Edward would be missing out if he didn't try any of her sweets, but luckily for him that wasn't the only thing that she knew how to make well. "To each his own." she said with a bright smile. "Although I may have to tempt you with a special recipe of my own sometime." That is, if they were to meet up again.

"I think so. I get to meet so many new people and write so it's nice for me." Working on the same floor as the minister himself was a little nerve wrecking, but honestly he was a nice man and she had pretty much gotten over it after her first year of work there. Ainsley took another drink of her water as she waited for him to tell her more about himself.

"Travelling sounds like a very good time. I would love to see more of this beautiful world that we live in." She wanted to know more. "Where all have you been? What kind of work would you do?" She hoped that she wasn't asking too many questions, but it was hard when she did this sort of thing as a living as well... it almost came natural to her. Ainsley was glad that he decided to come back to London though. It would be nice to keep in touch with him. "Oh really? What department will you be in?" It looked like they would be seeing more of each other after all. Although the ministry was a big place.

Edward smiled as she stated she would like to tempt him with her own creations. I'm not opposed to being tempted by food. I'm quite content with trying new and different types of food. Each cook adds their own special touch to the foods.

As she asked more about what he had done in his travels, he smiled as he pondered the best way to answer the questions. He didn't want to be deceptive, but at the same time he had just met this woman. How much did she really care about him at this point? Well, I've traveled mostly in South America. There is a bit of a shadow world down there where wizards are not exactly welcomed, but they aren't as feared as they are in more developed parts of the world. It was a good time for me to really try and see what the world had to offer without the constraints of being overwatched by the ministry here. At times, I think the ministry is more concerned with controlling wizards than protecting them. Perhaps this last part had been a bit too much, as she worked in the ministry herself and he was getting back into it.

When she asked about where he would be working, he smiled. He was rather excited. I'll be working in the department of mysteries.

She smiled at the fact that he could be tempted. Maybe if this date went well she would be able to tempt him into liking sweets more. "That's very true, which is why I will always try everything at least once." That was true in more than just food choices. That was a good motto to live by. She planned on living life not going through the motions.

Ainsley listened intently as he told her all about his travels. "That sounds interesting. I would love to travel the world." She could even have a sweet car that she could travel with and make a little extra money on the side. That idea had never come to her before... maybe sometime in her lifetime she could make that happen. She was getting way ahead of herself because she wanted kids and the works before that happened... maybe. Then he brought up the ministry in a way that Ainlsey has never thought about. "Well I don't hear that very often. In what ways do you mean?" Her instincts kicking her into job mode. She didn't want to interrogate him, but she was very interested in what he meant by that. Ainsley was not a close minded person by any means. She was intrigued.

"Oh really? That seems to be pretty fitting for you." Okay so she didn't know the man all too well, but her gut was usually never wrong and this man seemed mysterious to her. "I guess I can't exactly ask you what it is you will be doing there." Oh but she wanted to know... she really, really did.

He watched her facial clues as he answered her questions. She seemed rather interested in what he was saying. That made him feel better. Sometimes people just listened to be polite and he didn't want to feel like he was boring her. He was going to really try new things. Not the worst way to live. I like to try new things. I was really surprised when I tried some of the meats in the southern parts of South America. Interesting food choices.

He nodded. Traveling is a wonderful thing. It's also good to have a place to call home and return to. It's been one of the things I've missed. He was glad to be back in London and glad to be with her. When she asked her next question, he thought a moment, to try and remain a bit more guarded in his response. She was easy to relax with and he didn't want to make mistakes before he'd even really got to know her. [/b]The ministry fears what would happen if muggles knew more about us. I think that fear causes them to exert an inordinate amount of resources to managing wizard-kind[/b].

He smiled. I hope so. I don't know much about what I'm doing yet. I hope it's interesting. He smirked when she said she didn't think he could talk about what he did. True enough. It also helps I'm not quite sure yet.

"Yes, I used to be really guarded and not very adventurous at all and what kind of life is that really?" She would be lying if she said that she still wasn't guarded, but compared to how she used to be that was saying a lot. The main thing that she needed to work on was her shyness which was quite odd considering her career. Edward made her feel at ease though. Once she got over the whole blushing thing it was pretty smooth sailing for her and that was definitely nice. Her attention was brought back to Edwards' face as he spoke about the different meats. "I bet it was. I'm not a huge meat eater, but a taste every once in awhile is not so bad."

"Very true. I guess after a while it would get tiring." she could see herself maybe going off for a year or so, but more than that and she would most likely be homesick. She didn't have a lot of family around, but this was her home and she was rather fond of it. Ainlsey would have to do some more thinking about the whole traveling thing. She still wanted to go, but maybe she would be better off with taking shorter trips at a time. "You know I think you may be on to something there." She was going to have to control exactly how much she said to him because she worked in the minister's office for crying out loud and maybe this was a ploy? No, she must not think like that. After all she was the one who had technically ran into him. She wanted to speak more on the subject, but she didn't know where to begin. Maybe that would be a subject that she could bring up on another date... if he decided to take her out again that is.

