Disclaimer: I do not own JA or any of the characters.

Chapter 26: The Beginning

Bruce walked into work happy in the knowledge that Amy was back today. He would finally be able to speak to her, hear that sweet sweet voice of hers. He sat and waited for her on the couch. Collecting together a few files which was to be her docket for the day. It was quite light and most of the cases were light hearted, nothing too serious which could upset her. When the door opened he looked up and smiled but this soon left his face. David had her in a tight embrace while they were kissing each other, between the kisses they were making plans on lunch and where they were going that night. Bruce cleared his throat and they paused to look over. Amy smiled at him as she stepped away from David.

"Sorry," She turned back to David. "See you for lunch, in here?"

"See you then." He planted his lips on hers in a soft lingering kiss.

Bruce kept his eyes down looking at his shoes, which for some reason looked particularly interesting this morning. He didn't look up until he heard the door close.

"Sorry Bruce. I didn't think you would be in yet."

"I wanted to get everything ready for you."

"You always have everything ready for me."

"I know. I also wanted to ask you something."

"Uhuh." She placed her purse on her desk before walking over to the coach to sit down.

"I was wondering if you would be interested in going out with me tomorrow?"

"Bruce, I...."

"For my birthday."

"Oh, um, ok."

"Great."

"Where are we going?"

"Um, haven't decided yet."

"Oh."

"I'll pick you up, at 7.30."

"So you have everything planned apart from where we are going?"

"Yeah, I like to be spontaneous like that." She laughed.

"Anywhere in mind yet?"

"Well I have a few places but nothing is set in concrete." He loved her laugh so much.

"That's not like you."

"What's not?"

"Not having everything planned down to the smallest of details."

"Give a guy a break, I can't be perfect."

"Being modest now, huh?" He playfully pushed her and she pushed back.

"Interupting something?" Donna walked in. Amy looked up and smiled.

"No, just poking some fun in how Bruce isn't perfect."

"Nobodies perfect until somebody falls in love with them." Donna said in a very serious tone.

"True.... somebodies been watching Oprah again!" Amy stood up and walked over to her desk. "So what's first up for today then?"

"I'll pay."

"No, I'll pay."

"I said I would pay."

"I'll pay Amy."

"You always pay."

"And it is a pleasure."

"Well I want to pay tonight."

"No, I organised it. I pay for it."

"David, stop being the gentleman for once."

"No, I like treating you."

Their server for the evening was watching this exchange going on with a smile on her face. She cleared her throat and they looked up at her. "Shall I put it on your tab sir, and then you can discuss who pays later?"

"Tab?"

"Well that was the second surprise of tonight, I got us a room."

"Well then I am definitely paying for the meal."

"No honey, if I wasn't able or willing to pay I wouldn't have organised this. Now I will pay." Turning to the server. "Yes, please put it on my tab, but I will be paying for it."

"Ok, enjoy your evening."

"We will."

Bruce walked into work the next morning and seeing Amy just ahead of him he ran to catch up. He noticed she wasn't exactly dressed for court, more dressed to going out.

"Was there a change to the level of dress code last night, and I missed the memo?" He teased.

"Shut up. I didn't get a chance to go home and change. Can you move my cases so I can go home?"

"Sure." Bruce had to fight a lump which had formed in his throat.

"Thanks."

"Why didn't you just go home and come in late?"

"Because, I didn't want you to worry."

"Oh. Thank you."

"Your welcome." She smiled at him.

"So where is the ever present McClaren?"

"He had to speak to a client this morning, luckily you guys wear pretty much the same thing all the time. It doesn't matter if he doesn't change, nobody will notice."

"Hey, we don't have it that easy."

"Whatever Bruce." They got to her chambers and she picked up a few things and then turned to leave. "So tonight's still on right?"

"Yep."

"Decided where we are going yet?"

"Uhuh."

She waited for him to tell her, but his lips stayed sealed. "Are you going to tell me where we are going?"

"Nope."

"Why?"

"Because it has to be a surprise to somebody."

"But if I don't know where we are going, how am I meant to choose what to wear?"

"Anything you choose, I'm sure will be perfect."

"Bruce." She whined.

"Lets just say it is a restaurant.... ok?"

"Fine. But if I wear something that doesn't suit where we are going.... I will be forced to kill you," she paused as if in deep thought, "that is after you drive me home."

He smiled as she walked out of the room. How little she knew of the surprises the night was to bring.

Bruce watched Amy desend the stairs speechlessly. The dress she was wearing flared at the hips, but was pretty much tight everywhere else, leaving little to the imagination. He tried his best to hide his approval of the outfit. "Come on, we are going to be late."

"I'm ready ok."

"Uhuh." He offered his arm, which she took gladly walking out of the house with Maxine watching from the door with pursed lips.

"So are you going to tell me where we are going yet?"

"Nope, you'll just have to wait and see."

"But I don't want to have to wait."

"Well I'm afraid you actually have no choice in the matter." He grinned as she scowled.

They pulled up and Amy looked around her. "I know this place. It has had mixed reviews. Now what was it they said?" She stood with one hand on her hip and the other wrapped around her waist. "Oh yeah, it is 5 star restaurant but a downtown karaoke bar at the same time." She looked proud of herself, then it suddenly dawned on her. "You brought me to a karaoke bar?!"

"No, I brought you to a restaurant, which just so happens to have karaoke in it."

"I'm not singing." She said defiantly.

"Who said you were?"

"Nobody."

"Well then." He led her inside, gave his name for their reservation and placed his hand in the small of her back as they were taken to their table. Something he noticed she did not reject.

They had finished eating and were chatting animatedly when Bruce suddenly stood up.

"What's up?" Amy asked concerned.

"Nothing, would you like to dance?"

"I can't dance."

"Shut up and accompany me to the dance floor." He looked away and held out his arm, Amy laughed.

"Fine, but only because it is your birthday." She stood up slowly and took his arm. He quickly slipped his arm around her swinging her onto the dance floor and held her close as they danced.

"Did I tell you that you look absolutely beautiful tonight?" He whispered in her ear as he watched the other diners eyes following them, or rather watching her.

"No."

"Well you do."

"Thank you." She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes, trusting Bruce to guide them around the floor.