It was dark, and Miles felt groggy and unfocused. He couldn't tell if he was awake or asleep. Nngh… where am I?

He heard muffled sounds in the distance, presumably voices. Something warm and moist gently brushed against his cheek. Whatever it was, it persistently slid over his face. What is that? It feels like… skin of some kind, maybe?

"Miles…"

… Maria? What is she…?

Feeling his senses return, he opened his eyes to a face that definitely wasn't Maria's. A mere inch from his face was a tawny-furred dog with lively black eyes.

"Missile!" Miles exclaimed, completely awake now.

Missile yapped and licked the prosecutor across the face.

"Hhlaack!" Miles sat up and rubbed his tongue on his coat sleeve. "Ulgh! I had do oben by bouth!"

"Sorry, sir!" Gumshoe said, taking Missile by the collar. "Uh… Glad you're awake!"

Maria hid her mouth behind a book, looking equally embarrassed.

Miles stared at her for a moment, and memories came rushing forward. Oh, right…

"Here," Maria said, holding out a white handkerchief. "This is yours."

He paused, unable to look away from her.

…I've still got my tongue on my sleeve. He took the white cloth and wiped the dog saliva off his face. "Thank you."

"Sure," Maria said, coyly.

"You passed out on the floor all of sudden, sir," Gumshoe said, oblivious to the growing tension. "What happened?"

"Most likely a delayed shock reaction," Miles said. "Epinephrine was what kept me going. The moment everything around me calmed down, I lost that stamina followed by my consciousness."

"Oh," Gumshoe said. "Are you okay"

"Yes, I'm quite alright."

"Are you sure? It looks like you've got a bright red bloodstain on the corner of your mouth, sir."

Corner of my…! Miles quickly rubbed his lips, his cheeks glowing scarlet.

"He's not bleeding," Maria said. "That must be my blood."

"Hmm?" Miles looked up. Oh, that's right. She doesn't wear red lipstick.

"Your blood?" Gumshoe said.

Maria showed the small scratch on the side of her chin. "That cloth is what wiped all my blood away."

"Of course," Miles said, pocketing the handkerchief.

"So you're alright?" Gumshoe said.

Miles stood up. "Yes, there's no need for concern, Detective."

"Can I ask you something then?" Gumshoe said hesitantly. "What were you doing in an elevator? I didn't think you even knew where it was to be honest, sir."

"Of course I knew where it was," Miles said, avoiding the question.

"Still…" Gumshoe said. He looked at the two prosecutors, who now refused to look at each other. "Oh, now I get it."

"Get what?" Miles said.

"Nothing," Gumshoe said quickly.

Miles raised an eyebrow skeptically. He's been saying that a lot lately. I wonder why?

"What brings you here anyway, Detective?" Maria said.

"Missile, remember?" Gumshoe said. "His final test is tomorrow, I have to drop him off at the police station."

"Ah, yes, now I remember," Maria said.

"Well then, you'd best get to that," Miles said. "Have a nice day."

Miles rolled a pen around the desktop with his finger and stared at the paperwork it was on top of. There was no chance of him getting any work done. Now what do I do? Apologize? Confess everything? I can't avoid her forever. Our offices are right next to each other after all. And I certainly can't act as though it never happened.

… I wonder what she thinks of me now. He pondered it for a minute, rolling his pen back and forth. She kissed me back didn't she? And it didn't look like she despised me, but it's so hard to read her. Especially around other people, so Gumshoe's presence didn't help. Nor did Missile's… affection, I'm sure.

Miles sighed. I can't hide in my office like a coward forever. Maybe it's time I face the consequences of my actions, whatever they may be.

He stayed where he was, twisting his pen around.

Alright, let's think this through. What's holding me back? Fear. What am I afraid of? That Maria doesn't return my feelings. But she kissed me back, didn't she? Still…

The worse she can say is 'no', right? If she does though, won't that just make things awkward? And things aren't now? Either she feels the same way, or she doesn't. If she doesn't, at least we'll have some closure on the matter. If she does… I don't even know what to think. That would be…

He stood up and walked away from his desk. No use getting my hopes up. There's only one way to find out the truth.

Miles stepped into the hallway and knocked on Maria's office door. To his dismay, there was no response. He tested the doorknob to see if she just couldn't hear him, but the door was locked tight. Hmm, she must have gone to the police station with Gumshoe. But that was long over an hour ago. She should be back any minute. Do I wait in the hallway or should I go back to my office? Would standing around in the hallway make me look desperate? I don't want to miss her though, or interrupt her when she's busy. Maybe right now is a bad time, tomorrow might be better. I've probably put her through enough for one day.

