"So when do we get to meet her, Scotty?" Cosima asked, plopping down on the stool next to Scott, who was peering into his microscope.

It was Thursday and they had all been working long hours, trying to finish their work before the week was out.

Scott chuckled, "I don't know. Maybe we should go on a double date."

Cosima grinned, looking over to Delphine. "Double date?"

Delphine looked back. "Dating? Is that what we're doing?" she teased.

"Oh, uh, yeah? I mean, if you want to...totally up to you," Cosima stammered.

Delphine walked over to place her hand on the back of Cosima's neck, squeezing it gently. "I'm teasing you," she whispered before looking at Scott and stating, "I would love to. What about tomorrow night? Dinner after work?"

"Yeah ok, let me check with Denise," he answered, before turning to Cosima. "You can't embarrass me though."

Cosima had a fake look of surprise on her face, "When do I ever embarrass you? I take offense to that," she noted, sarcastically.

Scott rolled his eyes.

"Don't worry, I'll keep her in check," Delphine told Scott.

"Is that right?" Cosima asked.

"Mmhmm," Delphine nodded, grinning and going back to her work.

Cosima sighed, unable to suppress the smile plastered on her face.

They met up after work at an Italian restaurant not too far from Delphine's apartment. As Delphine arrived, she saw Scott standing with his date, waiting outside.

"Hey, Delphine," he greeted, "This is Denise."

She held her hand out. "Enchantée," she said, "I've heard so much about you. Only good things, of course."

Denise smiled, "Nice to finally meet you. Scott doesn't shut up about you and Cosima."

"Oh really?" Delphine asked.

"He loves the two of you," Denise replied.

Scott blushed and chuckled nervously. "Where is Cosima?"

As soon as he said it, Delphine turned to see Cosima approaching. In that moment, Delphine felt something unexpected. She found her breath quicken, her heart beat a little bit faster, and she felt her nerves rush through her entire body. Cosima looked gorgeous and her body was telling her something it hadn't in a long time.

"Hey!" Cosima called out. She immediately put her arm around Delphine's waist, reaching her other hand out to greet Denise. "Hi, I'm Cosima."

"Shall we go inside?" Scott asked.

They agreed and walked in, getting a table and ordering some wine.

Scott and Cosima talked, exchanging stories, telling Delphine and Denise tales from when they were at school. They laughed as they reminisced, and Delphine watched as Cosima's hands flew with fluidity as she spoke. She couldn't keep her eyes off of her.

The meal was delicious, and Delphine noticed how Scott and Denise seemed wonderful for each other. She loved that he was happy. She knew they had only been working together a short time, but he was such a sweet guy, and he deserved it.

They said their goodbyes outside the restaurant as Cosima took Delphine's hand.

"Can I walk you home?" Cosima inquired.

"Of course," Delphine answered.

They strolled hand in hand, taking the few blocks in silence, enjoying each other's presence.

When they arrived at Delphine's building, Cosima pulled Delphine around to face her.

"I had a really great time tonight," she confessed, moving her hand up Delphine's arm, "Did you?"

Delphine nodded, placing her hand lightly on Cosima's hip. "Yes, I feel happier than I have in a long time."

"Me too," Cosima replied. She brought herself closer to the blonde so their bodies were touching gently. Cosima gazed up into Delphine's eyes, looking like she was searching, searching for something.

"Delphine…" she whispered.

"Cosima…"

"I...I want to kiss you so badly right now."

"Then do it."

Cosima brought her hand to Delphine's face. She wrapped her fingers around the back of the taller woman's neck, tugging gently. Delphine's heart was pounding as waves of energy coursed through her body. The moment their lips met, Delphine felt a jolt of electricity slam her senses. Their lips opened only slightly, allowing them to breathe each other in. Cosima tasted like wine, her lips were so soft, and Delphine let out a whimper as she fell into them. She breathed deeply, smelling the wonderful scent that was Cosima. Delphine's hands were on the brunette's hips, pulling her closer, deeper, her small body effortlessly gliding into Delphine's.

Delphine did not know when she had last kissed someone like that. She hadn't kissed anyone besides Jen in over ten years. As she let herself be overcome by the feeling, she suddenly felt the guilt creep back in. Was she being selfish? After all this time, she was still having a hard time letting go, letting herself be happy. She tried to push the thoughts aside, but felt a pang in the pit of her stomach.

She pulled back, looking at Cosima, her arms still around the woman's waist.

Cosima had tears in her eyes. She swallowed, gazing at Delphine. "Was that ok?" she choked.

"Yes, I just...I—"

"It was too much, too fast, wasn't it. I'm sorry...I got carried away," Cosima stumbled.

Delphine looked at Cosima with panic in her eyes. She didn't want Cosima to think she had make a mistake. "No, no, I wanted you to. It's just...I'm feeling a lot of things right now," she admitted quietly.

"I know," Cosima mumbled, looking down at the ground.

"Cosima...that made me feel really good," she confessed, "You make me feel really good."

Cosima grinned, looking back up. "You make me feel wonderful," she whispered.

"I'm just still feeling that guilt, you know? I can't help but feel like I'm being a little bit selfish."

"Delphine, it's ok to be selfish sometimes. You've spent years caring for someone else, looking after someone else. Don't you deserve to think of yourself for once?" Cosima asked.

"I suppose," Delphine answered meekly. She knew Cosima was right, but it was still difficult to admit it to herself.

"Hey, I'm not pressuring you into anything," Cosima assured, "I just want you know that I'm having a blast with you and I'm still here for you, for anything you need."

"I know, thank you," Delphine responded, taking Cosima's hand.

"I'm going to get going, ok?" Cosima said, tenderly.

"Oh," Delphine replied, looking down at Cosima's hand in hers.

"Slow, right? I want you to be comfortable. Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere," Cosima explained, leaning up to give Delphine a soft kiss on the cheek.

Delphine nodded, closing her eyes, not wanting Cosima to leave but also feeling like she should take some time alone.

"I'll talk to you soon. Have a good night." Cosima gave her hand one last squeeze and then she was gone.

Delphine trudged up to her apartment unsure of what she was doing. She was feeling so many things for Cosima. The kiss had been...it had been incredible. But she was scared. Scared of what these feelings really meant.

She got ready for bed, lying down, rubbing the smooth metal of her necklace with her fingers for comfort. She reached her arm out to the cold, empty space beside her. She knew it was silly but she missed Cosima. She missed her presence, her warmth.

She rolled over, hugging a pillow under her arms and fell asleep.