Dorian walked into the small shop, breathing in the soothing aroma that surrounded him. Life was finally getting back to normal, now that he was back in London. With Alec taking on the new teaching job, he'd agreed to mentor a new Auror. On a whim, their boss had assigned them a rather lengthy case in America.

He'd thought of Tess often, trying to figure out how to get past all of his emotional baggage. He still didn't like the idea of talking to Victoria about all of this. Not that she wouldn't be understanding, especially with her and Alec, but it just seemed too close to home. In that respect, he'd taken advantage of being partnered with a woman.

Rhian had been oddly...insightful, for one so young. Following her advice, he'd owled Tess as soon as he'd gotten back. He really hadn't needed the suggestion, having missed her like mad, but it was nice to have someone there to kick his butt into gear. Deciding to keep it casual, he'd invited her to coffee. He took a seat in a quiet corner, waiting for her to arrive before he ordered anything.

Tess had no heard of Dorian, and in reality she didn't really think about him. With everything being so chaotic, she never really had time for herself. For one thing at work, ever since the destruction of Beauxbatons, Tess found herself working alongside French Healers trying to help the students since base camp was now there. Next Chale and his "Tomato Face" comments driving her up the wall. And the longer hours, from 5 am to midnight, then falling asleep in her cot at the hospital rather than her flat.

Now, she had found someone to cover her shift and she immediately accepted and was excited to see him again. She wanted to see how he was, and most of all, she wanted to just see him and be near him. She couldn't get too attached, because she wasn't going to just get too ahead of herself.

Seeing him there, her face brightened and a smile evident on her face. She walked towards him, and debated whether or not to kiss him as a greeting; she decided to play it safe and kiss his cheek before sitting down across from him.

"Hey"

When Dorian spotted Tess across the shop he grinned widely, feeling like a weight had been lifted from his chest. As accepting of his baggage as she'd seemed in the book shop, part of him had still wondered if she would actually show up. He just didn't understand how she wasn't screaming for the hills. Whatever the reason, he was glad.

As she approached the table, he stood, surprised as hell when she kissed his cheek. His eyes closed as he breathed in deep, loving the smell of her. Shampoo or perfume, he wasn't quite sure. Coming out of his reverie, he quickly sat down, signally for a waiter.

"Hey. How have you been?"

Tess took off her cardigan, enjoying the cold air that came from the cozy cafe. She had taken this invitation as a comfortable event, after all the last date was just horrifying, and full of unwanted pain. She had her hair up in a ponytail, her glasses on and a simple sundress and flats.

But he looked good, very good; as handsome as ever, and his expression seeing her, just made her feel special. She smiled shyly knowing that she wasn't wearing her best clothing, but he looked dashing and it was slightly unfair. But that was what she was getting used to.

"Exhausted" she breathed out with a tired grin. "And you? I haven't seen you in a while."

Looking closer, Dorian could see the tired circles under Tess's eyes. But the grin on her face assured him that it wasn't from anything bad. He remembered her strong, confident demeanor when he'd been injured in the hospital. It was obvious then how much she loved and thrived there.

He tried not to stare at her, he honestly did. But he just looked so relax and beautiful. As attractive as she was cool and calm at the hospital, he liked her like this. So at ease with herself, and in a surprisingly feminine dress. A few strands of her hair fall loose around her face and his fingers itched to tuck them behind her ear. But he didn't want to seem to forward.

"I'm good. I've been in America on a new case for the past few months. I was assigned to mentor a new Auror, Rhian. It was...interesting." That was an understatement. She was challenging, a young spitfire. But over the months he'd become attached, seeing her as a little sister.

"How's it going at the hospital?"

Tess' eyes brightened over the mention of America. She missed going there, it was her first home, and she missed it greatly. Her eyes trailed down from his face down to his chest and his legs trying to see if there were any injuries; she knew he hated hospitals, and if he could he would avoid them. Her eyes gazed back to him and she tilted her head.

She didn't want to ask anything about Rhian, it's not like they were anything and it wasn't like it mattered. She told them that there were no strings, nothing; she didn't need the stress. But curiosity peaked, but she wasn't going to play this coy game.

She moved a few strands of hair behind her ear and shrugged.

"It's been busy, since the attack we had lots of other healers and my boss" she sighed. "it's just a lot. It wasn't until today that I managed to get to my flat."