Just as he was about to completely lose his resolve, he saw Maria walking down the hallway. Her face was obscured by the book in front of it.

Alright, I'll do this now. It doesn't look like she's noticed me yet. I'll just go up and talk to her, it's not that hard. I just have to… what's that phrase? Play it cool. Easy.

Miles took a deep breath and approached Maria.

"Hi, Maria," Miles croaked. He cleared his throat, and cracked a nervous smile.

"Hi, Miles," Maria said, several octaves higher than normal. "Ahem. Uh, allergies."

"You too?" Miles said. Pull yourself together! "So, uh, today has been interesting."

"Yes, I agree," Maria hugged her book closer.

The usually calm and collected prosecutor shifted his weight from foot to foot nervously. "I should probably apologize-"

"No, you have nothing to apologize for," Maria said, blushing deeply.

"Still, I've put you through a lot. I'd like to… make it up to you, I suppose," Miles rubbed his arm, spilling out words as he desperately searched for the right ones. This was not his area, to say at the least. Why is this so bloody difficult?

Maria tilted her head curiously, encouraging him to continue.

"I mean, after all that's happened it would be uncouth of me not to," Miles said. "Wait, that's not what I meant! It's not as if that's the only reason I'm… well, you know. What I'm trying to say is; you're very…"

He sighed, defeated by his own nerves.

"Miles?" Maria said. "Are you… asking me out on a date?"

Miles gripped his arm, staring at the floor. "… Yes."

The bookish prosecutor hunched her shoulders shyly and played with her hair.

Well, now I've said it. Not quite how I planned it.

"Okay," Maria said.

"Hmm?" Miles said, perking his head up.

"That sounds nice," Maria said, smiling. "I'd love to."

Miles blinked. She just said… He straightened up and smiled, tilting his head to the side. "Really?"

"Were you hoping I'd say something different?" Maria said.

"No, that's great," Miles said quickly. "I, ahem, I'm not busy for the most part. Not even tonight. What works best for you?"

"Well, I don't really have any plans for tonight either," Maria said. "Though I do have a couple things I'd like to finish here."

"Perhaps we could meet here in a couple hours?" Miles said.

"Sure," Maria said. "See you then."

"Thank you, Maria," Miles said, and bowed graciously. He looked up at her and smiled.

Maria covered her mouth with her book, but not well enough to fully mask her grin.

So far today Miles had gotten trapped in an elevator, nearly lost his mind, passed out, and was revived by an exuberant dog's wet tongue. However, all he could think about was Maria.

"Okay."

She actually said yes. She genuinely wants to go on a date with me.

He replayed the scene in his mind for the fifth time as he once again stood in the hallway. I can't mess this up. If there's one thing Larry taught me, for it would only be one thing at the most, it's that romantic interactions such as this are slippery slopes. Of course, Maria can't be anything like those models he's always with. And I am not Larry Butz. Although in retrospect, he may actually have more knowledge in this area than me…

His depressing train of thought was interrupted when Maria stepped out of her office and locked the door behind her. She brushed back a lock of brunette hair and adjusted her glasses.

"Hello, Maria," Miles said. His anxieties melted into the background, where they bubbled and smoldered inside. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, did you have any ideas in mind?" Maria said as they started down the hall.

"There's a decent restaurant a couple blocks away, my treat," Miles said.

"That sounds nice, but you don't have to pay," Maria said.

"Nonsense, it isn't as if I can't afford it," Miles said.

"Well, the same goes for me. And I insist."

"But if I'm the one who's choosing where we go-"

"Then I should get to choose who pays."

"That's not where I was going."

They went back and forth continuously as they walked down all twelve flights of stairs and into the lobby.

"Why are you so insistent?"

Maria folded her arms, smirking. "I could ask you the same thing."

"Yes, you could, but I'm asking you," Miles said.

"And I'm paying.

"I have to object."

"We're not in court. And even if we were, we're both prosecutors so we wouldn't be going against each other anyway."

Miles opened the door and stepped outside after Maria. He was met with a rush of cool air, and found it continued as a pleasant, chilling breeze.

"True, but that doesn't change anything. I'm paying."

"No, I don't believe you are."

