her. Each one was the same, never going farther than the first date, the few that did turning out to be just awful men wanting nothing more than sex or a girl with money to pay off their debts. He didn’t look all the scary, but she new better than to just assumer a pretty face meant he was safe.

Kale had seen her walk in, she was actually pretty...he thought too himself. This wasn't the first time one of the members of his team had taken the "liberty" of setting him up on a date. And most of the times they picked unsuspecting average women who would take one look at Kale and stutter and blush the night away. It was very uncomfortable when women did that, he just wanted too be known as Kale, not some boy with "model" like looks. He flashed her a charming smile and nodded as he stood up, "Pleasure too meet you Neiva" he said with a small bow of the head.

Before sitting down again he pulled out her chair and made sure she was seated before he walked around her and seated himself. He took in her lovely features, her snow white hair looked simply ravishing against her striking pale skin. He smiled at her, "You look beautiful" he told her simply. He ran his fingers through his tousled hair, while waiting for Neiva he had taken too rolling up his sleeves too three quarters instead of full sleeves. "I assume you had no trouble getting here, right?" he said smiling. Kale was a peoples person, he felt very comfortable even if he was talking too a stranger.

"So, tell me a bit about yourself? What do you do for a living? Any hobbies?" he asked her as he propped his chin on the top of his hands. He was leaned in, obviously genuinely interested in her. The waiter came back too give them the menus and ask what they would like too drink. "I will take what the lady does" Kale said smiling at the man. It actually surprised people when they found out how chivalrous Kale was, he was a gentleman and that was that. It was sort of ironic because after all, Kale was suppose to be a coldblooded killer. When Kale had joined the Italian mafia he had made it clear too the boss that he would never take out a woman or child. It was just not what he did.

As Kale watched her he thought about what to tell her if she asked him what he did for a living. As he thought about him it came too him, he had his job. It wouldn't be a lie but it wouldn't be the whole truth either. So it was a win win situation. Kale glanced around the room again, this place was definetly upscale, it was full of rich snooty people. It was obvious that both Kale and Neiva didn't fit in, from what Kale could tell about Neiva it was obvious that she was a shy, quiet one and she looked mighty established.

She couldn't remember the last time someone had actually pulled a chair out for her. It was so surprising she actually took a second to actually sit down, unable to keep the slightly surprised look off her face. Once she was settled in her seat and he in his, she found herself trying to reevaluate him. Despite the claims that chivalry wasn't dead, she had believed it was, but she found herself wondering if he was one of the few men in existance who cared about being polite to women regardless of their sex appeal.

When the waiter approached, she decided that if he wasn't picky on the drink, she wasn't either. "Surprise me, something red please." Her favorite color usually was also her favorite flavor. When he left to find something he found suitable, she returned her attention to Kale and his questions.


"I'm originally from Spain, I lived in LA, then I got an offer to start working her last year. I'm a photographer, I work mostly with models and fashion, but I get requests for product advertising every now and again." Photography was her passion, if he wasn't careful she would talk the entire date about it and smile the whole time. "Other than photography, I love reading, swimming, almost anything involving animals, and I've found myself addicted to motorcycles since moving here." Her cheeks did redden a bit, feeling as if she were rambling nonsense he wasn't really interested in.


"How about yourself? What do you do for a living and to pass your free time?" Despite herself, she couldn't figure out what job he would fit into, something about him was just...different. Which intrigued her but at the same time had her a bit worried. Thankfully the waiter returned to fill their glasses and she was able to focus on her drink while waiting for his answer.

He grinned at her spontaneity as she told the waiter too "surprise" them. He raised an eyebrow, "So I take it red is your favourite color?" Kale asked her. He waited as he listened too her patiently, from Spain...that was pretty cool. "Cool, I'm from America as well. Except I resided in Washington when I was younger. I actually moved here a couple of years ago too complete my bachelors and masters. But ever since then, I guess you can say I've fallen in love with Italy" he told her with a sheepish grin.

