Does this count as date one or does there need to be more wining and dining?

[ There's an edge of sarcasm running under the question. Not that he finds Erik an unattractive person, secrets and all, just the circumstances are a bit. Forced. Maybe in another instance, they would've gravitated towards each other with less desperation to get away and more from genuine interest.

But that isn't what's happened, so here they are, holding up the guise of friendliness so they can just be left alone. ]

Seems like you did a decent job of it. But, noted, thanks. I'll be avoiding any plant bigger than a foot from now on.