"I'm merely trying to be a gentleman."

"That's nice, but I'm perfectly capable of it."

"I know you are, but that doesn't mean I can't," Miles said, amused. She's never going to concede.

"I don't want to make you pay," Maria said, crossing her arms.

"I'm offering."

"I know you are, but I just don't think you should have to."

Yes, you've made that quite clear. "You know what, why don't we decide on this later?"

"Alright, I suppose."

The conversation between them died down after that. Miles found himself at a loss for words. Nothing he could think of seemed like the right thing to say. Do I really not know what to say to her unless we're quarreling?

He felt a wall forming between them. It had always been there, but he assumed it would disappear if he confessed his feelings. While it was heart lifting to admit he cared about Maria, and find the sentiments were returned, something was still holding him back. Why can't I break past these barriers? I'm the one who put them up, without even trying. I love being with her in any kind of scenario. So why can't I show it?

Miles glanced at Maria and noticed that she was shivering. Oh, that's right. She hates cold weather. Perhaps we should have driven. It's just so close it seemed wasteful at the time. Hmm…

Shedding his maroon coat, Miles draped it over Maria's shoulders. She looked up at him with a soft tone of surprise.

"You don't have to-"

"Let me do something," Miles said, smirking.

Maria's cheeks glowed pink. "Thank you, Miles."

Miles blinked in surprise. How long has she been calling me by my first name?

He felt her hand slip into his hand. Her soft skin was cold and numb, but it filled him with warmth. Silent and gentle, he wrapped his fingers around hers. With her touch, the ice around his heart melted and wall grew thinner.

"You know I have to pay now, right?" Maria said.

"Hmph," Miles gently squeezed her hand. "We'll see about that."

He pretended to read his menu while he watched Maria read hers. Now what do I say to her? Miles racked his brain while he skimmed the list of dinner options distractedly. Though far from a dive, the restaurant wasn't particularly fancy or over the top. It was easy to get into, and near the Prosecutors Building, so he had eaten there many times. But I don't think I've ever come with another person before.

Maria had given him his coat back once they were inside, so she was just wearing her usual black suit now. She read the menu on the table and toyed with her neck scarf. The movement caused her badge to occasionally glimmer in the light.

She's impossible to read. Does she even want me to say anything? She looks just like she always does. Reading whatever's in front of her, a somewhat indifferent expression on her face… It's kind of pretty. His eyes were drawn to her shining prosecutor's badge. That badge looks rather nice on her too. I wonder why she always wears it.

"Is there something on your mind?" Maria said without looking up.

"Why do you ask?" Miles said.

"You're staring at me," Maria said plainly, bringing her menu up.

"Oh, no, I wasn't staring at you," Miles stuttered. "I was just looking at your badge."

"My badge?" Maria said, gazing at him with stern, piercing eyes. "What about it?"

"It just caught my eye, is all," Miles said, reoriented. "No one else wears it."

"Yes, I've noticed that," Maria said, glancing at her badge. "Why is that?"

Miles folded his arms, tapping his finger thoughtfully. "Well, at first I was told it was best to keep it in my pocket. After that I suppose it became a habit. It's not required that you wear your badge, so my guess is no one sees a reason to."

"That makes sense I suppose."

"So what about you, why do you wear it?"

"I've worn it ever since I passed the exam. It's proof of my profession, so it just seems natural that I should wear it. Besides, I like the way it looks."

"Really, you do?"

"Sure. There's something recherché about it, don't you think?"

"Something sought about it?"

"No, 'recherché' as in 'elegant'. It's an English word too, not just French. Kind of like 'touché'."

"Is it now? I had assumed you'd slipped into French again."

"Again?"

"Don't you remember? You've done it a couple times."

Maria covered her mouth with her menu. "I suppose I have."

"You speak several languages, don't you?" Miles said. "What were they all? French, German…"

"Italian, Latin, Borginian, Swedish, and a little Finnish," Maria said. "Oh, and English."

"I kind of guessed that last one," Miles said with a sly smile.

"Right, of course you did," Maria said, blushing.

Slowly, the reserved prosecutors warmed up to each other. Years of holding one's guard up didn't fade away in a matter of minutes, but the atmosphere grew much lighter as the evening wore on. Miles stopped fumbling for words, forgetting his anxiety for the moment. It almost felt as if they were just friends again, casually discussing one of the many things they had in common. Except they were more than friends now, which the feelings he still held back constantly reminded him.

