8 o'clock at Tokyo Express. That was the plan. Right around 7 o'clock the nerves started to hit him a little. Although Markos wasn't exactly celibate, far from it, he couldn't remember the last time he'd taken someone to dinner. Come to think of it, he wasn't even sure he had taken someone to dinner.  

When he was still in school, he was an outcast. They didn't like his uncombed hair, his wrinkled pants or the way his shirt tail was always sticking out the back of his sweater. He was unpolished and unrestrained. When they went right, he went left. When they said stand still, he took off running. When they said sit down and listen, he screamed at the top of his lungs. Everything they did, he did the opposite. 

But what they hated the most about him, was that he just didn't care. To him, their way of life, their advice, their teachings, their guidance, their opinions, well they were just that. Opinions. He couldn't care less what they thought of him and it drove them insane. 

Even with his reputation as the unruly misfit, Markos didn't really have too much trouble with girls. There was no denying how incredibly handsome he was, even in his awkward teen years. The girls at school just found something so thrilling about the thought of hooking up with the son of a murderer. It was dangerous and forbidden and it made their hearts race with excitement. They had visions of a dark and steamy affair filled with passionate kisses as he pinned them roughly against a wall. 

Markos didn't really know how these fantasies came about. He never really saw himself in that way, but he did his best to play the part. Like it or not, most of his romantic encounters involved being shoved into the janitors closet for a quickie in between classes or a secret rendezvous in the teacher's lounge. When it was over, it was always the same. She'd throw her clothes back on in a hurry and beg him not to tell anyone. And then she'd run off like she was fleeing a crime scene. 

 Sometimes he found it fun and exciting himself and actually quite enjoyed it. But other times it just made him feel empty. 

That's why he was excited for tonight. Brie knew nothing of his past. The name Tarby meant nothing to her. He was free from all the stigma, the drama, the judgement and the heartache. Tonight he could be whoever he wanted to be. He could just let loose and enjoy the company of a beautiful girl who had no idea who he was.

Oh shit, Markos thought to himself as he looked at the clock. If he didn't leave soon he was going to be late. What a stellar impression that'd make. 

Markos quickly grabbed his keys and headed for the door, but not before stopping at the mirror to check how he looked one last time. He dashed his fingers through his hair a couple times, straightened his coat collar, leaned in to check his teeth and shrugged. It's as good as it's gonna get, he thought and then ran out the door.

When Markos arrived, Brie was already waiting at the entrance for him. He stopped in his tracks and sucked in his breath when he saw how beautiful she looked. Her ashy blonde hair was thrown in a messy yet elegant up-do. Loose strands of hair fell perfectly to frame her pretty face. She wore a baby blue mini dress that cut across her shoulders and flared out at the bottom. It was a stark contrast from the grunge-y flannel and combat boots, but Markos appreciated seeing another side of her. It was just another glimpse into who she was. And he wanted any little detail he could get. 

"Wow," he said, still stunned. "You look like a gorgeous, modern day Cinderella." 

"You know," Brie chuckled. "That's exactly what I was going for."

"Was it?" Markos questioned. 

He honestly couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic or not. He liked that about her. It kept him on his toes.

"Don't sound so surprised," she scolded playfully.

"You just don't seem like the Cinderella kind of girl."

"Every girl is the Cinderella kind of girl," Brie answered. "She's hard-working, talented and determined. She never let anyone keep her down. Can you really tell me you've ever met a woman who wasn't like that?"

Markos's mind immediately went to his three sisters. He may not agree with them at times, but they were without a doubt three of the most hard-working, talented, and determined girls he knew.

"No," Markos said. "I cannot."

"Exactly," she said with a smirk.

"Well," Markos said as he gestured towards the door. "Why don't we head inside and you can tell me all about your Disney Princess theory." 

Markos held out his arm for her and she gladly wrapped her fingers around the crook of his elbow. He made sure to open the door for her as they slipped inside. He led them to a booth in the back where it was private and the lighting was dim and romantic. A candle flickered next to a vase overflowing with roses, filling the air with the sweet smell of flowers. He hoped she hadn't been there before so she wouldn't notice his little magical makeover. 

"We don't really have to talk about Disney Princesses," Brie said as they slid into their seats.

"I want to talk about whatever you want to talk about," Markos said, giving her a smile.

"Well then," Brie said as she leaned in. She wasn't going to waste the opportunity to challenge him a little. "Who's your favorite Disney Princess?"

"Oh that's easy," Markos said. "Maleficent."

"What?" Brie laughed. "Maleficent is not a Disney Princess."

"Sure she is!" Markos argued with a smile.

"She's evil," Brie said. "And she's not even a Princess."

"She's not a Princess, I'll give you that," Markos said. "But she's better than a Princess. She's a Queen. And she's not evil. She's just tragically misunderstood."

"Omg," Brie said with a laugh as she picked up her menu and shook her head. "I cannot believe I am debating the validity of Maleficent's Disney Princess status on a date."

"In my defense," Markos said. "I have three little sisters."

"You do?" Brie said.

Right at that moment, they were interrupted by the waitress. They were both eager to get back to the conversation. So they hurried through their order the best they could without being rude.

"I do," Markos said.

"How old?" 

"Well," Markos said, with a hint of sadness in his voice. "They're not so little anymore, unfortunately. They're 19, 17, and 15."

"That's so sweet," Brie said, her heart melting. She didn't know what it was about older brothers, but she fell for them every time.

"Yeah," Markos said with a sigh. Part of him regretted bringing up his sisters. As much as he wanted to talk about them, it was painful for him. 

"But enough about me," Markos said, quickly changing the subject. "Tell me about you. I want to know more."

"Well," she said with a coy smile. "What do you want to know?"

A huge smile spread across Markos's face as his eyes sparkled with interest.

"Everything."

~ Author's Note ~

Hey guys! Thank you so much for sticking with me! It makes me so happy to have your support 😊 I had intended to make this a one part chapter, but after I started writing I realized they're going to need more time for their date. Part II is coming up next!

How do we think Markos is doing so far?