Murdock felt his breath leave him in an instant. He didn't even notice as Lisa ran past him and over to Lilly and Face. Murdock just stared in awe at the sight before him. Mary stood before him, her hair all done up and flipping out everywhere in a sort of halo. Her lips were stained a soft red, making her shy smile all the brighter. Her eyelashes fluttered nervously. The dress she wore was stunning. It was a deep forest green that made her hazel eyes pop and accentuated her skin tone. It had shoulder straps that weren't to skinny or to thick. The neckline went down just enough to show the start of cleavage but not the actual thing. It hugged her form in such a way that it showed her figure while also leaving a little bit of slack. It came down to just above her ankles. Her shoes were low heal and strapped, the same color as her dress. In her hands was a small clutch purse, black with silver clasps.

Mary looked up slightly and blushed at the look on Murdock's face and said, "James, your staring." she said quietly

Murdock just smiled and replied, "There's a lot to stare at Mary." then he reached out and put his hands on her partially bare shoulders, leaning in, and kissing her on the cheek, "You look so beautiful right now."

Mary's blush brightened but she held her ground and winked playfully at him, "You don't look so bad yourself handsome."

This time Murdock blushed but he still had that smile plastered on his face. They just smiled at each other for a few moments before there was a small cough from behind Murdock. Murdock and Mary both looked over to see Face smiling at them, "You kids should be going or you'll miss your reservation." Murdock nodded and held out his arm to Mary who took it

They walked down the hall to BA's door and Murdock knocked. To both of their surprise, when the door opened, there was a flash of light. BA stood there with a camera in his hand and a smirk on his face, "I feel like my little boy's going to the prom."

Murdock just snorted, "Yeah, right, whatever. Well, think I could have the car keys dad?"

Mary just smiled at the exchange and took the moment to really look at Murdock. His hair was neater then she had ever seen it. She resisted the urge to reach up and mess it back up. She saw that the faded bruises on his face made him no less handsome in the suit he was wearing. She guessed that he didn't buy it himself and therefore probably didn't know how expensive it was. She would have to thank Face later for buying it.

As they walked down to the van Murdock asked, "So, are you ready for our first date? Cause I have to admit, I'm really nervous about it."

Mary nodded as they stopped next to the van. She looked at Murdock and smiled, "It's a bit silly isn't it? We already agreed we're in a relationship and now we go on our first date."

Murdock laughed as he pushed the unlock button on the keys in his hand. They were both surprised when the beep didn't come from the van but from something on the other side. They both peered around the van and gasped.

There, bold as brass, in the apartment parking lot, was a dark red Acura Integra. Shoved under one of the windshield wipers was an envelope with Murdock and Mary written on it. They looked at each other before Murdock reached out and took the envelope.

When he opened it there was a small card inside and as he read it he smiled. He handed it to Mary for her to read.

Dear Mary and Murdock

I checked out that restaurant that your going to and noticed they had valet service. I figured you might draw attention if you both showed up dressed to the nines in some van. So I went out and borrowed this from a car dealership on the other side of town. I will return it in a few days but for now it's all yours. Enjoy your night and try not to scratch the car.

Templeton 'Faceman' Peck

Mary looked at the car in amazement and then said, "I think you have one of the best friends ever."

Murdock just laughed as he opened the futuristic door of the car for her to get in, "Yeah, I think I do."

They spent the drive just chatting and trying out all the buttons in the car. When they pulled up at the restaurant Murdock took a beep breath, "Well, here we go."

The valet opened his door first and Murdock gave him hell for it, saying, "You always open the door for a lady first. Where were you raised boy?"

He then proceeded to open her door himself and leading her into the restaurant on his arm with pride. The man at the podium just inside the door just stared at Murdock's fading bruises for a few second before smiling in a way that made Murdock want to take a shower, "How may I help you?"

"I have a reservation under Murdock." Murdock said as if he said such things all the time and had every right to be there

The man looked down at the book before him and then smiled up at them again. "Please follow me to your table."

They walked through the restaurant slowly. The place was decked out with crystal and candles. Everyone just ignored what was going on around them and looked like they expected this kind of thing all the time. Murdock felt more and more out of place. But then he looked down at Mary and saw the look of joy and awe on her face. His apprehension left him in an instant. Because as long as he had her with him, he would feel comfortable anywhere.

They were seated at a nice table in the center of the room. The table cloth was a crisp white and the tabletop had a small crystal glass with a candle alight within. Within moments of sitting down a waiter came over and gave them menus and a wine list. Murdock looked at the list and ordered something he had heard Face order once. The man nodded and left, leaving them to look at their menus.