"See anything you like?" Miles said.

"I'm looking at the list of teas," Maria said. "I usually prefer iced tea, but it's been I while since I've had peppermint tea…"

"Peppermint tea, how fitting."

"How so?" Maria said curiously.

Your sweetness is crisp and refreshing like summer rain, while delicate as flower petals. "It's a very fitting flavor for this season."

Just then, a waitress walked over to the table with her best 'tip-me' smile.

"Hi, my name is Aitay Cash. I'll be your server. Can I get you anything to drink?" the waitress said.

"Jasmine tea, thank you," Miles said.

"I'll have the peppermint tea," Maria said.

"Alright then! I'll be right back," the waitress said. "While I'm here, do you want to order?"

"Sure," the prosecutors said in unison.

Maria crossed her arms and held her head high, but her coloring cheeks revealed her embarrassment.

"Aw," the waitress said. "You guys are, like, the same."

I'm doing the same thing she is, aren't I? Miles uncrossed his arms nonchalantly. We really are similar, I suppose. We share a love of tea, hate to look foolish, fear earthquakes, we've even both been accused of murder.

Miles and Maria took turns ordering, and the waitress jotted everything down in her notepad.

"Alright, got it. So who's the check going to?" the waitress said.

"Me," they said.

And we're both very competitive.

"Okay then, we'll settle this later," the waitress said, taking the menus and walking away.

Maria looked at Miles haughtily, a challenge in her stern, green eyes. He merely smiled back.

They managed to keep talking until their food arrived. After that, it was discovered that they were both very quiet eaters. So they merely enjoyed each other's presence in comfortable silence. Miles glanced at the book smart prosecutor in front of him as she took a sip from her tea. The steam rising from the hot drink fogged her glasses, making him smile. I'll never understand it. Sometimes she makes me flustered and embarrassed without even trying, other times being with her completely clears my head of all doubts and frustrations…

He felt his wallet in his coat pocket. …And I know exactly what to do.

Maria gently pushed her empty plate away. "Thank you, Miles. This was very nice."

"The pleasure is all mine," Miles said. "I greatly appreciate you accompanying me here."

She placed her hand under the table and smiled. "How sweet."

He returned the smile and reached for his wallet again. "I merely wish to be a gentleman."

"I'm sure you do," Maria said. There was a faint sound of something opening.

Miles felt through his wallet, searching for his credit card. "Did you want anything else while we're here?"

"No, I don't need anything," Maria said. Hanging from the side of her chair, her purse moved around ever so slightly.

The waitress came back with a black leather sleeve. "Did you guys enjoy your meal?"

"Yes, thank you," Miles said, wrapping his fingers around his credit card.

"Great, here's the bill when you're ready," the waitress said, placing it in the middle of the table.

The prosecutors each rushed a hand forward, but Miles was just a little bit faster. He snatched the bill and smirked.

Maria glared at him.

"Come on, just let me pay. It's not that big of a deal," Miles said.

"If it's not a big deal to you then allow me," Maria said, reaching across the table.

"Ah, no," Miles said, keeping it out of her grasp.

"Why not?"

"Why do you want to so badly?"

"Honestly, is this even about paying anymore?"

He shrugged and slid his credit card inside and handed the bill back to the waitress. Maria leaned back in her chair and sighed.

"Sorry, but I don't like to lose," Miles said.

"No one does," Maria said dryly.

"I didn't think it would bother you this much, though. You didn't seem to mind when you lost that trial a few days ago."

"That's completely different. Trials aren't wins or losses. If the defendant truly is innocent, I have no issue with that. However, I don't like to lose. Especially not to you."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

Wow, she's annoyed. Is she mad at me? "I apologize if I've offended you in any way."

Maria gripped her arm and turned away.

"Maria?" Miles said, tilting his head to the side.

She looked back up at him, opened her mouth and froze.

There was an awkward pause. "Yes, Maria?"

Sighing, she turned away again. "I get to pay next time."

"Alright then, sounds fair enough," Miles said. The full force of what she said sank in. Next time…

Maria smiled softly.

Next time.

Yeah, Maria was never really mad at him or anything. She's just not very comfortable in situations like this. And neither am I, in terms of writing them. That is to say, I've never done it before until now. So if you caught a specific mistake, or something I need to improve on, don't be shy. You're all awesome, thank you for reading this, and I would greatly appreciate it if you told me your thoughts.