Oh? A model? He raised an eyebrow, "Whats a pretty little face like yours doing behind the camera instead of in front of it?" Kale asked her as he tilted his head. He smiled and nodded as she listed off her hobbies, Kale loved too read as well, and swimming...well lets just say he wasn't so keen with the "deep" end of the pool. Kale watched her face redden, it was sort of...adorable. "Motorcycle?" he asked her grinning. Well, she was in luck. "I have motorcycle, I actually drove it here, do you want to go for a ride after dinner?" he asked her grinning. He loved it when a lady was a fan of speedy things, it gave him more common ground with them.

Kale shrugged, "I'm sort of boring. For a living..I'm sort of like a private investigator. My boss tells me too watch and collect information on people and I do that" he said laughing. Like he had thought before, it was the truth but not the whole truth. "My free time is rather mellow, I just love too drive around, race when I get the time. I love to paint, read and I like children" he said with a small chuckle as he shrugged. He thanked the man as he returned with their red wine, Kale sipped it calmy. There was nothing like wine with a fancy dinner.

"So I take it you have your own business because you're a photographer? Also, have you ever done wild life photography? You sort of look like the nature kind of girl" Kale said with a small smile as he sipped his wine once more. Kale just plain sucked at taking pictures, he failed at taking pictures. While taking pictures he would sometimes cut off the peoples heads or their bodies or what ever Kale could manage too cut off.

No one had ever actually noticed her enjoyment with the color red, the fact that he did seemed to only back up his story that he was a private investigator, it was his job to notice small details like that, and even though it made her blush, it did earn him a smile and she nodded. “Yes, red is in fact my favorite color.” She said, a bit sheepishly, now wondering what other small facts he might be able to pick up on just from her actions.


Her eyes lit up at the offer for a ride after dinner, it seemed like such a cliché way to have more time together once the date was ‘over’, but certainly not a chance she was about to pass up. Speed got her adrenaline going, and adrenaline rushes made her smile, for her things had to be calm and mellow, or chaotic, middle ground just made her feel uneasy. “I would love a ride after dinner…if you’re not too busy that is.”


Though she wasn’t sure how she looked like a nature kind of girl right now, he was once again right, and she nodded, trying to fight being so shy and act as if him figuring things out so easily didn’t make her stomach feel like there were butterflies in it, it was an odd feeling, having someone figure you out so easily. “I love being outside, when I don’t have paid shoots scheduled, I go as far out in nature as I can get. Animals don’t mind one human being within a few feet out there, it’s easier to get nice shots. I’ve been hoping to work for National Geographic, but you practically give them your soul and can’t work for any other companies for years once you sign up with them. I have my own studio, and work for myself, I don’t like being told who I can or can not shoot for. As for why I‘m behind the camera…I‘ve never really been a very social butterfly, having my face plastered all over just wasn‘t something I found appealing.” There she was again, rambling on about photography instead of trying to talk about something he was actually interested in.


Taking a fairly large sip to help calm her nerves, she went back to trying to figure out more about him. “What did you get your bachelors and masters in? I’m not familiar with what degrees qualify someone to be a private investigator…though that job has always seemed a bit dangerous. Has anyone ever found out you were following them around? I can’t imagine people being too friendly to someone trying to find out whatever dirty secrets they're hiding.” Though it would explain why he was built but not a model.

He grinned, pleased that he had flustered this pretty lady. Kale was happy that she was not the blabbering idiotic kind of girl, he had no patience with girls who would just sit there and gape at him all day long as if they had nothing to do. He was glad that Vinny had set up this date, he seemed to be enjoying himself something of which he had not done in a very long time. And hey, who knew. If things went well and they genuinely seemed too like each other things could progress.

Kale couldn't remember the last time he had been on a date, the last time he had a girlfriend was probably when he was twenty two, four years ago. The last relationship had not turned out very well...the girl he was involved with had actually been a spy for the rivaling gang. The situation had ended up badly, there was much blood and tears shed. Even Kale himself has shed tears, which was not something he did often. Kale nodded half absently at Neiva, "All right, an after dinner date with you it is" he said grinning cockily.

