The two had finished breakfast and eventually parted ways to complete their own agenda of errands. They agreed to meet back up later at Maura's for Sunday dinner. Regardless that Angela had already spent the whole previous night up, working on Frankie's party; she would not miss a family dinner for the world.

Jane sat in the living room, folding laundry absentmindedly while some infomercial played in the background. Jo Friday sat on the couch and Jane on the floor with her back up against it. Her phone buzzed indicating she had a text message. Jo Friday barked at the noise twice before realizing that it was not a robot monster that was going to eat her dog food. Jane reached for it.

Maura: Would you like to go out for drinks after dinner tonight?

Jane analyzed any meanings that could possibly be in that statement before realizing that it is very likely she is going delusional while doing so.

Jane: Sure, just the two of us?

Maura smiled. She was half hoping that by Jane asking that statement was because she preferred it that way.

Maura: Yes, dress 'dressy-casual' please.

Jane: What's wrong with the way I dress?

Maura: How much time do you have?

Jane actually chuckled out loud.

Jane: Very funny.

Jane: See you later.

Jane's mind grew more flustered. There was a notepad and pen on the coffee table. She reached for it and tore of the grocery list on the first page and set it to the side. She labeled the top of it "Op. MLM?" She wrote down a list of numbers per 4 lines on the page and began to fill it out. For every line she wrote, she told herself to come up with the counterargument.

She said she wanted to kiss me

Explorative?

She always looks at me weird

Analyst?

She said she liked seeing me naked She was comfortable seeing me naked

She's a doctor

She wouldn't care if I saw her naked

She's…comfortable

She said she wants to talk about it

She hasn't

Why

She's waiting for you?

She wanted to talk about it….

Jane's phone buzzed again.

Maura: : - )

She sends me smiley texts

Affectionate?

To other people?

Jane took a break and continued her laundry. Eventually completing her chores for the day before deciding to jump into the shower and head over to Maura's. Maura was eager to surprise Jane with the new jazz restaurant that opened up relatively close to where she lives. Though it was a Sunday night and they both had work tomorrow morning, they could not stay out too late tonight.

An hour and a half passed and Jane entered the door in a dark maroon sweater with black slacks and flats. Maura was wearing a dark blue dress. Dinner went smoothly with many jokes towards Frankie and his new girlfriend who seems to have failed to make it to tonight's extravaganza. Eventually everyone kissed goodbye and Maura and Jane drove out to the restaurant alone.

"Where is this place?" Jane asked. She pushed back her chair and crossed her legs in the car and slid her hands onto her thighs. "Oh my god, I'm so full."

"It's two more blocks from here. I told you that you should stick to a 40-30-30 diet plan for your body type and exercise activity." Maura answered, trying to calculate how much longer it was going to take before they arrived.

"Why did I have to dress nice? Is this place fancy?" Jane asked.

"No, it's casual. You just look nice when you put effort into it." The doctor responded.

"Jee. Thanks for the backhanded compliment."

"It was just a compliment, no backhands."

Jane contemplated whether or not to add that one to the list. Eventually the two arrived at the restaurant. "The Bee Hive" lit up on the outside of the building. You could hear the live jazz playing from inside of the car. Both exited the car and into the building to find a small booth near the bar seating. It was against the wall of windows, allowing for an outside view of the streets. The windows were slightly open, letting a small breeze in. The band had four members, and the saxophonist was obviously the leader of the group, standing in front and starting each song. The color red nearly popped up everywhere within the building.

The waitresses wore flapper-era clothing while the waiters wore zoot suits. A waiter came up to take the ladies order. He had slicked back black hair and dimples when he smiled with bright green eyes.

"Hi, my name's Ricky. How are ya both doing tonight? Can I get you something to drink? Or maybe an appetizer?"

Jane decided to break her usual habits and indulge for the sake of the environment of the restaurant and it would probably take Maura by surprise.

"Hi, can I get an electric martini?" Jane asked.

"I'll have an apple martini with mirdori, please." Maura answered with a smile.

"Two martinis for the ladies." Ricky smiled and walked over to the POS to enter it in the system. The music continued to flood the room.

"Do you like it?" Maura asked.

"What?"

Maura leaned in closer to Jane. "Do you like the restaurant?"

Jane nodded. "It's different."

"Do you like different?" The doctor inquired.

"To an extent. Depends on what it is."

Maura nodded, although she did not really receive the answer to the question she was asking. Ricky appeared back with the two martinis and placed them in front of each with the napkin.

"Any appetizers tonight?" Ricky smiled genuinely.

"I think we'll stick to drinks tonight. Thank you." Jane answered for both of them.

Ricky nodded and began to walk away.

"Actually, wait-

He turned back around and walked up.

"Sorry, um, can you bring me a Blue Moon when you get a chance."

He nodded.

"Ooo. Can you bring me one as well, please?" Maura added.

"Two Blue Moons, you got it." Ricky continued walking away.

"Are you copying all my drinks tonight?" Jane asked. It was still hard to gauge how loudly to speak to someone who was right next to you with the background music.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"What?"

Jane rolled her eyes at the silliness of the situation. She scooted closer to Maura to whisper close to her ear.

"Are you copying my drinks?"

"No, I ordered an apple martini with mirdori and I have been drinking Blue Moon for the past six months now."

"What's midori?" Jane asked.

"It's a melon liqueur, try mine." Maura shoved the glass towards Jane. Jane took a sip eagerly.

She put her mouth next to Maura's ear, "Mm, that's good." The doctor got a shiver from the way Jane's voice sounded at that moment. She turned to look at her.

Maura stared into Jane's eyes and smirked. "Change can be good."

"I'm pretty willing to try anything once."

"I will have to conduct an experiment to further test that."

"What kind of an experiment?"

Ricky showed back up with the two beers. "Are you enjoying your drinks tonight?" Both women nodded. His question made both women ask themselves that and both realized they were both getting buzzed. Ricky smiled again before disappearing.

Maura's hand slid down between them in the booth, resting on the seat.

"What's the experiment?" Jane asked again.

"Enjoy your drink and enjoy the music." The doctor answered.

"Is this a part of the experiment?"

"These are elements of the environment, yes."

Jane stopped questioning the doctor. It was too loud to truly hear everything she was saying regardless. The detective began to appreciate the music and her drink tasted more and more delicious as she sipped it. Maura snuck glances from the band back to Jane. She could tell from Jane's giddy grin and her eyes that she was feeling rather buzzed. Maura began to notice the same effects in herself.

The doctor moved her hand and placed it on Jane's thigh. She watched the detective as her hands tightened for a split second on the table and then let loose. She tilted her head down slightly and back up towards the band, as if she was ignoring what the ME was doing. The doctor made slow traces on her leg, and near her knee.

"This is part one of the experiment."

A/N Well, well, well. Bit of a fun chapter, don't you think? I think this makes up for the how short the last chapter was! I didn't even realize it was that short until I went back to reread it. Jeez, and you let me get away with it. Anywho, I hope you all have a great weekend. *cheers*

Oh, PS. What do you think "Op. MLM" means? Out of curiosity. I'm trying not to give away too much of what the characters are thinking in this story.