'Okay so he held your hand during the movie, and kissed it at the end of the night.' Maddie mussed from across the table.

It was mid morning on the Sunday after Dot went to the movie with Buck and Christopher. She was out for Brunch with Maddie, before the two of them were going to go shopping for some baby things. Dot was so excited, and Maddie was excited to have someone do any lifting she needed. The two had just got their meals, Dot a waffle with a side of bacon and Maddie eggs benedict, when Maddie asked how her weekend had been so far, so Dot described her experience at the movies.

'Yes.' Dot answered, taking a bite of her waffle.

'But he hasn't asked you out on an actual date yet.'

'Nope.'

'So ask him!' Maddie exclaimed.

'It's not that easy Maddie.' Dot sighed, shaking her head.

'Why?' Maddie asked exasperated, taking a sip of her decaf coffee.

'Because!' Dot huffed. Maddie just stared at her. 'Look. I don't exactly have a lot of experience in this… field. Like yeah he held my hand-'

'And kissed it.' Maddie interrupted.

'And kissed it. But okay! What if it doesn't mean anything? He's kind of touchy feely. What if that was just Buck being Buck?' Dot asked unsurely. 'Like what if I'm reading something into it that isn't there?'

'Dot,' Maddie started, leaning forward to grab her hands across the table, 'I know this is probably hard. And I know my brother can be a bit… intimidating-'

'You mean incredibly good looking where every time I hang out with him girls stare at me wondering how he would allow himself to be seen with me?' Dot interrupted, staring at Maddie plainly.

'First of all, we need to work on your self-esteem. You're gorgeous. And even if you weren't, so what?! Who cares what anyone else thinks?'

'You're very passionate about this.'

'Look. You like Buck, yeah?' Maddie waited for Dot's nod, 'And Buck obviously likes you. I don't know why he's dragging his feet but it doesn't matter. You just need to ask him out.'

'You're gorgeous like your brother, so that's all pretty easy for you to say. And I know you dated even before… him.' Dot said uncomfortably. 'But I really, seriously haven't.'

'I may have dated a bit before Doug, but I was in that relationship for years. It seriously destroyed what I thought about myself. Then I found an amazing guy to help me through everything, to build me back up.' Maddie lamented seriously. 'You found my brother. And I may be biased, but I think he's pretty damn amazing too.'

Just as Maddie finished her pep talk, Dot's phone chimed with a message. Looking at it she saw it was from Buck.

Hey are you busy? Can I call you?

Smiling, Dot looked up at Maddie and waved her phone.

'It's your brother.'

Maddie's face quickly changed from interest, to shock and then excitement. Just as she was about to say something Dot smirked at her and got up from the table, walking to the doors leading to the patio. Dot pressed the phone symbol next to Buck's name. She listened to the phone ring for a moment before he picked up.

'Oh! Hey! You could have just said I could call.' Buck greeted.

'It's okay. I needed an escape from your sister for a moment.'

'Right! How's baby shopping going?'

'We haven't quite started yet. Just finishing up Brunch actually.' Dot explained, tracing some patterns on the wall with her finger.

'Awesome! Look, I, uh, I wanted to say this in person but I got so busy yesterday, so I thought I'd call today since I have a few minutes.' Buck paused, taking a breath before continuing, 'Do you wanna go out with me? Like an actual date? No pressure, but I like you and I thought maybe-'

'Buck!' Dot exclaimed, interrupting his babbling. 'I'd love to go out with you.' Dot smiled shyly, cheeks reddening, even though no one could see her.

'Yeah?' Buck replied in his quiet way. 'Okay. Are you free tonight?'

'I am.'

'Dinner? Italian?' He suggested.

'Sounds great. Let me know when and where.'

'I will. Have fun shopping.'

'Thanks Buck. I will. Bye.' Dot said.

"Bye.' Buck responded, still quiet. They both hung up, and Dot stood for a moment, before a giant smile broke out on her face. She squealed in excitement for a second, before taking a calming breath and walking back to the table. Once there she saw that Maddie had paid the bill. Dot gave her an unimpressed look, with Maddie giving a self satisfied one in return. Dot sat down trying to act like nothing happened.

'Well?' Maddie asked.

'Well what?' Dot responded, unsuccessfully trying to seem unaware.

'What happened?' Maddie implored. Dot took a second, grabbing her drink and finishing it off. Placing it down, she looked at Maddie and smiled.

'I have a date.'

The response she got was excited giggles.