Kale was taking sips of the red wine as he listened too Neiva, in truth, Kale was a bit of a pansy when it came too being in the great outdoors. He didn't do well with bugs and bug bites. It seemed as if all the worlds bugs were attracted to Kale when he was outside, the poor boy would usually come in covered in mosquito bites after a hike or jog. He grinned as she used the word "plastered" for fame, he nodded, he understood where she was coming from. Kale himself had gotten model offers but had politely declined them each time. He wasn't interested in becoming a model...especially because he was a hit man with an identity and face too hide from the cops. He let his fingers go around the rim of the glass in circles.

Kale raised an eyebrow as she asked him what he mastered in. "Well, since there isn't a specific degree for becoming an investigator...I did my bachelors and masters in psychology. After that, I worked for a friend of my dads in a private investigators business and I guess the owner liked how I worked so he hired me" he told her smoothly. This was a huge lie, and Kale knew it. But lying was like a second nature too Kale, it came as naturally as killing did. The whole psychology part wasn't a lie, he indeed had a PhD, but the private investigator? Well that was just a load of bull shit. He had started working for the mafia about five years ago, he didn't have much money and he needed it too complete his masters, at first they were just odd little jobs...mostly drug trafficking. But then he stuck around with the mafia and now...he was the most infamous hit man around.

Kale chuckled at the irony of her words, "I guess you can say...I've become pretty good at my job. I have been caught before...but that was before I became a professional" as he spoke these words his eyes glinted. If only she knew who he was. "Would you care too discuss the rest of your things about your life over dinner?" Kale asked her flashing her a dazzling smile as he motioned over a server. "See what the lady wishes too order first." he told the server. "By the way Neiva, order anything you want. It's on me" Kale said with another smile.

Neiva wasn’t sure if it was the wine or just the talking that seemed to make it easier. Normally she bit at her lower lip and said as little as possible, but the more he flashed that damnable smile and the more he shared with her, the more she found herself genuinely wanting to talk more. At the very least, he would be a good person to know, not that she ever had problems with people, but in the art business you were bound to either be sued or be stalked, and a private investigator who could take care of himself would probably come in handy.


She was so wrapped up in her own thoughts and their conversation she’d almost forgotten they were here to actually have a meal. It was even odd that he had to reassure he was paying for dinner, another trait lost in time, now most people assumed going for coffee was suitable for a first date, to her it was just a cheap way to figure out if someone was worth the time and effort to sleep with. “Thanks.” She replied politely, but didn’t even glance at the menu, she’d been here a few times before, and they had one dish she couldn’t ignore. “The alfredo seafood fettuccine please, and pleas be sure they don’t put any pepper on anything.” The only allergy she had, and quiet an obnoxious one considering most people put pepper on everything, but this place was very good about making your food exactly as you ordered, mostly because they assumed if you didn’t want it on your food, it might kill you to eat it, which was really just them avoiding a lawsuit.


Handing her closed menu she waited politely for Kale to order his meal before returning to their conversation. “So why psychology? Or I guess more importantly, why not get a different job where the degree looks good? You put so much time and money into the degree, you should do more with it. I feel like people would like to have you as their psychologists.” Women would line up around the block to spill their hearts out to him and hear what he thought they should do to feel better. Though she suddenly felt she was being a bit too forward, “If you don’t mind me asking that is.”

Kale nodded, "No problem" while Neiva ordered he grabbed the menu and gazed at it. He waited patiently till she was done ordering, "And I will have the smoked salmon with brown rice please, and make sure it is spicy" Kale said too the server as he folded the menu and handed the menu back too him. Kale looked at her and grinned, "And I guess you are either allergic too pepper or just really hate the taste" Kale loved too spook people out, it was another hobby of his you could say.

