Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with CSI: NY. Thanks for the reviews. I have spellchecked better this time although in Australia a couple of our words are spelt a little differently. This chapter is a little bit more fluffier.

Chapter 3: Smiles and First Dates

Flack was called out early the next morning to a body found in a back alley in the Bronx. It felt like he had barely shut his eyes before he was being woke up. Walking into the kitchen he noticed the remnants of last night. He wondered what Kate was doing. It was only 6 in the morning but he suspected that she would probably be up and about getting ready for work. Like nearly everyone in law enforcement there wasn't really any particular hours, especially 9 - 5 jobs anyway. He really wanted to see her again and resolved to ring her through the day and ask her out sometime. Damn, he hadn't got her cell number. Ah well, he thought to himself, he would flash his badge at the Super and get him to give up her phone number or even ring the FBI offices if he had to. After all he knew where she lived and worked anyway.

When Flack arrived at the scene he was greeted by Danny and Stella. Stella, ever perceptive, pounced on Flack straight away

'Flack what were you up to last night or this morning? You look like you haven't slept at all" Flack looked at her trying to keep a neutral face. He didn't really want to give anything up about Kate yet. It was new after all and at the moment they weren't really anything more than friends.

"Yeah, I stayed up and watched the Yankee's replay last night which only finished at some ridiculous hour this morning" He didn't exactly lie after all. He was watching the baseball.

Danny then joined the conversation "Yeah man did you see that hit by Grahams, it was massive man". Flack had seen that hit. Graham's was 'that bloke' that Kate thought was hopeless. He couldn't help but smile a little at that thought. Danny looked at him weirdly

"Yah right there Flack" Flack came out of his daydream at Danny's words 'You looked like you were in your happy place"

Flack laughed a little

'Yep something like that" he replied before heading back towards the crime scene to ask questions of the witness's. Both Stella and Danny exchanged a look.

"Do you think Flack was with a girl?" Stella asked Danny "I mean he seems too happy to be talking about baseball and he can't stop smiling".

"I don't know Stell, he hasn't even really looked at a girl since well you know" Danny was referring to the bombing. They all knew he was a little shy around the opposite sex since then. "But I agree. He's not saying something".

They knew Flack was hiding something from them. Giving a shrug of the shoulders they both turned and headed into the direction that Flack had disappeared to.

Kate rose the next morning at 7. She was amazed that she had got to sleep in that late. Usually she would be woken by the sound of her phone ringing at some ridiculous time in the morning. This was starting out to be a great day. As she headed out of her apartment she wondered if Don was still in his apartment or already at work. Probably at work she thought. After all homicides were unpredictable - at least with organised crime they tended to know when something was happening before it actually happened. She smiled as her mind wondered to Flack. She hadn't meant someone like him since she had moved to New York. If she was honest to herself, she hadn't really been looking anyway. Yeah she was constantly surrounded by men but they were work colleagues and more like overprotective brothers than anything. Plus office romances were frowned upon and her last and only inter bureau romance hadn't turned out well - she stopped at that thought. It was still a little painful to remember the last time she had fallen and trusted someone. Even though Don was in law enforcement he was different, well she hoped he was anyway. She hoped that she would run into him soon. They hadn't exactly made any plans and Kate didn't really even know what they were to each other beyond friends but there was no mistaking the little jolts of electricity everytime they touched or how comfortable they were with each other. With that thought she drove to work.

When she entered the FBI building she stopped and chatted to Bonnie the receptionist. As usual she handed Bonnie a latte from the coffee shop on the corner and in turn Bonnie handed Kate a muffin from the little coffee shop near where Bonnie lived. It was a great system and a little ritual that they did every morning. Kate continued into the office area where her team were.

"Morning KJ" Colby said in greeting to Kate as soon as she stepped into their shared office.

Seeing her smiling, Colby stopped short "God Smiley, what's got you so happy this morning?"

