[ Girl, he is more than okay. He is living in the moment. This is what he was born to do? Well, kind of. Still, she's got a fair point, and him besides, if anything were to happen to her... -- nope. Can't have that. He rubs a thumb gently over to top of the palm he's holding, and it's a reassuring smile that crosses his face. ]

Don't worry. If anything were to happen, I'd do my best to protect you, okay? You can count on me. Ah... me being Kaoru. Kaoru Hakaze. [ Wink. ] Do you think you could tell me your name? Really, I'd like to learn as much about you as I can... -- but after we find somewhere a little more suited for that lesson. ♪

[ He leads her with a soft reassurance, but it's... well. There's so much grime and unwanted, shady attention in the Down, even if they do tend to have far more privileges. A park's always his best bet for an initial date, but the atmosphere is far too risque for them to even approach. Kaoru opts for the closest... run-down-but-not-all-that-shabby café for them to rest in. It's better than nothing, at least, and he waits for her to be seated before he sits. ]

Your smile's got a unique power. It's the first thing that managed to calm me down this much since I got here. Really, it's a cruel twist of fate that we're both Dominants... -- that means we can't get anymore serious, you know?