Dorian couldn't help but smile, seeing the light in her eyes. He wondered if it was the mention of America. He'd only visited the Blacks there a few times, inviting Alec to stay with him more often, since he had pretty free reign of the manor. But it seemed like she really loved it there. He stored that information away for later.

Seeing her examination of him, he gently took her hand. He couldn't resist not touching her, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing the knuckles softly. He'd missed her. And even if they weren't anything serious, he wanted to be around her and have her understand what she did to him. But he wouldn't ask her for anything more.

"I'm fine, Tess. I didn't do anything stupid, or else you would have seen me a lot sooner." It was the truth. He wouldn't trust anyone else to fix him up, and he knew she'd have his ass if he tried to fix anything too bad himself.

His brow furrowed at her comment. "Sorry if I'm taking up all you're time then. Victoria must miss you around the flat."

Tess smiled coyly as he took her hand and she sighed happily as he kissed her hand. She bit her lip and squeezed his hand. He was so sweet, and such a tease, honestly it drove her a bit mad at how he was so easy about touching, with little excuse really.

She laughed softly at his comment and decided not to let go of his hand, instead laid their intertwined hands on the table as she shook her head in amusement.

"I feared that you would have avoided Mungos if you were injured like before."

She winced at the mention of Victoria and squeezed his hands.

"Oh, no no no, trust me at this time she keeps to herself. It's just...it's emotionally exhausting being around both Alec AND Victoria. You obviously heard what happened, and my heart goes out to her, but it's exhausting sometimes. Especially with work, but you aren't taking up any time, I am happy to be here"

Dorian relaxed, elated that she wasn't pulling away. He never knew what to expect from her, having pushed women away for the last few years. This was a whole new ball game for him. One that he didn't even know the rules to. It was frustrating...and exhilarating. He grinned, just happy that he could hold her hand.

Rubbing his thumb across her fingers, he smirked at her. "What? And have your sharp tongue to contend with afterwards? I think not." It was comforting to know that she cared if he got hurt.

He frowned at her comment. What the hell did I miss now? "What happened? I've been unreachable this whole time. Haven't heard anything since I left." His mind swam with terrible thoughts.

Tess shook her head and tried to start to answer him, that is until they were interrupted by the waitress came with their coffees. She murmured a thank you as the cup was placed down.

"Well...there is no more Vic and Alec...she slept with her ex-boyfriend"

She avoided his gaze, as if she had committed the crime. She knew that it was a heavy subject to deal with, so she sighed and tried to lighten up as much as she could. With Victoria what would lighten up a mood, was a joke, and so she couldn't help but reply:

"And for the record, no one's every complained about dealing with my tongue, so you're the first"

She took a sip, as calmly as possible, ignoring what she just said, as if it was the weather and lifted her gaze back to him. Her smirk was poorly hidden though and looked up at him amused. It wasn't their issue but she knew it relied heavily upon them.

Dorian couldn't hide the shock on his face. He was glad the waitress came when she did, so he could have a few moments to process what Tess had said. Who'd a thought... He'd always assumed Alec would be the one to screw it up. He ran his free had through his hair. I'm a terrible friend.

"How are they taking it?" He really didn't want to make this lunch all about them. But he needed to know. He'd left Alec at the worst possible time and the bastard hadn't even tried to get ahold of him. Dorian may have been 'unreachable', but after years together, they had ways.

He couldn't have been more shocked than if someone had slapped him in the face with a 10 pound fish out of nowhere. Yes, please. He swallowed hard and tried not to stare at her mouth too much, memories of their heated kiss against her door playing havoc with his mind.

He breathed in and out slowly, closing his eyes to concentrate. "Oh, Miss Black. The things you do to me." When he finally opened them, his eyes were darker blue than usual.

Tess sighed and took a sip of her cup, waiting for his calm demeanor to return. Once he asked the question she placed her mug down and sighed. How could you even describe what they were dealing with?

"Well, Victoria is heartbroken and just mad at herself" she sighed. "It's so complicated and I feel like the child surrounded by divorcees. She loves him, she really does she just...fucked up. And Alec....I woke up with hang over last weekend because he got to drinking and he said he hates drinking alone. You should see him if you have a chance."

But it seemed that the mood had lightened up a bit at his expression after her comment. She let out a lazy smirk staring at him. He was used to saying those things, she knew it, because that's how Alec was. But then again, she had her sharp wit to her, usually only shared with Victoria, but here she was, using it to get him to looked absolutely gobsmacked.