Kate smiled even more, Colby continued to stare at her "Huh, Ooh, Good Morning Colbs. Want half of my muffin?" This was also their normal ritual as Kate passed half of her muffin to the tall stocky Texan.

Colby continued to look at her 'KJ, you still haven't answered my question you know." Colby knew something was up with her. Even though she was usually happy, this morning she was beaming.

"Ok who is he?"

"What?"

"Come on KJ I haven't seen you this type of happy ever - so again, who is he?" Colby knew her too well.

She was busted, thankfully at that moment Ken another member of their team popped his head in the door and told them they were needed in the conference room. Kate practically ran out of the door after him. Colby followed shaking his head. He could read her like a book.

When Flack got back to his office it was well after 2 in the afternoon and he was beat. He had spent the morning talking to the victim's family; something that he never got used to. Telling people there loved one had died always chipped away at this heart. Parents shouldn't have to bury their children. He sat at his desk and closed his eyes. He tried desperately to think of happy things. Kate's face popped into his head and he smiled. He did really have a good time last night. Before he had time to really think about it he decided to ring her. Not knowing her cell number he decided to ring her work. He scrawled through the phonebook and found a number for the New York FBI office and dialed.

"Hello FBI New York, Bonnie speaking"

"Hi I'm Detective Donald Flack and I was wondering if I could possibly speak to Special Agent Kate Scott please".

"May I ask what this is regarding Detective" Bonnie said.

"Just a personal call ma'am" Flack responded. Well it was true. Bonnie smiled to herself. Kate was even happier than what she usually was. She wondered if this personal call had anything to do with it.

"I can put you through to her office"

"Thanks ma'am" Flack responded getting slightly nervous. Get it together man he told himself. He was definitely out of practice when it came to ask woman out on dates.

"Please hold"

The phone in Kate and Colby's office started ringing; Kate was in the tech lab going over video so Colby answered.

"Granger"

Don was momentarily stunned when a male answered. He guessed it must be a colleague.

"Oh Hi, I was wondering if I could please speak to Kate"

Colby's eyes pricked up. It wasn't a voice he recognised and the casual use of her name, rather than Special Agent Scott, meant he probably wasn't from the FBI.

"She's not here at the moment - can I ask whose calling and take a message?"

"Can you just tell her that Don rang? Nothing important just wanted to talk to her that's all" he finished quite lamely. This was definitely a personal call.

"By any chance are you the reason she's smiling like she swallowed a whole bottle of Prozac?" Colby asked. Kate was going to kill Colby. Colby knew that but didn't really care. She hadn't made good on her threats yet.

Flack stuttered and then smiled to himself. She's been smiling. He felt proud of his effect on her "Um um..." Colby smiled.

"It's ok man; Kate hasn't said anything. Just a guess." Just then Kate walked back into the office

'What haven't I said Colb?" Don overheard Kate talking to Colby. Colby looked sheepish. Kate saw the phone.

She put her hands on her hips, "Colby who are you talking to?" she said sterner than before.

Colby looked back at her with a cheeky grin "My buddy Don and I were just talking about you" Recognising his name Kate's eye's popped open in surprise. What on earth had Colby said and how long had they been talking for and what, did he actually know Don or was he yanking her chain.

"Colby Alfred Lucias Granger I am going to kill you if you don't hand me that phone right this instant". Colby laughed it was hilarious when she got angry. Don smiled into the phone. When she was mad her accent really came out. He imagined her standing with hands on hips yelling at this Colby guy.

"KJ settle down" he said as he handed her the phone but not before he spoke into it "Don man, rule number 1: don't piss her off. They won't even be able to identify your body". Don smiled "I don't doubt that at all"

"Here's your lover boy" Colby finished finally handing the phone to Kate. She blushed and again death stared Colby as he had enough sense to walk out of the room. Don on the other end of the phone was grinning stupidly.