Before the server went away Kale motioned for him again, "Make sure you don't put pepper on mine either" he said with a firm nod. Just in case she wanted a taste of his food he decided too keep the pepper off. "Now if you want you can try some of what I'm eating" he told her with a grin. Kale was actually enjoying himself, the restaurant being nice was a big bonus, he usually made what ever was in the fridge and had dinners alone. The boys in the home were...a bit too immature for his taste. Though there were a few he was close with, but all the experienced guys were usually out doing jobs similar too Kale's.

Kale shrugged as she asked him why, he hadn't really thought about this part. "I guess, because psychology is..interested figuring out how the human mind works. I mean come on, the human mind is the most complex mechanism that is out there, imagine what it would be like too unlock the mysteries of it!" there was an excited glint in his eyes as he spoke. He chuckled, "I guess I might be a bit too emotional for that, I don't think I could sit there day after day, year after year listening too heart broken or terrified people. I would put my emotions forward, which ultimately could cause a problem for me and the client" he told her with a small shrug. He let out a chuckle as she said lots of people would love him too be their psychaitrist, "Maybe that's another reason...I don't like being flocked around and gawked at, unless the lady is truly a beauty" he told her with a playful wink.

He was good, usually people went with one assumption or the other to try and sound great for getting it on the first guess, but he actually knew there was reasons beyond taste that people requested things be left off their food. Smiling this long was something foreign to her without a camera in front of her, it actually made her self conscious, she wasn’t sure if smiling for longer than a few seconds was something that actually worked for her or just made her look silly. Now was probably not the best time to worry about it, considering if she suddenly just stopped he might think he’d said something wrong, which he hadn’t. “I’m allergic, and thank you it was very considerate of you. You can feel free to try as much of mine as you’d like.”


While he explained his situation about not wanting to listen to peoples problems. She was probably the same way, she’d just get too emotional, more than likely get angry or fed up with people who complained about the most minor problems and tell them to grow a pair and shut up. It was his last comment that caught her off guard, her mouth opening as if she had a snippy remark handy, but nothing came out and after a moment she shut it, trying to figure out how she was suppose to respond. Thanking him for the compliment just seemed to easy.


“Sorry…I’m not really one for flocking or gawking.” She said, sounding genuinely disappointed that she wasn’t, but she was still smiling, showing that as attractive as he was, she was around men like that so often that it took more than a nice smile and a hot body to get her tongue tied. Though so far he was doing just fine thinking of things to say that made her have to actually think before responding. “Another reason I love being behind the camera, you’re allowed to flock and gawk at people every now and again, but get paid to do it.”


The food barely took a few minutes, another reason she loved it here. They always had things done quickly, but it was always delicious. Smiling, she thanked the waiter as he topped off her glass of wine, and after twirling the long pasta around her fork with a piece of shrimp, she blew on it lightly for trying a bite, her eating habits nothing short of perfect after years of her mother treating her to eat like a lady, even with saucy pastas. Her fork pulled away from her mouth spotless, and once she was sure her mouth was empty she smiled. “It’s delicious.”

Kale nodded, "I figured" he said smiling. "By the way, me being all detective and acting like a know it all trying too figure you out isn't bother you...right? Because if it is, feel free to tell me too shut up" he said with a small laugh. The last thing he needed was too scare her off, especially when he was enjoying himself. Kale felt care free here, all the people that were here seemed polished and no one was trying too listen in on their petty conversation like they did in diners too figure out if he was single or not.

Kale hadn't realized how hungry he was until he had ordered food form the menu. His mouth watered as he waited for food. Kale gave a curt nod, "And you have no idea how glad I am for that. Gawking is one of the main reasons that I very much so dislike going on dates, but I must admit. I'm enjoying myself more than I ever have with you. You're different, I like that" Kale told her with a sheepish grin. He realized that he was blushing slightly, this was an odd emotion for him. A woman had never managed too make him blush before. Neiva's comment had made him laugh, gawking at people from behind the camera, he chuckled.

