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[protective_logic]

Anything is welcome. Just let me know if you want him as an AI or person in the first post

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[depthlesslock]

The sudden change makes York tense. He's not entirely sure who Delta's just seen, but he doesn't look around, much as he wants to, not when Delta's clearly trying not to draw attention. So he forces his shoulders to drop again.

'So it's all settling down now, which is a relief. And North, you remember North? He's got a kid now, who is adorable. Very energetic and friendly once he gets used to you. North loves him to bits, of course.'

[protective_logic]

“North has a kid? I didn’t know he was in a serious relationship. How old is the kid? My little siblings would be happy to meet, just need to figure which.” Noooo, the man is coming closer. Then he comes to stand at the edge of the table.  “Sir? Hi. I was supposed to meet someone here who looks an awful lot like you,” the stranger says.  “Uh,” Delta tilts his head, “York, did you double book me or something?”

[depthlesslock]

York would very happily go on, but a shadow over the table makes him look up and within moments of the man speaking, he has to repress a scowl. The date. For real? His gaze rakes over him and his eyes narrow a touch at the sight of his knuckles.

'Sure didn't mean to. I talk enough for two as it is.'

[protective_logic]

“I didn’t mean you,” the man tells York before looking at Delta. “I was here to meet you.” Really? Fine. Delta shrugs. “You’re wrong, Sir. I’m here having dinner to catch up with an old college friend. Now please move away. I can see our waiter with our appetizers.”

[depthlesslock]

'I've been with him this whole time. When were you meant to meet this guy? Maybe it was someone else? You know there are some people who look weirdly alike despite not being related.' The waiter seems to hesitate, seeing the altercation, but York encourages him forward. He sets the plates down and hurries off.

[protective_logic]

“Half an hour ago,” the man says shifting food to foot.  “Anyway, York,” Delta says, opting to ignore the man, “how old is North’s kid. Tell me more.”

[depthlesslock]

York raises an eyebrow. 'Dude, I hate to tell you, but if it was half an hour ago, the guy's probably gone.' Technically Delta was planning to leave before they got talking.

He turns back to Delta. 'He's six. Loves to play, and North completely dotes on him, as I'm sure you can imagine.'

[protective_logic]

The man looks quite angry at that, but he does storm off, flowers in hand. Once he's gone, Delta breathes a sigh of relief.

"Thanks," he says, his voice soft. "He... I don't think that would have been a good date."

He's going to kill Omega.

[depthlesslock]

York keeps a careful eye on him until he's out of sight, and even then, he stays wary lest the man realise their deception and come back.

'I would have to agree,' he says, turning back to Delta. 'And that's not coming out from my being selfish.' Fresh blood on the knuckles is not something anyone wants to see at a first date.

[protective_logic]

Less blood, more bruising, and Delta looks a bit shaken. "What say, after the appetizers, we go somewhere else? There's a pizza place a few doors down. A lot better atmosphere."

Not nearly as stuffy.

[depthlesslock]

'Well now, how can I say no to pizza?' He grins reassuringly, though his shoulders are still tense, his guard up.

[protective_logic]

"Thanks," Delta smiles. "I didn't even *pick* this place. He did."

And he'd like an out. But look, their appetizers are here and Delta happily pops some olives in his mouth.

[depthlesslock]

'That guy?' Looks like he was trying to impress. He didn't look like the sort of guy who would usually come here.

York swipes some bread and dips it in the oil and vinegar.

[protective_logic]

"I didn't set it up," Delta explains. "My family thinks I need to get out more. And thus this wonderful plan of theirs."

After another few olives he gets some of the bread himself.

[depthlesslock]

His eyes widen. 'Your family picked that guy out for you?' Was this a blind date for more than just Delta? Or maybe the guy was a master of appearing better in his profiles.

[protective_logic]

"Not exactly," Delta sighs, leaning back in his chair. "I didn't get involved in the picking process. My older brother set up a profile for me and picked a guy. Who didn't look like that in the picture."

[depthlesslock]

'Well, sounds like your brother got catfished, and you got the wrong end of it.' At least the brother can now be excused for thinking that guy was a suitable match for Delta. 'What did he look like in the picture?'

[protective_logic]

"So it seems."

Hurts him, badly, to know that people could have been hurt by the lie.

"Well, he didn't look like that, nor nearly so handsome as you."

[depthlesslock]

'You're too kind,' he says, smiling as he grabs a couple olives. 'Looks like we both managed to get a better deal out of the evening than planned.'

[protective_logic]

"Perhaps," Delta smiles as he looks away. Yeah, he's a bit shy. Did he drink before he came here? No, but that's weird. Almost feels confident.

[depthlesslock]

He's got such a lovely smile. York is definitely glad his planned date didn't show up.

'Shall we finish up here and go get that pizza?'

[protective_logic]

"I like olives," Delta admits. He doesn't want to abandon them. "Think they'd wrap them up for me?"

He feels terrible, going and taking up a table and then only paying for a drink and appetizers.

[depthlesslock]

'Probably, or we could stay a bit longer,' he says, taking another piece of bread.

[protective_logic]

"Do you have a preference?" Delta asks. He looked just a bit nervous.

"I've not been on a date since high school."

[depthlesslock]

'There's no need to rush, we can stay here a bit longer.'

He smiles. 'In that case, I'm honoured.'