Kate composed herself and cleared her throat "Hey Don, sorry about that"

'That's ok. Colby seems like a good guy" Don responded. He reminded him of Danny

"Yeah he is when he's not meddling with my life... so changing the subject how are you today?

Don laughed at the change in subject "Yeah I'm not to bad, better now that I'm talking to you" which was true. Kate smiled.

"Same here. I did really have a good time last night"

"Me too. About that... would you like a repeat and perhaps go on a date with me tonight?" Don asked more confidently than what he felt. Kate smiled.

"A date?" Kate inquired. Don cringed a little; maybe she didn't like him in that sense.

Kate realising her tone "I mean Don, I would love to go on a date with you". Don exhaled. He didn't realise he was holding his breath.

"I can't tonight though. I have a meeting at 8pm." Kate said disappointed.

Don was also a little disappointed. 'Oh ok"

"I would really like to though some other night" Kate continued

"So would I, how about tomorrow night instead?" Don asked hoping that she would be free. He really wanted to see her soon.

Kate smiled and mentally checked her schedule "That would be nice Don".

Yes Don thought to himself but tried to play it smooth "Pick you up at your apartment at 7?"

"Yeah that would be good" then Kate responded quite cheekily "Do you need directions at all?" Don smiled at her cheekiness.

"Um well I am a Detective and a male so I don't think I should have any problems locating it" Kate laughed out loud.

"That's what I am afraid of".

"Ouch, that hurt my manly pride' Flack responded not annoyed in the slightest. He was again amazed at how natural flirting with her seemed.

"Don, I think you and your manly pride are just fine, a little cheeky but never the less fine". He laughed.

Kate saw Colby motioning to her that there was something important she had to see.

"Don, I have to go. Work's crazy at the moment. See ya tomorrow night though"

"Yep see ya then" Don replied

"Have a good day Don. Stay safe" Don was touched at her caring

"Stay safe as well Katie". Kate put the phone down with a warm feeling in her heart. He had called her Katie. No-one else really called her that and normally she didn't like it but when Don said it is seemed perfect.

1 day later.

Kate checked her watch it was currently 5:30 and she was only just leaving the office. Don was picking her up at 7 for their date and she was running beyond late. By the time she got home, showered, did her hair and makeup and get dressed. At least she knew what she was going to wear. She had went shopping during her lunch break and chosen a dress and of course, matching shoes. Bonnie had gone with her and helped her choose what Bonnie catergorised as the perfect first date outfit. Kate hoped so, she wanted everything to be perfect but running down the stairs into the car park like a mad woman was not part of the plan.

Don checked his watch, 6pm. He still had an hour before he had to be at Kate's apartment to pick her up for their date. He had finished work around 3 and had bought flowers for Kate and made sure that reservations were confirmed and also went and bought a new shirt. He was now in his apartment sitting on the couch watching the news trying to kill time. He was actually more nervous than what he thought he would be. He usually had all the confidence in the world when it came to women but after being out of 'the game' for about 5 months he was a little worried that he was going to screw it up. Since the bombing he hadn't even so much as kissed a woman let alone anything else and he was a little terrified at the thought. The scars bothered him and he always tried to hide them. Even though he knew that Kate didn't seem vain, he was worried that she would take one look at them and bolt.

Kate stepped out of the shower .6:30 the clock read. She dried herself off and grabbed the hair dryer and dried her hair creating little barrel curls in the process. Did her make-up. Not to over the top though. She preferred to adopt a more natural look. The dress. She had to admit that Bonnie has a good eye. It was dark blue with a v-neck that was low enough to show a little bit of cleavage and was fitted over her stomach and hips before flaring a little just over the knees. Kate put on the matching shoes, blue peep-toes with a heel. After all Flack was about half a foot taller than her and she wanted to level the playing field so to speak. Just as she finished putting all the necessary items in her handbag there was a knock on her door. She looked at her watch 7:02. He was right on time.