Dot thought she would be fine, it was just Buck. Yeah it was a date, but it was a date… with Buck. She shouldn't be freaking out. Buck chose a cute little Italian restaurant with a back patio, so Dot decided to wear a green and floral sundress with some cream flats. She knew that it's completely appropriate, and she looked fantastic in it, but she was still freaking out.

Approaching the door, Dot had to stop herself from turning around and walking away. She took a breath and before she could leave she made herself grab the door handle and walk in. Glancing around the restaurant, she couldn't see Buck so she went to the host stand.

'Hi. Reservation for Buckley?'

'Yes.' The host replied after looking at his book. 'The other member of your party has already arrived. Right this way.'

The host led Dot through the middle of the restaurant, to French doors that were open at the back. Walking through, vines covered the brick walls that enclosed the patio, and the walls were lit up with strings of lights varying from fairy lights to Edison bulbs. There were 9 small white tables that would only be able to fit 3 people each, with Buck sitting at one in the back corner. Looking up, Buck locked eyes with her and gave her a large boyish smile that made Dot suck in a sharp breath. He stood up when she approached the table, moved to the opposite side and pulled out the chair. Thanking the host as he left, Dot smiled shyly at Buck, settling in and watching as he went back to his side, sitting down.

'Hi.' Buck breathed.

'Hi.' Dot responded quietly, her smile growing. They sat there, watching each other for a moment before Buck spoke up.

'I got us some wine,' he said gesturing to the bottle sitting in the ice bucket beside their table, 'white and sweet right?' Dot laughed at that.

'Yes. I basically like my wine to taste like juice.' Dot stated. 'How did you know that? Pretty sure we've never talked about wine.'

'I may or may not have asked someone for some help.' Buck said, trying to be cryptic. He grabbed the bottle and poured them both a glass.

'Maddie.' Dot replied nodding her head, before taking a sip of her wine. Buck huffed a laugh, shaking his head in mock shame. They chatted lightly for a few moments, looking at their menus, and ordering when the server arrived. Buck chose a Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo, and Dot a Cheese and Spinach Manicotti.

'So,' Buck started once their orders were placed, and they began sharing the complimentary bread, 'tell me something.'

'Like what?' Dot laughed at him. 'It's not like we haven't hung out before.'

'I know but this is different.' Buck responded, causing Dot to blush. 'Tell me about your life before you got here.'

'You make it sound like I had a huge disaster.' Dot stated. 'OooOOo, tell me about the before time.' Trying to sound like a ghost and waving her hands around gently between them, causing both of them to laugh.

'To be fair, you kind of did,' Buck pointed out, much to Dot's dismay. She didn't exactly want to talk about it, not that she was ashamed of anything, she just wanted to move on. But she saw that Buck wanted to know about her, so she took a drink of her wine and started.

'I mean, there's really not much to talk about. You know I was a stripper. I didn't have a great relationship with my parents, which got worse and worse as time went on. That's all really. Graduated high school, then just started working. Wanted to get out of the house as fast as I could.' Dot rattled out.

'Wait, wait. You were a stripper?' Buck asked, choking on a piece of bread for a moment, before washing it down with a drink of his water.

'Uh… yes. Didn't you know? I thought this was common knowledge at this point. Chimney bugs me about it all the time.' Dot laughed lightly at Buck's antics.

'Uh no! No, I did not know about this. I always thought he meant you were like a dancer, like ballet or something.'

'Ha! A ballet dancer? In no way would I ever be in a dance company. Don't have the body for it.' Dot explained easily. 'No I was definitely a stripper. Not one that did legit pole dancing or anything, but I 'danced'' Dot said with air quotes, 'and uh… took my clothes off for people.' She shrugged, taking a sip of her wine, watching Buck's face.

'This is amazing. I can't believe I didn't realize it. Chimney's jokes make more sense now for sure.' Buck laughed gently, before asking his next question. 'So how about boyfriends? You've said you don't have a lot of experience?' Buck broached gently.

'Just ripping all the band-aids off at once huh? Yeah, I've gone out with some guys, usually don't get past the first or second date. And even then sometimes they won't leave me alone.'

'What do you mean?'

'Oh you know, harass me to go out with them. Or harass me after I have, and told them I don't think it's gonna work out. You know, girl things.' Dot shrugged. Buck looked at her in surprise and worry.

'That sounds, awful.' Buck stuttered out.

'Yeah. It's not the greatest. But it's life being a girl. I do my best to stay safe and aware whenever I'm out, not even on dates, just out. It's what you gotta do.' Dot tried to brush it all off.