When the food came he almost groaned with hunger. "Thank you" he said too the server. Kale took the fork and took forkful off rice. "Mmmm..." was all he said as Kale nodded in agreement with Neiva. He washed down the rice with a sip of red wine. "I have too agree, this food is absolutely delicious!" he said grinning. "This place is quick and the food is absolutely delicious, try some" he told her grinning. "By the way, if you do not mind me asking. Is your hair naturally so white and beautiful? It reminds me off the first snow fall" he told her smiling.

She couldn't blame others for gawking, though it made since why it would make dating a bit uncomfortable. It actually made her wonder why he still bothered, then again he probably had a bit more faith in people than she did, after one too many dead ends she'd decided she was probably better off with just her work. Thankfully, which she couldn't believe she was thinking, her parents had pushed her into this one more, it was the first time she'd enjoyed being with someone new in a long time. "I don't mind at all, it's actually nice talking to someone who uses their brain for once." For once, someone had said her being different in the form of a compliment, and when it made him blush, it actually made her feel better. Guys didn't blush often, and it meant he was either really good at acting, or he really wasn't use to saying such things and meaning them.

At his offer, she reached over to take a small sample of his dish, which was as delicious as he promised it to be, and she slid her plate closer to him to make it easier for him to try some of the slightly messy dish. "You're turn." She said with a smile, though his next question had her blushing, this time more from nervousness than anything else. It was rare people believed her hair was natural, and for some reason childhood illnesses made people uneasy, even if it was something that no longer bothered her. "It is natural, when I was born I was sick, it caused my protein levels to plummet, which messed up the melanin pigment in my roots and..." She paused to twirl a small strand of hair around her finger, "My hair grew without any pigments, and by the time I got better, the effect was permanent." Her shoulders gave a small shrug, it had been a story she'd told so many times that after she cared less and less about peoples reactions to it. Some would her 'sick' and 'permanent' and get uncomfortable, others would simply say it was weird or cool then tell her she should just dye it.

Taking a sip of her whine, she smiled and changed the subject, "To be honest, there is one thing I don't like about you being a detective, it means you're good at figuring people out, but you're also really good at hiding who you are. I feel like it's going to be much easier for you to know who I am in a few minutes, and it's going to take me days to figure out how much of what you're saying is actually truth." As soon as the statement left her mouth she realized it sounded like she was calling him a liar, and she quickly corrected herself, "Not that I'm calling you a liar! I just meant that it's your job to keep yourself a secret from people, I can't see you being 100% honest with someone you just met."

Thinking on it, she figured it best to admit why she was even here. "I didn't actually set this up. My mom and dad are a bit... persistent about me dating, they set me up on the site and picked you out. I wasn't lying when I said I'm not very social, meeting strangers when it's not because I want them to work for me is something I never really got the hang of, I either said too much or too little. Though I'm really glad I did show up, this is the best date I've been on...and now I'm sure I'm saying too much." Rambling, a nervous habit, her cheeks flushed red and to shut herself up she took another sip of wine.

Kale laughed, "I'm glad you don't mind" he said nodding in agreement. It was nice too talk to someone who was his intellectual equal. "I feel the same way" he told her grinning. "So, you never told me, have you always wanted too be a photographer? Or did you want to be something else when you were little" Kale asked while he used his knife too cut the salmon and stick a piece into his mouth. He let out a small mmm... the salmon was perfectly baked, flaky with the perfect amount of salt, pepper and lemon. He could also taste a hint of rosemary and lemon grass. It was absolutely delicious!

He smiled as he watched her sample it, when she offered her plate too him he chuckled and shook his head. "You ate the spaghetti so gracefully, I'll look like a messy toddler if I try. But I guess I will take a bite, it looks too delicious too ignore" he said laughing as he carefully wrapped the long strands around his fork, putting his hand underneath the fork he put the spaghetti in his mouth. He nodded with approval, "Very good" he said taking a sip of his wine. "The flavours of the foods here are rich, I think I might have too ask for the recepie for both the salmon and spaghetti before leaving here tonight" Kale told her laughing.

Kale listened too her politely, so she was born with a sickness which caused her protein levels too drop...that would explain the white hair, her hair cells have no protein causing the hair pigments too go white...."Ahh, I see. That clears things up, but either way. The colour looks really nice on you" he assured Neiva. "It helps with your unique personality" Kale told Neiva as he took another bite of his food.

