The mood returns and for the moment things are as casual as they could be on a first date. She's more than pleased to dine in the outdoors and so he retrieves the already set plates transporting them to a small picnic table beside the back door. There'd be a full view of Miles' team spread out across the sunlit field.

As Miles went back inside to grab the final amenities needed for dinner, leaving the exceptionally good dancer with a "Don't wait up!" various pokemon would open an eye observing the raven-haired newcomer before returning to what it was they were doing prior. The Tyrantrum in particular would lazily open an eye obviously debating something or another internally before closing that very same eye deciding his nap was more important than whatever the two trainers had going on at this point. She'd see an Aerodactyl perched in a tree too small for itself, a Metagross elevating its own vibes in the center of the battlefield, as well as a Carracosta wandering by the steamy spring off to the side. The Kabuto as seen earlier had simply found another wall to cement itself on, but one pokemon had decided to act upon their curiosity approaching the woman in question, an Anorith would scuttle within five or so feet of the woman passively.

Miles returns with a bottle of middle-of-the-road red wine, to enjoy alongside the meal.

"If memory serves heroes generally enjoy a glass of wine, If this one enjoys white over red I have a bottle in the fridge." He hadn't known which she preferred and couldn't bring himself to ask after his series of faux pas over text earlier in the week, and so he'd resolved to pick up two bottles in spite of his bank account's vehement protests. It's when he sits that he notices Cime.

"I hope she hasn't been bothering you, she's a curious one, and believe it or not, she also cost me my ankle when we met so watch out." It's more a joke than anything the bug type simply scuttled a few feet away content to keep her eye on the two trainers, and whatever it was they'd be consuming this evening.

"Is the meal to your liking?" A final question before taking a bite himself.

"Hmm, I suppose it can't be helped." For once he's able to play it cool filling the two wine glasses all the while. He can't help but roll his eyes as the woman spoiled the Anorith if only she knew how he was caught limping for a solid week after the capture, not to say she was wrong. His injury had only been tangentially related to the Anorith. "You keep that up and she'll be going home with you."
Cime feeling a little more confidant after the woman's behavior would scuttle closer rubbing her body up against Stormy's leg. If Miles wasn't so focused on the meal he'd be a little jealous.

She hadn't started waiting for the man to settle in himself a sentiment he found sweet if a little unnecessary, if the situation had been flipped he would have done the same he supposes. He waits for her to have the first bite before taking his own, a modicum of pressure waiting for the woman's reaction. Her response confirms the evening thus far had been a success on all accounts, despite his generally awkward demeanor. In truth, he wasn't much of a cook, but he was a scientist and following formula was oft most of his job.

"Well my compliments to the real chef, the cornucopia of knowledge that is of course the internet." He'd take a bite of the meal he prepared nodding to himself, it wasn't too bad if he said so himself. The next few minutes he's silent allowing the meal to speak for him stealing glances at Stormy whenever he could. Watching someone who was quickly growing in his heart elated about the meal, warmed him almost as much as her touch. As the sun falls lower finally he decides to open the door that was conversation.

"It's nice to have someone to share this with. If I can be completely honest I haven't been back in months. You've given me a reason to come home." His gaze is focused on the almost set sun now, a glass of wine in hand. It was a quizzical statement certainly, but it was true.

"Thank you, Stormy, for deciding to take a chance on me, at least this evening."

Blues and Purples begin to take the sky as they chat and though the smoke from the volcano hides the stars above he can’t help but feel like he’s being blessed by one in particular. Her next question is complicated and he's resolved to be as honest as he can be knowing that the entirety of the truth was an unacceptable answer and moreover one that could put her in danger. Much like the question the answer too was complicated and moreover filled with sadness. To linger on that right now when they'd been enjoying themselves so thoroughly was a disservice to the mood. That said what it was exactly they did and who they were, were topics that needed to broach. Certainly, she was curious of him as he was of her, Indeed the thought crossed his mind a number of times over the course of the week.

“Working across the region. A surprise I'm sure, but I’m a researcher, and the nature of my research has me traveling far and wide generally.”  He begins thinking best on how to word his career.

“My goal is to house and develop free energy specifically for those displaced by the various calamities in the region. When we spoke in Slateport we spoke about my fears, well my goal is to help all those people who are powerless to change the state of things. Those citizens and bystanders who are set and labeled as unfortunate casualties to wars and calamities they had no choice but to endure." his voice unconsciously gains an air of sobriety continuing on. "I want.... I need to be able to do something for those people, and I’d be willing to do almost anything to help them. I don’t want them to end up like…” He pauses only now realizing how passionate he’d become. “I just want to be able to help people who have nowhere else to turn.” He calms himself that intense focus directed into the night sky would fade slowly. It wasn’t a night for that.

“And so.." The laxness returns to his voice although it's something manufactured now. "I travel and attempt to solve problems that most aren’t interested in solving.” He was as truthful as he could be even if the answer seemed slightly vague in his eyes.

” What about you though, how do you find yourself spending these tumultuous days Stormy.” In truth they knew so little about each other, other than the fact they enjoyed each other's company, or at the very least he enjoyed hers. He wanted to know more about the Mysterious Stormy who’d burned her way into his life like a phoenix, and this seemed as good a time as any to start.

"Well I certainly hope so, some days are assuredly harder than others." But he'd continue on thanks to people like her. He can't help but wonder if she knows that. After all it was people like Stormy who gave him hope, who made him feel like his goal was still something worth fighting for.

