Dominique was caught a little speechless a moment, but then she smiled a little ruefully. ”I’m going to have to remember not to underestimate you, aren’t I?” She said softly, actually very impressed by what Elisa had just told her. Very impressed by Elisa in general – She had been since they’d first met in fact, so she wasn’t sure why it was surprising to her now. She got up from sitting though and came over to sit by Elisa on the rock she was on. There wasn’t really enough room for two people to sit on that rock, at least without one getting in to other’s lap (a pleasant thought, but it seemed a bit much in the present situation). She moved in to kiss her, just sweetly, in appreciation and, because she wanted to know something.

Elisa’s eyes fluttered shut and she had to concentrate a lot to make sure she didn’t drop her salad. The kiss only lasted a brief few moments, and then Dominique returned to her own rock. Elisa ran a hand through her hair a little and met Dominique’s gaze, a little smile playing on her lips. ”What was that for?” She asked softly.

”You tell me.” Dominique replied, a little of a smile on her lips as well.

”That… you appreciate me, I think.” Elisa said softly.

Dominique’s smile broadened and she felt almost shy for some reason. ”…I do, very much so.” She said, feeling somewhat guilty for saying it, even though it was true – More accurately perhaps, because it was so true.

The rest of their lunch date passed rather pleasantly. They talked more, but even in the periods of silence where they ate or just gazed into one another’s eyes as lovers, or would-be lovers, were often want to do, the chemistry between them was nothing short of electric, and they both felt it. It was plain to see, despite whatever misgivings they each might still be harboring.

After lunch, they decided to go to Central Park by way of Elisa’s car.

Dominique found herself viewing the prospect of riding in Elisa’s car again with fond recollection of how it had felt the last time. She should have been very ill at ease, finding herself at near exhaustion in a virtual stranger’s, a human’s, car, especially while also being all but helpless in her human form, but it just hadn’t felt that way. Despite what her mind had kept telling her then, in the here and now, she could admit that, in her heart, she’d only felt… safe. Like she’d found sanctuary – Real sanctuary, as one only felt with clan. It had just been instinct. She also felt a little awkward about it too somehow, she couldn’t say exactly why, but none the less, when she sat in the passenger seat again, she felt very much at home and happy to be where she was.