Kale laughed at what she had just said and shook his head, "But you have nothing too be worried about right now, I am off duty and plus, I have nothing too hide" Kale could have bitten his tongue while saying this statement. He did feel horrible lying too her, he honestly did. But he knew once she knew about Kale and the mafia, she would never want too see his face again...ever. Kale dismissed her 'liar' comment off with a hand, "I don't mind, trust me." he laughed, "I know you can't trust me a 100 percent but...believe me when I say the things I have told you today are if not the truth, really close too the truth" Kale told her with a small shrug. Since she figured he was lying, he might as well tell her too trust him, after all it was best he could do.

"Like wise Neiva, my friends...set this up for me. I was against it because I've been on too many dates with failed results, and some of the women I went out for a date have been beyond freaky" he admitted with a soft smile. "I'm glad you feel that way, because I'm happy that I showed up on this date as well" Kale reached over and patted her hand gently. There was something that he really liked about her, he watched as her cheek flushed red and couldn't help himself as she reached over and brushed her cheek with a single finger before giving a small cough and sipping his wine.

It calmed her own nerves to hear he hadn't actually set this up himself either, it was nice to know she wasn't the only one who had been forced into this, but thankful that he was enjoying himself despite being set up. She pleasantly ate her meal, taking bites while he was answering her questions, being sure to not even attempt to talk with her mouth full, nothing screamed mood killer like watching your date talk with a mouth full of half chewed food.

"I wanted to be a lot of different things when I was little, like most kids the jobs that sounded fun but in reality weren't all that easy for enjoyable, at least not as enjoyable as we believed. Vets have to put animals down, police get shot at, reality sucked pretty much. I always took pictures though, I liked having them to look back and remember things, it started as just a fun hobby and grew on me the older I go, I started taking more pictures and wanting to learn more about how the cameras worked, all that fun stuff." The shorter answer would have probably just been yes, but she found giving him details wasn't such a bad thing, he figured out a lot on his own, she might as well at least feel better about sharing most of it with him.

It was no surprise he'd had problems dating, girls weren't fond of dating someone the couldn't keep their secrets or 'dirty' habits hidden from. Constantly worrying what he knows, what he doesn't know, and if any of them had any problems with people in their lives, wondering if it was really a date or him getting information he needed for someone. Thankfully, she didn't feel she had anything to hide, so he really didn't scare her much at all. Every compliment had her blushing, she was so use to being able to control and hide her emotional reactions, but he didn't have to try hard at all to get her tongue tied or stomach fluttering.

At first, when her plate was empty, and the wine sending a nice warm buzz through her system, she was a bit sad, thinking that meant the date was over. However there'd been the offer and the promise of a ride on his bike after dinner, which instantly had her spirits up. Neiva generally didn't drink, but the buzz from the wine was helping with her courage to act as natural as possible around him. "I have the recipe for the seafood Alfredo, I can easily make it for you sometime if you'd like." It was rare that she ever be the one to suggest meeting up again after the first date, but she would regret it if she went home without at least trying. "Right now though, I believe I was promised a ride." A small smirk graced her lips as she carefully moved her arms out of the waiters way as he removed the dirty dishes and left the check, the buzz also helping her feel like she actually had some sort of sex appeal that she could use to her advantage.

Kale chuckled, "I think every girl has wanted too be a vet at one point in their life!" he said with a nod, it was true. Most girls wanted too be veterinarian's when they were little, that was until they learned that being a vet was more than just getting too play with animals, you had too put them down and operate on them and other things. It was harder too be a vet than most people thought.

Kale raised an eyebrow, he wondered what if would've been like if she had become a cop. Oh the sweet irony that would have been! Most careers started out as hobbies, he remembered being fascinated with the human mind since he was little, he would spend countless hours in the library trying too educate himself. He grinned widely at her as she offered too give him the recipe.