"Well, it sure does sound interesting. I've always been curious as to what all goes down there." What actually went on down there and not just what they told everybody. She knew there was top secret things going on and couldn't help but to be curious. "I hope it lives up to your expectations."

Edward smiled as he listened to her respond to his statements. He felt like things were going well. He was grateful to have a friendly face not only in London, but also in the ministry. He wasn't sure if they'd see each other much at work, but he hoped they would. He was a little wary discussing Ministry stuff, especially his own thoughts about the Ministry so he decided it might be best to change topics.

So, Ainsley. Are you from London, or did you move here? He thought this would get them back into a safer discussion topic. Plus, he was truly interested. He picked up a slice of the pizza as he was waiting for her response and took a rather large bite out of it.

Simon almost thought he had forgotten how to get to the pizza parlour when heading there with his companion. The location looking slightly different then his last visit but the auror caught sighs of the place before he decided to double back and go a different direction.

"Here we are..." he mused letting go of Angelina so that he could open the door to the place. Maybe it was being nice like normal or maybe it was the reports had stung. The ones that painted him as a crude monster who picked fights and tried to hit on taken women when that wasn't him at all. He was the polite man that was before the shopkeeper and treating her like he or any man should. Wizard and muggle alike.

Ugg...he really needed to stop thinking of it.

"I've always found it smelling real good." And tonight was no different, the smells permeating the place and slipping out through the open door.

Angelina didn't know such a place existed until now.

She quickly studied the place and nodded to herself. She hoped there was different food then pizza, but it didn't matter that much. She was with someone (Simon!!), she wasn't alone. That changed many things. So, melting on the inside as Simon opened the door for her, she said "It does." It did smell good. She just didn't like the taste of bread.

"Thank you," she muttered as she passed quickly, and headed towards a table that viewed the street.

Oh the pizza looked delicious and as soon as the smell hit her nose, her mouth began to fill with water. IT was just now that she noticed how hungry she really was. Ainsley had been enjoying the conversation with Edward and the pizza seemed to bring her back to her senses. She took a moment in between breaths to take a bite. "This is delicious." Ainsley was glad that the two of them had ended up at the pizza joint.

She delicately wiped her mouth as she listened to Edward's next question. "I'm actually from Manchester and I recently moved here to explore more options." So she wasn't that far from home, but she was liking the change and she especially was liking the job that she currently had. It was nice to actually have a grown up job. Not that her previous job wasn't it was just that she felt more independent this way. "What about you? I'd love to know more about yourself?" She would like to know everything, but she didn't want to come across as pushy.

Edward continued to eat his pizza. She looked like she was enjoying it as well. I agree. It is rather tasty and I'm pleased we had the chance to come here. I was a little afraid of picking a place I hadn't been to yet, but it's hard to go wrong with pizza.

He listened as she talked about where she was from. He smiled when she said she'd moved here to explore more options. He thought perhaps that's why most people did. I've heard nice things about Manchester. Certainly pleased to make your acquaintance here and hopefully it's an option we can explore. He smiled at his slightly (very slightly) witty remark.

He knew his home would be a question next. I'm from Wales. Thought London would be a good place to do great and wonderful things for the world. Certainly more probability doing that here than in Wales.

"You've got to at least give things a try once... more if you like it." If she didn't she was sure that she would miss out on so many things in life, more than just food that is. Anywhere Ainsley could get fresh veggies was good in her mind though and she was pleased with Edward's choice in food.

"Manchester is lovely, but I'm glad that I made the leap and came out here." Ainsley couldn't help but to blush, but this time she actually managed to feel a bit more in control. Maybe she would be able to grow out of this whole blushing thing after a while. "I'm very pleased to have met you myself. It's nice to meet somebody who genuinely kind." Her thoughts went to her job and some of the people that she had encountered. Yes, Edward was a breath of fresh air. Ainsley wasn't sure how to respond to the exploring situation. She really hoped that they could.

"I'm sure this is a bit different for you here then, but maybe not considering you are well traveled." He most likely adjusts quickly. "I do think that you have come to the right place for your goal." Ainsley wished that he would go into more detail. "So tell me what it is that you want to do to make this dream of yours happen?"

He laughed I do give things a try, but I'd rather not go to a place I don't like with a young lady on a first date. She might have reason to question my judgment. He smiled at her, hoping she'd agree.

Well, I don't know about genuinely kind, but I don't intend to be intentionally unkind. It serves no real purpose. He was having a good time and he anticipated that it wouldn't be the last time.

Oh, it is quite different, but a good different. I don't mind change, but I don't change just for change's sake. He took a moment to respond to the last question. Well, I'm still figuring that out. he told her with a grin.

Good smells...impending good food...and a certain assistant shopkeeper's presence with him. A decent change from his usual appearance outside of work. "You're welcome," the auror said, following after Angelina into the shop, letting the door shut on its own beside him. It smelled even better deeper inside and Simon smiled as he made his way over to the table near the window that his companion had claimed for them.