'I'm sorry. I wish it didn't have to be like that.' Buck said quietly to her, reaching across the table to grab her hand, rubbing his thumb over it. She watched their hands, breathing for a moment feeling comfortable.

'So!' Buck decided to change the subject, squeezing Dot's hand before letting go and grabbing his drink while leaning back in his seat. 'What are your plans? School? Career? Any idea?' Dot smiled at the eagerness in his voice.

'At this point I am just trying to save some money and move out of my Uncle and Athena's place. I love them, and I know they would do anything for me, but I'm 26. Even if I had roommates, I would at least be out and an adult… ish.'

'Do you have any dreams or anything?' Buck prodded.

'Not really. Nothing ever really spoke out to me. When I was little I did the thing all kids do. You know; I wanna be a doctor! I wanna be a Vet!' Dot and Buck laughed at that, smiling at each other. 'But no. There's nothing that I ever really wanted to do. Maybe once I'm actually settled, I'll look into taking some classes somewhere, see if anything jumps out at me.'

'I think that's a great idea.' Buck agreed with her. They cheersed and both finished their wine as their meals arrived.

'Would we like another bottle?' The server asked after settling their food down.

'I'm gonna be a total child and order an Arnold Palmer.' Dot said, laughing at herself.

'What's that?' Buck asked confused.

'It's a half lemonade and half iced tea. It's lovely.' Dot answered.

'Awesome, I'll have one too.' Buck decided.

'You didn't have to order that. You could have had more wine, or a beer.' Dot stated once the server left, and they began eating their dinners.

'I know, but I'm good. And honestly, it sounds refreshing.'

After a few minutes the server returned with their drinks and checked on them. The duo sat and enjoyed their meals and each other's company. Buck tried to offer some of his food to Dot at one point, to which she said she didn't like seafood, much to Buck's horror. But knowing he wanted to try some of hers, Dot cut some of her Manicotti and placed it on his plate, causing Buck to smile in excitement. Once they finished their meals and shared a Creme Brûlée for dessert, they had a small argument about who would be paying, with Buck winning, again. Leaving the restaurant, they stopped just outside of the doors.

'So, do you wanna go somewhere else? For a drink? My place?' Buck asked, grabbing Dot's hand while walking through the parking lot. Dot let out a little laugh.

'I think I better get home.' Dot sighed as they got to his Jeep. 'Look Buck, I know we're already friends, but if we're gonna do… this, I need us to take it kind of slower. I haven't really told you the in depth-ness of my dating history, but I haven't had the best experiences. So I just need to-'

'Hey,' Buck interrupted Dot's anxious rambling. 'I like you, and I hope you like me. We can take this as slow as you need.' Dot nodded along, comforted. 'But…' he paused, causing Dot to worry, 'I would like to kiss you now, if that's okay?' Buck asked quietly, settling one of his hands on her hip, and the other sliding into her hair.

Dot's heart started beating faster, and a heat shot through her body in anticipation. Instead of an answer, Dot smiled, laying both her hands on his arms. They stepped toward each other more, leaning their foreheads together. They looked into each other's eyes and Dot was about to say something, when Buck cut her off by laying his lips on hers.

It was soft and simple. Dot sighed, content. She relaxed and stepped as close to Buck as she could, their lips slowly moving together. She felt Buck's hands grip her hips and hair tighter, their breathing getting heavier. Feeling that their kiss was going to get more heated, she tensed up slightly, laying her hands on his chest. Buck broke away, laying his forehead on hers, his eyes closed, breathing laboured. Dot took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. She looked up, and saw Buck looking down at her, a small smile on his face.

'Hi.' She whispered.

'Hi.'

'I had a lovely night.'

'Me too.' Buck breathed out. 'Can I drive you home?'

'I think I should take the bus. It's not too far.' Dot rationalized. She knew Buck wouldn't push anything, but she wanted to be able to think.

'You said no last time too.' Buck pointed out.

'Last time wasn't a date.'

'Okay. Text me when you get home.'

'You too.'

Buck sighed out one more breath, giving Dot a small peck on her forehead, then her nose, before kissing her softly once more. They stepped apart, watching each other with small smiles. Dot walked backwards, to the sidewalk before turning away to find the bus stop. Once she was turned her cheeks warmed instantly, the warmth spreading through her body.

On the bus she thought about her night, and how she was happy. Feeling her phone buzz, she grabbed it and laughed when she saw a text from Buck. Opening it, she read the text;

So… you free on Thursday?

Maybe…

Good.

Smiling, she put her phone away and settled in for her short trip home.