Chapter 4

The "spot" was a sports bar.

"Cosima, why did you take me to a sports bar? You hate sports," Delphine said smiling as they were being led to a booth in the back.

"It's not a sports bar, it's a fine family establishment," Cosima retorted over her shoulder

"Oh family, is this a subtle hint?" Delphine said cheekily leaning in slightly to Cosima's ear as she was walking.

"None of that!" Cosima said as she lightly pushed Delphine away smiling. "This is not a date. Hence the establishment."

Delphine laughed heartedly sliding into the booth opposite Cosima, "Is that why we are at a bar filled with dirty old men? To prove that this is not a date?"

"Yes. Now one drink and a quick dinner. Obligation fulfilled." Cosima said grabbing the menu.

Delphine rolled her eyes, smiling, and grabbed a menu herself.

Cosima had sent a text to Delphine the address of the 'fine family establishment' earlier in the evening. She had read and reread the text over and over again making sure the wording sounded just right. She couldn't figure out why she was caring so much as she told herself that this was just a catch up dinner and nothing more. It couldn't be any more.

But as she sent send on the text, she found herself waiting impatiently by the phone for Delphine's reply. And when it came with a simple, "Sounds good, see you there." Her heart swelled with anticipation.

With that unconscious reaction, she realized that her resolve was starting to fall. Delphine always had a way to get under her skin and she found she really missed the blonde.

"Hello ladies, what can I get you?" The young waiter asked, giving his best flirtatious smile.

Cosima laughed internally and gestured for Delphine to go first.

Perusing the menu quickly, Delphine replied, "What kind of wine do you have?"

"We really only have two kinds… red or white?"

Delphine laughed slightly, "I'll go with red." She turned her attention away from the waiter and back onto Cosima enjoying the view in front of her. Cosima had clearly put effort into her appearance and it showed. She looked beautiful.

The wine arrived and the conversation began to flow. Delphine spoke about the institute and the several projects she was proud of. Cosima found herself getting lost in the science. She'd forgotten what it was like to talk to someone who could keep up with her intellectually.

She remembered what it was like dating after Delphine and after she got well. Most of those girls didn't get past high school science let alone knew what a nucleotide was. It was beyond frustrating to the point, she just gave up. Figuring the right girl would come along eventually or she'd just get lost in the science and become a crazy cat lady. Either was fine with her. But as she sat across the table from Delphine it brought back a rush of emotions that she wasn't sure she was ready for.

As the last bite of dessert came, Delphine found herself looking longingly into Cosima's eyes, listening intently as Cosima talked about the research she was going to do now that she had her own lab. She could feel herself falling just as hard as she did all those years ago and she didn't want this night to end.

Once the check came, there was a distinct shift in the air. The bubble had burst and reality was coming back to them. Delphine put her credit card down, immediately waving away Cosima's attempt to pay.

"Hey! This is not a date, remember? We're going Dutch." Cosima said, grabbing Delphine's credit card hand.

Delphine gave her a quizzical look, relishing in the fact that Cosima was touching her, "Dutch?"

"Half-zee's. I pay half, you pay the other half." Cosima had started absentmindedly stroking Delphine's hand, looking into her eyes.

Smiling, Delphine whispered "Okay."

Once the check was paid, Delphine followed Cosima to the parking lot.

"Should I walk you to your car?" Delphine asked hesitantly. Both women knew that it was basically a euphemism for 'would you like me to come over?'

Stopping and turning back towards Delphine, walking backwards, Cosima said, "Ahhh, I don't think that's a good idea."

Delphine cocked her head to the side, giving her a quizzical look and boldly grabbed the other girl's hand, "Are you sure?" Lacing their fingers together.

Cosima stopped, unlacing their fingers, her expression turning serious. Sighing she said, "The fact of the matter is, Delphine you left. You left at the worst possible time and one dinner is not going to replace five years of silence."

Running her hands through her hair, Delphine looked away. "Cosima, you were the one who demanded the silence. I called for weeks and it all got ignored. What was I supposed to do?"

Cosima stayed silent knowing what she said was true. She turned away slightly, avoiding Delphine's eyes.

After a few beats, Delphine delicately grabbed Cosima's hand again and said, "Can we just start over? Or not start over, but, but, start afresh."

Cosima could feel herself falling into Delphine's green eyes as Delphine continued, "I'm here now and there is no Rachel or evil Dyad to stop us. Let's start afresh."

Cosima felt her resolve crumble. Delphine was right. There was nothing stopping them anymore but she wasn't ready to just give in. She was going to make Delphine work!

Leaning in toward Delphine, she said with a mischievous glint, "Remember when I said you have to love all of us?" She smiled big, "Dinner tomorrow with the entire clone family." With that she turned away and walked towards her car, "Let's see if you really want me or not"

Delphine laughed and thought, 'Oh I want you alright.'