Thank you everyone for last chapter's reviews. They certainly gave me some really good ideas. After some thought and input from you all, this is what I came up with. It is not chronologically accurate with our actual time, so just go with it. I hope you enjoy it.

"Thanks Frankie, I owe you big time little bro," Jane said as she hugged her brother for emphasis.

"I'm beginning to hear more and more of that, I kind of like it," Frankie said with a shrug. "I know ma can be overbearing Jane. After so many days stuck with her, you're definitely entitled to the night off. We'll take care of the other stuff then I'll come get her and keep her busy. Don't worry; she can stay with me tonight."

"Music to my ears!" Jane cried. "In all seriousness, your help with all of this has really meant a lot to me. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Make it count, that's all you gotta do."

"I'll try my very best!" Jane promised.

Maura stood in her huge walk-in closet once more, eyes going over hanger after hanger of clothing, trying to decide what would be best to wear for that evening. Jane had told her to dress casual once more but to bundle up and then refused to give any additional information. If she was to 'bundle up', then that meant they were going to be spending time outside. She didn't know if that was such a good idea considering the pain Jane felt with the temperature drops but didn't want to discourage the brunette's enthusiasm and just went with the flow.

Truth be told, Maura hadn't really been out in a date in a while, and the nervousness was beginning to eat at her. She was married to her job, and often used that as an excuse to continue telling herself she didn't have time to date. The chemistry with Jane was definitely there, so she put her best foot forward and began getting ready with high hopes and a positive outlook towards a successful evening.

Jane had asked that they meet at her apartment since Maura already knew where the detective lived. At 8:30 sharp, the honey blonde was knocking on the door to Jane's apartment. Jane, two steps away from the door, spoke to asking her to let herself in.

Maura's senses were in overdrive from the moment she opened the door. Her sense of smell was hit with the delicious aroma of Italian food though it paled in comparison with what she felt when she saw Jane standing before her, all dressed up and date ready. The wild curls Maura had gotten used to were tamed and styled and framed the detective's face nicely. Jane was wearing a pair of black slacks with a plum colored button down with high-heeled boots which would have made her tower over Maura had it not been for the fact the blonde was wearing heels herself. Jane's outfit was simple and casual, yet the way Jane was looking at her made Maura's mouth run dry.

"Jane, you look beautiful," Maura said as she looked the detective up and down once more.

"Thanks Maura. You look absolutely stunning," Jane replied as she looked over Maura's outfit. Maura had opted for skinny jeans and a cream colored crowel neck sweater which left her delicate neck to plain view. Jane could see light freckles along the doctor's neck and down to the visible part of her chest. How she yearned to be one of those freckles!

"Can I take your coat?" Jane asked as she went to stand behind Maura.

"Thank you," Maura replied. Her heart fluttered as she felt Jane's voice close to her ear. She pulled off her jacket and handed it to Jane, who took it in her arms on her forearm and set it aside.

"I know it's not much, but this is home," she said as she gestured around the apartment. "I thought we might stay in tonight and have some dinner."

"It's a nice apartment," Maura replied as she followed Jane's arm.

"No, it actually isn't, but thanks for saying so" Jane laughed. "Please make yourself comfortable. Dinner is ready; are you hungry?"

"I am," Maura replied as she followed Jane into the kitchen.

"Before this night really begins, there's something I have to say." Jane turned and looked at Maura with a serious look on her face. "There are a lot of things I would've done differently today had I been in a different situation Maura. I would've opened the door for you, taken your coat properly, hold out your seat or serve you a glass of wine. There are going to be things today that I want so badly to be able to do for you that I just can't. While it is upsetting and frustrating, I am also aware of the fact that if I weren't in the situation I'm currently in, I probably would have never met you. That said, I'm moving on from that and hoping that once my hands are back to 'normal', you'll give me another chance to do things properly."

"Jane, I'm here tonight because I wanted to see you, spend time with you, get to know you better and on a different level. I operated on your hands and as such, am able to see what you can and cannot do. I don't have the slightest problem doing all of that for us. I would like nothing more than to help you out at a time like this, if you'll let me. I can see the type of woman you are, and I also know that your hands do not change that about you. Please, don't worry about such things and let's just enjoy ourselves tonight, ok?" She looked at Jane straight in the eye trying to emphasize her sincerity.

"Ok," Jane said with a smile. "Please help yourself to some wine. I normally would've cooked us dinner, but this time takeout from a superb Italian restaurant was gonna have to do."

"It smells wonderful! What are we having tonight?" Maura asked as she filled Jane and herself a glass of wine before joining Jane at the table.

"It's a little buffet style, got a little of several things: baked caprese salad, bruschetta with peppers and gorgonzola, crisp wild mushroom risotto with mozzarella, frittata caviar bites, polenta and chicken tartlets, and apricot and chicken bruschetta. I also asked for a salad, some gnocchi, and a helping of chicken parmesan which is absolutely delicious!"

"It all looks delicious! I don't know where to begin!" Maura commented as she looked over the filled table.

The two had dinner, trying a little over everything, with Maura complimenting the delicacy of the meal and just how delicious it was. They managed to finish a bottle of wine while they continued with conversation flowing easily between the pair.

Jane was grateful for Maura's gracious comments and acceptance. Normally she wouldn't have served so many finger foods, especially not on a first date. She didn't want to spoil the date by having to need help with getting herself fed and so had opted for a meal which she could eat without assistance. Maura didn't comment negatively on it once and that just made the brunette like her even more.

