Hi everyone. As I always say, I own none of these lovely characters, but I do love to borrow them and play!

Maura is stirring the soup when she hears her phone ding on the counter next to her. She sees that it is a text from Jane.

Jane: Hey Sweetheart, I'm going to be a little late tonight.

Maura's forehead wrinkles a little as she types her response.

Maura: Is everything okay? Problems with the paperwork on the case?

Jane: Nope, a few errands to run. I should be home in 45 min. Love you! xxxx

Maura: I love you also. Be safe, Jane.

Maura had finished her paperwork on the current case and was able to leave early today. She wanted to surprise Jane with a nice home cooked "comfort meal" as Jane liked to call them. Today's menu is tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches. Maura knew from Jane's "apartment" days, the soup would be from a can, plastic wrapped American cheese microwaved on white toast. Maura smiles. It was a challenge, but now the grilled cheese sandwiches are on non-white bread and they experimented with different cheeses.

Maura hums as she sprinkles some basil into the chunky, tomato soup and turns down the heat. Yes, it is always a struggle, but she is making sure her partner eats healthier meals.

Maura is setting the table when the front door bursts open and Jane leaps into the room with arms flung wide. "Happy Autumn! Happy First Day of Fall!"

Maura's eyes go wide as Jane swings her around and gives her a loud, smacking kiss. "Oh. Hello, Jane."

"Come out here, Maura." Jane grabs Maura's hand and leads her outside. There, on the front steps, is a giant pot filled with a beautiful variety of chrysanthemums.

"Those are gorgeous, Jane!"

Jane beams, knowing that she has pleased Maura.

"Now, Jane. May I tell you that Fall actually started..."

"Last night, the 22nd of September at 10:29PM?"

Maura blinks. "Why, yes. And that another name for it is..."

Jane grins. "The Autumnal Equinox? And let's see..." Jane pauses to scratch her head.

"It is also known as Mabon, the mid-harvest festival. Hmmm, also celebrates the harvests of grapes and let's not forget the beginning of Oktoberfest and beer!"

Maura laughs. "Look who is the google-mouth now!"

Jane picks up the bag she left near the door and the women walk inside. Maura starts the griddle to make the grilled cheese sandwiches as Jane takes the contents from the bag.

"I picked up some nice fresh apples to snack on, apple cider to go along with dinner and some apple-cider donuts for desert."

"Do I detect an apple theme, Jane?"

Jane walks over and smacks Maura's gluteus maximus. "Be nice or I won't share my donuts."

"Jane, you know how I feel about donuts. There are healthier snacks."

"And I agree. I did buy apples and I've been really good about NOT eating too many sweets, but Maura, have you ever TASTED an apple-cider donut?"

"Well, no..."

"Here, try one bite. I found a bakery that makes them fresh." Jane breaks off a piece and places it gently in Maura's mouth. Maura's eyes go wide and Jane nods knowingly.

"See? What did I tell you? Delicious, right?"

"Please tell me these are only made at this time of year."

Jane laughs. Her girl is hooked.

They sit down to eat dinner. Maura places a napkin in her lap as she watches Jane dip her sandwich into her soup.

"Jane? You seem more excited this year about the Autumn season."

Jane considers for a moment. "You know that Fall is my favorite season, right? I hate the heat and humidity! I actually get bored with the seasons and get excited when a new one comes around, but like I said, Fall is my favorite. I remember jumping into leaf piles as a kid, making scarecrows, Ma baking apple pies, Halloween..."

"You do know that the weather patterns will still have some warms days."

"Oh, I know that, but it's what's coming. Fleece and sweatshirts for me. Pretty sweaters on you..." Jane wiggles her eyebrows and Maura laughs.

Jane reaches across the table for Maura's hand. "Walking hand-in-hand with my love, kicking up leaves. Snuggling on the couch in front of a fire."

Jane leans over to kiss Maura. "So, yes Maura. Fall is my favorite season and I can't wait to spend it with you. Happy First FULL Day of Fall."

I know! I've been horrible with the updates! My deepest apologies! I hope you enjoy this little bit of fluff :) I have a First Kiss Chapter rumbling in my brain and I do have to kick off at least one story for my Black Tank series I promised way back when. I hope everyone is doing well! Happy First Day of Fall (one hour old where I am). Love to Belgium!