Tess chuckled darkly and squeezed his hand not hiding her amusement, especially at his expression. He wasn't even staring at her eyes, she lifted her brow waiting for him to have his brain catch up to the present.

"I'm not even trying" she teased.

"Fuck." Dorian whispered. It should have been him drinking with Alec. "I'm sorry you had to see him like that. We...it's a problem we share. I owe him a wakeup call." Alec had been there for him when he needed him, pulling him out of his funk. But this sounded bad, really bad. As far as Dorian knew....Alec's never dealt with something like this. Something this...emotional.

He felt a chill roll down his spine at Tess's laugh. It was so unexpected. So dark. So...sexy. He mentally slapped himself. No strings! No issues! Don't ask for anything! He didn't want to scare her off. He knew he was fucked up. Hell, he probably always would be. But he'd take her however he could get her.

Clearing his throat, he tried to distract himself with his coffee. It was a hell of a better than Alec's. "Don't know if I could survive if you actually tried."

Tess laughed softly and shrugged. It wasn't completely his responsibility anyways; Alec was her sibling too, and a sense of responsibility rested on her too. She waved him off and patted his hand.

"Hey, I can hold my liquor, but it would be nice that he takes to a guy you know? I felt guilty being near him since I-I'm related to both of them in different ways. But I just, he needs guy time? He kept patting me and telling me how he hates my best mate"

She sighed taking a sip of her drink and squeezed his hand. She needed his help to make Alec feel better because it wasn't fair for her to choose sides and to try to comfort both of them.

She wondered what went through his mind since his eyes seemed to glaze over. But she simply waited patiently, and winked at his response. He was just like every other guy.

Dorian cleared his throat, trying to rid his mind of stray thoughts. "I'll do my best with him. Though I don't know what either of us can really do. As far as I know, he's never had to deal with something like this. Someone like Victoria." Hell, he was surprised Alec had held on as long as he had.

Trying to lighten the mood, he leaned back in his chair, careful not to go too far as to pull away from her hand. He didn't know why, but a part of him worried that if he broke contact, he'd never get it back. Idiot. He knew it was stupid.

"Tell me something good? Something I don't know about you." He wanted to get to know her, as a friend.

Tess shrugged knowing that it was hard to deal with. In her eyes Alec was always "Iceman II" from their father. He was so poised and controlled, that when she heard of Victoria's betrayal she wondered if he broke. It was worse than he led on, she knew but he wasn't willing to show her. She thought of him fearing that she would tell Victoria and he would seem like a weak fool.

"I owe you" she said softly. "Thanks"

The mood was a bit dampened, no matter how she tried to lighten it. She drank her coffee, glad she ordered ice, for she couldn't handle hot coffee with this heat. She sat in comfortable silence till she felt him shift and lifted her gaze to him. His question surprised her, and she smiled.

"Something good?" she sighed. "Oh there are so many good things about me"

She giggled and bit her lip.

"I love laughing, and well I don't mind raunchy joking? Victoria and I tend to be a bit rude to one another when the situation is light" she laughed softly thinking about it. "What about you?"

Dorian sighed inwardly, drinking his coffee. Thank Merlin Tess was okay with changing the subject. He just needed to talk to Alec, one on one.

His eyes twinkled as he made a show of checking her out from head to toe and back up again. He let out a lazy grin. "Oh, I can think of a few great things about you." He couldn't help being himself. Seeing her bite her lip, though, made him groan inwardly.

Snap out of it, Kraine! He focused instead on her giggle. It made her seem so young. Which was refreshing, in contrast to their main topic so far. He slapped away his inner thoughts.

"I enjoy laughing as well, though I'm not sure that's what you meant." He smirked at her knowingly. "What would you like to know?"

Tess laughed softly and rolled her eyes, ignoring her cheeks flushing at his comment. His tone was so suggestive, and she shook her head, moving a few strands of hair behind her ear. His gaze was so powerful, and she ignored the shiver down her back as she grinned at him.

She shrugged at him. Humor was something that she loved more than anything, and if she could banter, that meant that they were witty. She shook her head and leaned back wondering what would she ask him.

"I don't know...you're such an enigma, that I'd love to just...know a bit more about you" she said shrugging.

Dorian was watching closely, so didn't miss the subtle movements in her shoulders, a shiver. Hmm. A part of him liked that. Very much.