Once the last glass of wine was had, Jane looked at the time and did some calculations. "We're right on schedule," she said to Maura, who was still smiling at her from across the table.

"We are? There's more?" Maura asked, interest piqued.

"Oh yes Dr. Isles, I planned an outing for us." Jane rose to her feet, walked over to Maura's side and extended her hand. "Are you ready for the next part of our evening?"

Maura laid her hand in Jane's as gently as possible before getting to her feet. "I certainly am detective."

There was something about the way she said 'detective' that had Jane's heart beating faster.

"Al—alright. Let's go then," she motioned for the coats.

Maura put on her coat before helping Jane get into hers. "Care to tell me where we are going?" she asked the brunette.

"It's a surprise," was all Jane replied. They took the stairs down to the first floor and walked out to the street. Jane insisted neither was in a condition to drive and they hailed a taxi. Jane gave an address, hoping that Maura didn't know where exactly they were headed. Maura said nothing, but put her hand on Jane's thigh. She felt the detective freeze for a second before relaxing into her touch and then placing her own palm on top of Maura's.

The drive didn't take too long. Maura spoke the second they approached their destination. "The Coit Observatory," she said.

"You knew we were coming here, didn't you?" Jane said as she smirked at the blonde.

"I told you I'm unable to lie, Jane. Yes, I knew we were coming when you told the driver the address. It still was a wonderful and unexpected surprise!"

"Good," Jane replied as she paid the driver and made her way out of the car quickly followed by Maura.

"I used to come here from time to time while I was a med student at BCU. I've told you I've always been fascinated by science. Astronomy certainly interests me."

"If that's the case then I'm sure you know what we're here to see tonight," Jane replied as they made their way inside. She gave the security guard a nod that went completely unnoticed by the blonde.

"The first lunar eclipse of the tetrad?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"Indeed, Dr. Isles."

"Starting with tonight's, there will be four consecutive total lunar eclipses, known as a tetrad. This eclipse is also known to people as a 'blood moon'. According to some, there is a belief of a 'Blood Moon Prophecy' that there is a significant change to come. Some have even tied it to religion, saying it will be the Second Coming of Jesus."

"I don't believe in that stuff; I just thought it'd be cool to see a total lunar eclipse. I've never seen one before," Jane stated.

"Never?" Maura turned at her with a surprised look on her face.

"Never," Jane assured her. "I've never had anyone talk to me about science so passionately before that made me want to know more."

Maura smiled and hugged Jane to her side in appreciation. "I'm glad I've been able to have that kind of impact on you."

"You've no idea," Jane agreed. "If I'm timing this right, and I really hope I am, the eclipse isn't due to be a total one for another couple of hours. I thought," she said as she pushed open the door leading to the roof. "that someone as smart and knowledgeable as yourself could enlighten me with a little bit of star facts."

Their destination came into view. Maura was surprised to see that the roof was completely empty. A single telescope was on display and ready for use. Next to it was a small picnic basket, a lantern, and a blanket.

"There's no one else up here?" she asked, surprise evident in her tone.

"Nope, it's all ours tonight," Jane said proudly.

"Jane! Tonight's eclipse is a big deal for astronomers… how did you manage to get us the roof to ourselves?" she asked.

"A girl's got her ways," Jane said with a smile. They reached the picnic basket and Jane began to open it. Maura offered her help and soon their thermos of hot chocolate and cannolis were laid before them.

They sat atop the blanket, having eaten and enjoying their desert while Maura told Jane about some of the different star constellations and facts. When the pastries were consumed, they spent a good portion of time admiring the eclipse as well as Mars and other celestial bodies. By the end of the night, Jane was able to point out a handful of constellations and their proper names, much to Maura's delight.

The night air began to get colder. Though both were properly bundled up and wearing gloves, it was evident to Maura that Jane was in some considerable pain.

"Here," she said as she pulled Jane down and they sat back on the blanket. Maura removed her gloves and went to remove Jane's. She removed the left, took Jane's hand between hers, and began to carefully and gently massage both sides of Jane's palm. A look of relief flooded Jane's face almost instantly.

"That feels wonderful Maur. I'm telling you, the cold is unforgiving."

"Do you happen to have any of the lidocaine on you?" Maura asked.

"Yeah, I always have it in my jacket pocket now," Jane replied as she laughed out loud.

Maura took the little tube and warmed it up a bit before applying the cream onto Jane's hands. Her touch was soft and tender, meant to do nothing but heal yet it made Jane almost moan in pleasure. Her hands, her face, her very being was on fire. Maura put the glove back on before removing the other glove and applying the cream to Jane's right hand. "There," she said as she took Jane's hand and brought it to her lips before gently kissing the scar. "All better."

"Maura—" Jane whispered, eyes locking onto hazel orbs then slowly making their way down to full lips.

Maura looked straight into Jane's chocolate eyes as she let her tongue graze her upper lip. "Ja—"

The taste of chocolate and cannolis invaded her taste buds as Jane's lips locked onto hers. The kiss was soft, gentle, and hot. Seconds later, Jane pulled back before looking into Maura's eyes once more.

"I've had a really great time tonight Maur."

Maura leaned against Jane's body and allowed herself to be wrapped into the detective's hold. "Me too Jane… me too."

What do you think?