Dinner was good. No. It was great. Riley couldn't have had a better night if he tried. Originally what had been a plan with several people fell into a dinner for two, but he wasn't complaining. Was he worried about some of his friends? Sure, but they had reasons not to go and reasons to reschedule. But Diane? Diane and Riley had already been at the restaurant when texts came rolling in. Diane had offered a full reschedule as well, but Riley had shook his head and said he was hungry. He was going to get food regardless of who showed and she was welcome to stay. And she did. She stayed with him at Mr. Kebab's as they had apps and their main courses. They even split a dessert at the end after his teasing of asking if she wanted her own, but she'd been too full for one of her own. She'd take bites of his, and again-- she did. They enjoyed the evening together, talking and laughing. He'd almost texted some of the others on the side to thank them for not coming, but decided against it. He didn't want to send the wrong vibes in thinking they weren't welcomed, but.. he did feel grateful it was just them.
They had lunches together in their classrooms during the day, but nothing like this. Nothing that felt separated from the school and he was over the moon about it. Hell, maybe that's what had him boldly stating over their shared piece of pie 'i don't want tonight to end'. He had noticed her blush, it was hard not to in that space. She had gotten flustered and broke eye contact, but only briefly before looking back at him. The next set of words that left her were not something he was expecting, but it made him smile very wide. She mentioned how she had an unopened bottle of wine she was waiting to drink at home and if he wanted-- yes, i do.
He followed her home in his car, driving with excitement fluttering in his chest and smile permanently fixed to his face. He wasn't expecting anything from this, no. He wouldn't put that weight on her, but he was looking forward to sharing the time together further and what conversation could come from it. Again, he wasn't expecting anything, but he was eager to know what this meant for them if anything at all. He liked Diane. A lot. he would give anything for her to know that too except telling her flat out-- no no. He could only handle rejection so much and part of him was scared she'd tell him no despite her blushing and smiles. Scared that she wouldn't want any part of that with the likes of him. So maybe they were better as friends.
When he pulled into @witchwood's drive way he took in the sight of the small house with a gentle grin before turning off his car's engine and getting out. He walked over to where she was waiting on her porch and gave her a smile as he pocketed his keys, eyes flicking from her to the front door then back, "Now is a good time to warn me about any science experiments you may keep at home, Professor Tinkle."
VISITED: for receiver to go to sender's home for the first time