Sighing, he turned her palm, rubbing his thumb across the lines there. What could she want to know? Rose was the only woman who'd really wanted to know him more than just in body. Well...that's not true. Some of them had wanted to. But he didn't give two shits about them. None of them captivated him like Tess.

Taking another drink, he set it down lightly. "Well...typical pureblood family. Wealthy. Only child. A generally happy upbringing. You already know my best mate." He smirked at her. She already knew the general things about him, really.

"And I'm not that much of an enigma, Tess. You know the worst about me." His smirk fell at the truth of his words. He wasn't used to someone knowing. He felt raw to her. He looked into her beautiful brown eyes. Please, don't hurt me.

Tess rolled her eyes at his comment, once more it was all about the simply part of who they were. She didn't like concentrating on that, because for her, he was a real enigma. Prior to really talking to him, she knew nothing, absolutely nothing about him other than the reputation that he shared with her brother. That always disappointed her, that she jumped to conclusions.

But once his mood changed, she tilted her head to stare directly at him as the confident demeanor was dropped. She felt something clench in her stomach at how vulnerable he looked. She knew that it got serious really fast, and she didn't like being vulnerable. She forced herself not to fidget at how serious it was. Despite all her talk about love and her beliefs, after seeing her friend and brother, she no longer knew what to feel.

"And I'm still here" she said smiling hoping to lighten up the mood. "I suppose you know little about me don't you?"

Dorian furrowed his brow, knowing he'd done something wrong. Tess was uncomfortable and he hated being the reason for it. Whether it was because of Alec and her best friend, or for whatever reason made her keep him at arms length, he knew he needed to back off. She wasn't ready for anything serious, he had to accept that.

But he couldn't help his answering grin, his eyes softening. "Yes, you are." And he was grateful for it, for her.

A waitress passed by and he stopped her, ordering some of their chocolate croissants. He hoped she liked them. "Well, I know you're family. And I know what Alec's said about you over the years. But," he smirked, "I have a feeling there's more to you."

Tess lowered her head at him mentioning the fact that she was talked about when younger. Her younger times were always something that she didn't want to remember, because she was so different from back then. But she didn't want to dwell on that.

She let out a genuine smile once she saw his expression. She felt her heart pitter patter and she squeezed his hand, finding her body language leaning towards him as she placed her arm on the table.

"There's a lot more than meets the eye love" she replied with a smirk. "And I'm not who I was back then."

Dorian couldn't help grinning back at Tess. Her smile was infectious, and very welcome after his months away. As she leaned in, a lock of hair fell from behind her ear. Taking a chance, he reached in, tucking it back into place. He let his thumb trace her jaw gently, trying not to press her too much.

He tried not to dwell on her teasing term. He knew people used it as a figure of speach, but it did something funny to his heart, making him blink a few times to acclimate. "Well, I'm glad for that. Otherwise, this would be quite awkward," he smirked.

"You're so different than anything I ever would have expected, knowing you're family." He knew it was a sore issue for her and Alec. Locking eyes with her, he wanted her to understand that he meant this. "I like it that way."

Tess' eyes fluttered shut as he touched her face, and her smile grew softer, as he trailed his hands down her chin and nuzzled his hand instinctively. Her lips parted and she opened her eyes once she heard his voice. She kissed his hand lightly before pulling away and laughing.

She sighed at his comment and shrugged. It was true, there was no point in denying it, nor was there any shame. Before it would have mortified her for someone to be saying that to her.

"Yeah well I wasn't meant to be made of ice" she said shrugging.

She felt herself blush once she heard what he added and leaned forward to give him a peck on the lips. She couldn't help it; it pleased her to hear it.

Dorian felt his heart leap into his throat at her reaction. He never knew what to expect withh Tess. A part of him was frustrated at the mixed signals. She said she didn't want more, but she didn't push him away like he expected her to. But the part of him that was struggling to move past his issues was just glad to have her here.

He tried not to show his disappointment when she pulled away. "No. You definitely weren't. I've known my fair share of women like that. Not a fan of frostbite." He smirked.

When she kissed him, he froze. He knew he was a physical person, more at ease with physical contact than some. But he was caught off guard by Tess making the first move. It was quick, and light, but his lips tingled where hers had been. He thanked whatever god might be out there that the waitress brought the croissants at the perfect moment. He took a few seconds to make sense of the world, hoping she'd be distracted by the dessert.