Mary took one look at the prices and gasped. She leaned across the table and whispered, "James, this place, it's so expensive. How are you affording this?"

Murdock just winked, "Well, a few days ago, Face pulled a con while you had me trapped in my room. He made a good sum and put a rat in the producing company out of business. We got a nice chunk of change to play around with. This will make a nice dent in my end but it'll be worth it. I mean, I don't really use my money for much. But now I have you to spend it on, so please let me." he took her hand on the table top and squeezed lightly

Mary just smiled and nodded, "Alright James, but only every now and then. Deal?"

Murdock smiled softly, "Deal baby doll."

After a few minutes of quietly looking at the menu they ordered. Murdock ordered a well done steak while Mary got some sort of seafood chowder neither of them had ever heard of.

They sat at the table, waiting for their food. They held hands on the table and chatted quietly, never taking their eyes off each other.

Mary just couldn't believe this was happening to her. She was sitting across from the sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful man she had ever met. She was staring into his soft green eyes and feeling her heart flutter. He was looking at her with so much love it made her chest feel like it would explode. She realized she had only felt this way one other day in her whole life. That had been the day she had given birth to Lisa and had first held her in her arms.

Murdock looked at the beautiful woman across from him. He stared into those dazzling hazel eyes that sparkled with love and joy. He couldn't believe he was sitting here across from the most beautiful, loving, understanding woman he had ever met. Every time he looked at her he felt like his chest would burst with joy and love, and he cherished that feeling. He had only ever felt this way once in his life, the first day he had ever flown a plane all on his own. She made him feel like he was breaking the cloud line for the first time all over again.

The mood was interrupted, but not entirely broken, when the waiter brought their food. Murdock took a bite and shrugged, "I think mine are better. It's missing that pop."

"You mean that after taste that only comes from an explosion?" Mary asked with a good natured smile

"Yeah, that's it." Murdock said, pointing his fork at her

They ate their food and drank their wine in perfect bliss. Finally they ordered dessert. Nothing to special, just a slice of cheesecake to share. As they were eating it Murdock put down his fork and took both of Mary's hands in his.

"Mary, I had a reason for wanting to take you out. Well, it didn't when I asked but I did later on." Murdock said

"James, what are you talking about?" Mary asked

"Well, you know how you spent all that time taking care of me and nursing me back to health?"

Mary smirked, "Yes, I think I can recall."

"Well, every night you were there you spent by my side in bed. And last night, after you left, I realized it felt so damn empty. I squeezed a pillow all night long just so I could smell you on it. And I realized that I can't spend one more night without you in my bed. And the reason is because…" Murdock squeezed Mary's hands, "I love you Mary, with all my heart and soul, you and Lisa. And it's because of that that I want you to get an apartment with me and Lilly."

Mary gasped in shock at the words she had just heard. She just stared at him in wonder and only came back to herself when Murdock looked like he had been stabbed in the heart and was taking his hands back. She grasped both his hands tightly and said, "James, I love you to, more then I've ever loved anyone. I'd be happy to get an apartment with you."

Murdock smiled so wide it was a shock that his face didn't break, "Really, you mean it?"

Mary smiled as wide as him, "Yes James."

Mary jumped in shock when Murdock jumped to his feet and ran around the table to pick her up and spin her around, laughing for joy the entire time. The restaurant patrons looked on with distain but neither of them really noticed, caught up in their own happiness.

They paid the bill and left quickly after. Murdock drove to Mary's apartment and literally carried her up to it. As soon as the door closed behind them he put her down and kissed her with so much heat and passion Mary thought she might melt.

They kissed and touched as they made their way to the bedroom. Behind them they left a trail of clothing. Once they got to the bedroom Murdock threw Mary onto the bed, quickly climbing up over her. He looked down at her perfect body, noticing every little detail. They touched and teased each other for what felt like a lifetime. When Murdock finally entered her he thought his head might explode. The feeling was like nothing he had ever experienced, and judging by the sounds Mary was making she felt the same way.

For the next several hours they continued to make love and got to know every inch of each other. At around 3 AM they finally fell asleep, after having a shower together to clean off. They had their arms wrapped around each other and contented smiles on their faces.

AN: I'm back with new chapters. Sorry for the wait but a few things came up. Now, let me know what you thought of this chapter. It was really hard to write considering I don't know to much about this kind of dating. My sort of thing is more along the lines of nachos and pool at the bowling alley. Also, I hope those last few paragraphs were alright. As always, let me know what you think.