"I would love it if you could make me the dish sometimes. Say...next weekend if you're free?" he asked her a tad bit shyly unsure if it was the right move. He wiped the corner off his mouth as he finished the last bit off his wine, placing the napkin on the plate he stood up. "Of course m'lady, the steady bike awaits you" he told her grinning as he held out his arm too her. Checking the bill quickly he left the amount needed with a fair share off tip. He walked out with Neiva by his side. He gave the valet his ticket and waited for him too come back with his motorcycle.

Next weekend. He was attempting to set up a second date next weekend. Not just any date, but an at home date, those were always much more private and usually much more personal. She wasn’t sure if her stomach fluttered from nerves or fear, fear that so much personal time so soon would ruin her chances.


Despite that fear, she nodded and found herself grinning, slightly excited for it already. “I’d love to, Saturday my last shoot is at 4, I can have dinner read by 6 if you can swing by around then.” Two hours gave her plenty of time to shower, decide on some sort of outfit, and then actually cook the dinner. A bottle of wine would be needed, there was enough beer and bottles of alcohol stored up, but wine was meant to company this meal.


The offer of his arm was what had her blushing again, it had been a long time since she’d touched anyone else in anything other than a friendly manner. Her hand running over his arm to wrap around it sent a slight chill down her spine, the shirt not telling the world just how built he really was underneath it. Her eyes glued themselves to the floor, and the cool air outside was welcomed as it cleared her head.


When the motorcycle was finally brought around, her jaw dropped, and she gently released his arm to walk over to it, her fingers running gracefully over the paint, almost as if stroking an animal not just a large piece of metal. She circled the bike, fingers running over the entire frame before finally giving a small nod of approval, “She’s beautiful.”

Kale grinned and nodded, "That actually sounds perfect" he told her with a smile. Kale had a job too take care off around five, so he would have plenty off time too go home and relax before heading out. He needed too make sure that he did the job smoothly, there was no way he could take any chances that day.

The cool night air hit Kale in the face, he breathed out slowly. It was a beautiful night, the moon was full and shining and the dew on the grass made it sparkle like a thousand jewels. He looked at Neiva and realized her arms were probably cold, he shrugged off his leather jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders, "You'll need it once we gain speed on the bike" he told her grinning.

Kale watched Neiva as she went over too the bike, his eyes lingered on her face and then traveled down her body and back up. She was really pretty, he smiled as she complimented his bike. "She isn't the only thing that's pretty" he told her teasingly. He walked over too his bike and put the key in, his leg was over in one swift move. Kale turned and looked at Neiva, "Ready?" he asked her as he waited for her too get on.

The addition of the jacket caught her by surprise, but she'd be lying if she tried telling him she didn't want it. It was warm, and hung loosely on her considering his frame was larger than hers. Happily, she slipped her arms into the sleeves, instantly her senses swarmed by his scent, and it was wonderful. Smiling, she zipped the jacket closed, her face blushing once more as her eyes glanced up at his when he mentioned the bike not being the only pretty thing, finding his eyes on her only made the blush deeper.

Once he was on, she nodded, a bit late for her to back out now, she'd been so eager for this ride, it was odd having something in common with someone that actually seemed like a decent person, and hopefully someone that might be more than just a one date, let's be friends person. Gracefully she slid herself onto the bike, just because she wasn't keen on dressing up, didn't mean she hadn't made sure to learn how to walk, band, and get on things such as bikes in a dress without flashing anyone. While the dress rose up another inch on her thighs, it stayed right where it should to leave her looking like a lady.

Finally seated, she glanced at her hands and hesitated for a moment. This was probably one of those decisions that menat a lot on a first date. Habit would have her only holding on by looping her fingers through the belt loops on his pants, leaving some sort of small gap between them. That however, wasn't what she felt like doing this time, she liked him, he'd been proper, polite, and was so sexy she'd be a fool to pass up a chance to be so close. Finally, she slid forward, her arms wrapping around his waist loosely, leaving the option for him to move them if he decided the contact was too much. "Ready when you are."