"But I love school," Iris said. "I hate to say this, but fashion is my passion." She laughed and glanced down at her menu. What to get? She wished this stupid headache would go away. Why must wine give you the worst hangovers?

Gabriel rolled his eyes at her rhyme and looked at his own menu at the same time she was looking at hers. He secretly found the statement funny, but he wouldn't let anyone know so. Well, he could talk about school if that was what she liked. It was an easy topic. 

"I've never met a student who likes school.  But if that's what you like...  How are your projects coming along?"

"That's because I'm working toward a dream," she explained. "I have an actual vision. Most people go to school have an attitude that I'll get some job." she then grinned. "Great! I have my work ready for you this week, teach!"

Gabriel smiled, nodding in agreement at Iris's assessment of other students.  "Good to know you're keeping up. I would hate for you to miss a deadline."

Iris returned his smile with a bigger one. The waiter than came by and took their orders. Iris glanced back at Gabriel, when the waiter walked away. "How's the dress coming?"

"Pretty good. I have all the fabric. I was going to start sewing last night, but obviously there were more important things going on. It shouldn't take too long once I sit down and start working," he answered. He hoped she didn't think he was taking too long.

"Great!" Iris said cheerfully. "I can't wait. I know I said to surprise me, but can I have a hint?" She leaned closer toward him and gave him a grin.

Gabriel paused while drawing the moment out as long as possible. Hmm... What kind of hint to give that wouldn't give away too much?  "Well...  It's going to be a nice dress. Is that a good hint? I don't want to ruin the surprise since you went to such great lengths to not tell me exactly what you wanted."

Iris leaned back in her chair and sighed heavily. "You're no fun! But you're right. I told you I wanted it to be a surprise." Their food arrived. "Wow this looks great." Iris was staring down at her food. She then looked back at him. "I'll pay for your meal. It's my treat! It's the least I can do. I'm sure taking care of me was the last thing you wanted to do last night.."

"But I'm going to," Iris protested. "So deal with it!" Iris then give him a grin. "A knight must always be awarded for his service."

Gabriel sighed and shrugged. This was a lost cause. "Do what you want. As long as you acknowledge that I didn't ask you to pay."

"Yeah, yeah. As long as you say thank you!" Iris went back to eating her breakfast. She was happy that they became friends. He was so different from her group of friends. It was quite refreshing.

Gabriel smiled and took a bite of his food. "Thank you," he said, certain he would thank her again once the food was done and the bill paid.  He couldn't believe he was letting her pay for a breakfast he invited her to, but she insisted and he really doubted he could changer her mind.

Iris chowed on her food a bit before continuing their conversation. She decided to use this opportunity to get to know him more. Yesterday they talked about books. She chewed her food as she thought about what to ask him. Nothing really was coming to mind. "So do you have any other hobbies?"