"So..." he mused as he took his seat across from her. "Any thoughts on what you might like?" The options varied from an assortment of pizzas and toppings to a few other italian dishes to round out the menu. He had a few thoughts for himself but no solid decision as of yet.

She giggled. "I suppose that is true. First impressions are pretty important." Once you to know somebody and felt comfortable with them then it would be more advisable to be a bit more on the adventurous side.

"Oh I couldn't agree more. There really is no point in it, but that doesn't seem to stop people." Ainsley frowned at the thought. Life was wonderful and even if somebody was going through a hard time it was no reason to be ugly to somebody else about it. How was that going to help anything?

Change can be a good thing, but I think most people tend to be creatures of habit... not that it's a bad thing or anything." People got used to things and get comfortable. Ainsley liked to shake things up a bit every once in a while, but nothing too crazy. "Oh, mystery man. I like it." Sure, Ainsley thought that he most likely didn't have everything figured out one hundred percent, but having a bit of mystery was nice and intriguing.

Edward took another slice of the pizza and bit into it, enjoying the saltiness of the cheese move about his mouth as he chewed. He then took a sip from his glass and swallowed. What's the most adventurous thing you've done? Always a good question and guage on how adventurous a person has been in the past and may be in the future.

He laughed when she called him a mystery man. He supposed it was true, though he wasn't being intentionally mysterious. He just hoped that he liked his new job. How long have you worked in the Minister's office?

Angelina grabbed the menu as he asked her what she was going to take, and studied it for a short while. "I'll taaaakeeee... lasagne and red wine." Yeah. She hoped they cooked it well here. "How about you?"

...wait... who was paying it? If it was he, she would cancel the wine.

Lazagne and red wine...a classic choice and no doubt the lazagne was one of those pleasant smelling foods lingering from the kitchen."Hmmm...that sounds good," he mused, complimenting her choice. Glancing down over his own choices, he finally made his decision. "I think sausage and mushroom slices will do and I'll follow you with the wine. "The auror could relax and not be alert so one glass wasn't going to do anything.

And so the order when in and he debated what to do or say next. Awkward.

Oh, he was going to accompany her. How sweet. She nodded and smiled, then waited for him to give the order. Once he was done, she waited for him to speak, but as he didn't, she decided to start it.

"I see you here and there, but I barely know anything about you," she began carefully as she studied his face. "Shall we, I don't know, get to know each other better?" She wanted to.

Simon looked across at the table at his companion as they were once more alone. Thankfully Angelina had opted to restart the conversation between them and he found himself nodding at her words and suggestions."I would like that," he answered in admittance. He wouldn't hide the fact that he was interested in her. Why would he take the effort to meet up with her more and more times? And why else would meerly running into her make him just a little bit happier.

"How about I start and you ask the questions." The auror couldn't quite remember the entirety of their conversations both at the shop and the cafe on their first meeting and he figured it was easier to see what she was unaware of and interested in. "What you would you like to know?"

Great, he liked the idea! Angelina nodded as she smiled a little, then said "Alright." Ladies first, eh? Well, first question wasn't hard.

"Where do you live?" He'd told her his flat mate got married and moved out, but he hadn't given a location.

So she was in on his suggestion and Simon inwardly braced himself for whatever question or questions that were to come his way. The first seemed normal enough and he certainly didn't remember mentioning his place in an earlier conversation. "A 4th floor apartment in a muggle area of London." Sure it had made life interesting for two young wizards but he and Sabel had been drawn to it in their search for a reasonable place to live and he hadn't been able to let it go when the other auror left for his wedded life.

Oooh, sweet. She nodded as she thought of another question. Well, she already had a question in mind, but...

"Do you have a sibling? Child? An ex wife?" A current girlfriend?

All were important questions.

Apparently his answer to the location of his first home in comparison to his home away from home that was his office had passed muster. The second round then turned a little more personal."I have an older brother named Jonathan," he answered, "He's an auror as well but serves oversees." Something that he had done that Simon always believed had been done for his own sake. Like not wanting him shadowed by an older more experienced sibling at work.

As for children...and ex-wives. The auror tried to not seem too surprised and incredulus at that portion of the questioning. "Nope. No to either of them." He did have an ex-girlfriend but that was all.

"Your family loves danger and justice, eh?" She grinned and hoped they were comfortable enough to joke around. He knew she meant no offense at all..? She was far too distracted with a little bit of doubt to notice his surprise and nodded once he said he had none. Good.

"Now you ask meanything you want, it's only fair that way." She had to think about what to ask anyway.

Simon accepted the well-natured ribbing in stride quite used to it. But it wasn't as if it was something to be ashamed of. "Well us brothers do," he returned with a grin of his own. "Not sure if there's much danger in being a writer like Mum and justice in being a magizoolist like Dad."

Now it was his turn for a question or two and he thought over the current offerings. Opting to not asking about her living arrangements since it might seem too awkward to a guy to know a girl's home when they weren't really close seeing as he already knew her work place. "Seeing as turnabout is fair play..." he mused, pausing briefly before continuing. "Do you have any siblings? Or um...children?" The auror briefly remembering Angelina mentioning a divorce somewhere down the line.