Jane was nervous for her date with Maura. After their little rendezvous in the back of the police cruiser, they exchanged numbers so they could organise their date. Jane was also nervous about ringing Maura. She paced her living room for thirty minutes trying to decide what to say. It ranged from 'How you doin?' to 'Hey Maura, its sex. We've had Jane. Oh come on Jane that's ridiculous and not even in the right order.' She slapped her forehead, rolling her eyes. 'Just do it, you baby'. Jane dialled the number and on the third ring the elegant, sexy voice came through. 'Hello, Dr Isles'

'So you really are a Doctor huh?'

'Jane?' Maura questioned. Both excited and nervous for what she knew was going to result from this phone call.

'Hey, Maur. So this date thing. Are you still up for it? I mean you don't have to or...' Maura cut Jane off from her buffoon ramblings with a laugh. 'Why are you laughing?'

'You are very adorable and I'm supposed to be the awkward one in these situations. Of course I still want to go on a date with you'.

Jane audibly released a sigh of relief and Maura couldn't help the goofy grin that spread across her face. 'Ok great. I'll pick you up at 7 o'clock. Is that alright?'

'Mhm, that's great. Do I get to know what we are doing tonight?'

'Nu uh. I can't be giving away all my secrets. I guess you'll just have to be ready by 7 tonight.'

They enjoyed a few more minutes of playful conversation before they said their goodbyes.

Jane pulled up outside Maura's house, checking her phone to ensure she had the right address. 'Damn' she thought as she compared Maura's house to her crumby apartment. She was five minutes early, so she took the time to calm her nerves and reduce her heart rate. The seconds ticked by slowly as Jane continued to stare at the house, willing herself to get out. It was just Maura. Beautiful, sexy, Maura. At exactly 7pm, Jane got out of her car, rubbing her sweaty hands on her dark skinny jeans. She matched these jeans with a dark blue button up blouse and leather jacket. Her hair its usual mane of dark curls. She had tried to tame it but her hair was as stubborn as she was and so she gave up. She knocked on the door waiting all of five seconds before the door opened, revealing the honey blonde with her gorgeous curls hanging loose over her shoulders and a black dress that was practically painted to her body. It stopped just above her knees. It showed off her delicious curves and toned legs. Her feet were adorned with a pair of black heels that helped to accentuate those toned legs.

'Were you stood behind the door or something? That was fast.'

'Jane, I've been watching you sat in your car for five minutes waiting for you to knock.'

'That's creepy, don't watch me' Jane said not able to hold back a smile. 'Anyway, are you ready?'

'Yes, I have been for the last five minutes.' Maura smirked.

Their journey was relatively short and quiet, other than the many times Maura had tried to goad out the plans for their date. Jane being her stubborn self, continually refused to give away any clues.

As it was summer it was still light and warm outside, so when they pulled into the car park at the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Maura wasn't disappointed. She still wasn't sure what was in store for tonight but she loved it here and being here with Jane made it all the more special. Jane jumped out of the car and ran to open Maura's door.

'Such a Gentleman' Maura blushed at Jane's chivalry.

'All I'm missing is my top hat and moustache.' Jane adding 'Oh and a monocle' as an afterthought.

Jane got a picnic basket out of her car and walked over to where Maura was waiting. Maura wrapped her arms around one of Jane's, as Jane exclaimed 'follow me milady.'

Taking them through the park to where a few people were starting to gather. Maura started to piece together what they were doing for their date. 'So who is the band?'

'Well' Jane stated 'not band as such. More a collection of musical artists, like a mini festival. There will be opera, classical music, ballet, modern dance, musical theatre, folk and bluegrass music and swing dance. I wasn't sure what type of music you would like to listen to so I thought I would go with all of them. Is this ok?'

'Oh yes, Jane, this is perfect.' They became lost in each other's eyes as words were unnecessary to show their ever increasing connection. They both felt a love between them but being their first date and only the third time they had seen each other, neither dared speak of the true and natural connection they felt. Blushing, Jane averted her gaze and lay the picnic blanket down. They enjoyed their food near a cluster of trees away from the small crowd as they watched the ballet. Maura was enthralled by the performance whereas Jane was distracted by something completely different. Every few minutes, Jane would glance at Maura, not only to see her beauty but to gauge her reaction. Jane wasn't sure if this was a good idea. After all she knew very little about Maura. She may hate the park, the crowds, the music, she may even hate picnics. She wanted to have a romantic night with Maura, but she didn't want the usual dinner and a movie. She could cook but then it was the hassle of trying to decide what to cook, what wine went with what dish and don't even get her started on her nosy mother. Jane would most certainly need a little help if she was going to cook and then her mother would start asking questions. That would lead her to having to confess she had no interest in guys. She wanted this all to herself, her little secret. So here they were. At the park. As time went on they got to know each other. Asking the usual background stories: childhood, careers, family. They also played a little game of telling the other a quirky fact about themselves or something nobody else knows. After an hour or so the women felt like they had known each other for their entire lives.

'Do you dance?' Maura enquired after a comfortable silence had encased them.

'Uh no not really.' Maura tried to hide the disappointment as she would have loved nothing more than to dance with Jane to the gentle music. 'But you could teach me' Jane added after seeing Maura trying to hide her crestfallen expression. She began to bounce like a child, quickly and very gracefully considering her attire, shot up trying to hurry Jane at the same time. Once stood, Jane was pulled into Maura's surprisingly strong arms. Jane was surprised that Maura wrapped her arms around her waist and just swayed on the spot. Resting her head against Jane's chest. Jane placed her arms over Maura's shoulders and rested her hands on her lower back, essentially shielding the blonde. 'So this is what you call dancing huh? This I can do' the tall detective sighed.

They swayed to the tender beat for what felt like hours, until the blonde started to shiver. It was getting dark and Jane decided it was time to get Maura home. Giving Maura her jacket, they walked back to the car hand in hand.

Reaching Maura's house, Jane once again sprinted around the car to open Maura's door. Jane walked her to her house. 'I had an amazing time tonight Jane. Thank you.'

Jane blushed and looked down at her shoes trying to hide the smile and relief that washed over her.

'Do you want to come in?' Maura asked. Neither wanting the night to end or to leave each other's company.

Jane settled in on the sofa while Maura grabbed a glass of wine for her and a beer for Jane. She was lucky she picked up some beer on her latest shopping trip, as she herself was not a beer drinker. When she entered the living room Jane had pulled out a fluffy blanket and was flicking through the channels trying to find something they could both watch. Maura couldn't help but smile at how at home and comfortable Jane looked. 'I could get used to seeing that' Maura mumbled.

Jane noticed Maura stood there and lifted the edge of the blanket for her to slide underneath. The blonde eyed her up thinking about the possible ulterior motives she had for getting so cosy. 'But no funny business. I do not put out on the first date. What kind of a lady do you think I am?'