He brings the glass to his lips silent as she speaks. It made sense, bleeding hearts like themselves were rarely found too far away from the public. That said he hadn't expected his date to declare she was the 'brawn' so to speak, the surprise of the day. Not to say she looked incapable, he'd pegged her more for a healer or perhaps a strategist. Not to say he didn't think she was capable, on the contrary, He was sure the woman was extra capable and so her strength must have been something to witness. It was also very attractive for a multitude of reasons he had no business discussing.

"You've found the way that works best for you. That in its own right is something to take pride in." Miles can't imagine the hardships she's gone through in her line of work, despite his disdain or rather how inept he felt the system that was 'the league'. there were still good people working under orders of others not nearly as good FERNANDO SILPH, was a prime example of the concept. Stormy, he figures, is one of those good people. "I can't imagine what you've seen out there, what or even who you've had to deal with."

He'd only taken to the field recently in a capacity that invited danger at least, though it could be argued that it was always dangerous these days. "You've really seen the people of Hoenn at their best, and at their worst I imagine." He wonders if it's odd to say she reminded him of the home's original owner. A woman who'd given her all for those around her, dutiful and kind, someone who sought peace. Though the world she fought for took and took until there was nothing left.

"Don't push yourself too hard." It's all the advice he can offer alongside a softer smile. " I've only known you for a week and there's no doubt in my mind that you'd put the weight of the world on your shoulders if it meant helping one more person." It was because they were similar in that regard.

"If you work yourself to the bone constantly, I think 'Lavaridge' will get lonely." He teases as he pours half a glass more for himself.

"Could I interest you in a refill?"

The easiest things to miss are oft right before your eyes, so was said, and so was the case now. As she hyper-focused in on the man before her he'd refill her glass careful not to spill the wine. Still, for all his skills he’s clearly no mind reader thus what or who Lavaridge was in this peculiar metaphor would remain unspoken. A mystery lost to the moonlit breeze. Though her trepidation is noticed warranting a shift in the conversation.

Whether his next line was due to the alcohol influencing his system, a want to distract the raven-haired women, or some fusion of both even the man himself couldn't place. But in spite of his pride, he decides to voice a thought that could have just as easily remained internal. It wasn't complex by any means, but it was one he'd most certainly regret come daybreak.

“Well this is neither here nor there, but how odd is it, that you being fully able to kick my ass has somehow made you even more attractive? Something I didn't think was possible at this point but here we are I suppose." He's half-joking, or perhaps he isn't but hopefully, his off-the-wall comment helped the mood a bit.

"Honestly it's only our first date, and you've proven yourself to be too charming. If you keep going like this I'm bound to get a little suspicious."

Miles wasn't unfit by any means, but being fit, and being a fighter were very different beasts and he'd only just begun to confront the latter. Though, His new line of work had unsurprisingly done him a few favors with his physical health. Between training and his excursions on the outside his body had become more defined, but that was neither here nor there.

"You think?" There'd never been a more perfect excuse to move from his side of the table to hers something he'd wanted to do for a minute. He slides casually leaving his glass on the table in favor of getting closer to Stormy.

"You have your hypothesis, now it's time to test it."

He wraps his arms around the woman lightly from behind the ornate dupatta falling on her now, almost as if it was a bow or string tying them together. His grip isn't tight of course, if she was uncomfortable it'd be more than easy to squirm out. In fact, it was a soft hug, that if she responded well to he'd nestle his chin against her collar bone.

"Enough, give yourself more credit." His overly ornate style of speaking had for the moment become simple,

"You're determined, fierce, honest about what you believe in, passionate, funny, contemplative, a little awkward, you try your absolute hardest, and you care more about people more than anyone I know, and that's only between two meetings." She was also a great dancer, but this didn't seem like the time to mention that.

He pauses for a moment debating his next words internally, or perhaps just appreciating the warmth of the woman he was so quickly falling for.

"When I met you that night, I reached out to you because I was out of place and lonely, and within minutes I realized the someone with whom I shared my fears was just as foreign and lonely as I was." The red on his features serves as a testament to how earnestness the man is in the moment.

"And tonight I just continue to learn how amazing that someone is because she's perfect in her own right. But I don't think she believes that."

"But I'd like to be there for her, to make sure she knows how amazing she is." His hold becomes tighter and only then does he meet her eyes.

"So accept the damn compliment Stormy." Following the line he does what could only come naturally.

Her opposition is cut, just as it starts and time slows in the moonless night. He pulls her in tighter noting the warrior's tenderness in his embrace. How long do they stay like that? He doesn't know, but he thinks it's long, it feels long. Not in a way one dreads time, but in the way one simply loses themself in a moment. And the man is nothing else if not lost in Stormy for however long they remain.

However all things do eventually come to an end, and when this moment does, at least he has some witty anecdote or quip prepared. "If you'd like you can fight me on this, but I'm sure I can pull another of those out of me." In fact a strong piece of him hoped she'd tempt fate. After all the fiery-eyed woman wasn't the only one who knew how to be stubborn.

Regardless of the response, he'd hold her tighter. Only deciding to give a serious response when he's crafted his words. "I know we only barely know each other. he relents. "I'm sure we both have skeletons buried away, but isn't that why we're here? To take a chance on each other in spite of that? His chin finds itself nuzzled in her neck once more, slowly he's becoming addicted to that warmth. " Of course, it doesn't all happen in a day but Stormy what I do know, and I can say this without a shadow of a doubt."

"I want to know more about you.

I want to see more of this woman who lit a fire in my heart. Even if it's a little at a time. You've given me no reason to not take that chance."

"Would you care to take that chance with me?"