Flack walked down the stairs to Kate's apartment clutching the flowers with him. He didn't know what type of flowers she liked so he had wondered around the florist shop until he found an arrangement, of what the florist told him were gerbera's mixed with roses. He hoped she likes them. He had certainly paid enough. Knocking on her door he heard movement in her apartment. He hoped he wasn't too early. Some woman had some obscure rule that men should be 15 minutes late so that they had time to finish prepping. He never really understood it himself. If they agreed to a time you think they would be ready then. He needn't have been worried as the door opened to reveal Kate. He was momentarily speechless. She looked stunning. That dress showed her figure perfectly and there was no other word for it other than whoo! Kate looked at him feeling a little self-conscious he hadn't said anything. Although she wasn't exactly forthcoming with words either. She was also taking in his appearance. A well cut black suit and a light blue shirt that, if possible, made his eyes even bluer. His hair was also styled a little. Flack bent down and kissed her on the cheek.

"You look beautiful Katie". She smiled

"Thank you Don" Kate said sincerely. Flack also smiled and then remembering the flowers in his hand,

"These are for you. I hope you like them. I didn't really know if you had a favourite flower or anything". Kate was stunned at his thoughtfulness. Taking the flowers

"I love them Flack they are perfect" she said as she bent up and placing a hand on his shoulder, kissed him on the cheek.

"Come in, I will put them in some water. I won't be more than a minute".

As he walked into her apartment he took a good look around taking it all in. It was exactly the same layout as his. It had an incredible homely feeling to it. The couch was red with purple and blue scatter cushions; there were photos and knick-knacks covering the sideboards and coffee table. Everything had a personal touch. Flack eyes wondered further into the corner where the whole wall was taken up by a bookshelf filled to capacity with books of every type and shape. She obviously is a book worm although he also noticed a healthy selection of DVD's and CD's. Making his way into the kitchen he stopped in front of a massive photo frame that was the size of a painting and segmented into about 50 individual photo frames. There were pictures in each frame. Some were of animals, older people, groups of people, middle aged people and quite a few children. Kate herself was in a few of them. Kate walked back out of the kitchen and saw Flack looking at her photo collection. Coming up behind him she reached up and straightened one of the photos. "They remind me of why I do this job"

Flack looked over at her so she continued her explanation "A lot of these photo's are of people involved in crimes that especially touched me or that I helped solve, especially the children, and the group photo's are of all the FBI agents I have worked with over the time". Flack nodded in understanding. Seeing that she had now placed the flowers on the kitchen table, he smiled and took her hand and walked back towards the door and to the restaurant.

"Don where are you taking me anyway?" "That's a surprise sweety". Kate turned her head to him, Flack was looking at the road driving.

"Don, I though you knew that I don't like surprises" Kate replied sweetly

"I know Katie, but I thought I would be safe because a) you're wearing a seatbelt and b) you're wearing high heels. Both of which would make it hard for you to kick my arse" he said looking at her while he was stopped at a red light.

She smiled "Touché Detective. You just wait, the night is still young".

Flack smiled and cheekily responded 'Um I quite like the sound of that".

Kate smiled at the double meaning behind that reply "My my detective are you propositioning me?" she raised her eyebrows at him. He raised his eye's back at her before leaning over and whispering quite huskily into her ear "We are here" before he opened his car door and moved around to her side. Kate was too caught up in him that she hadn't noticed they had arrived at a little Italian restaurant. The tone in his voice had sent chills up her spine.

As she walked into the restaurant she savored the touch of Don's hand on her lower back as he guided her in the door. They were seated at an intimate table towards the back of the restaurant. Kate couldn't help but notice the waitress who openly flirted with Flack and totally ignored her. As they sat at the table Kate commented 'Don, do you get used to woman mentally undressing you?". Flack looked at her with a weird, amused expression on his face "Huh, what are you talking about exactly?", "The waitress, if she could have she would have jumped you in the middle of the restaurant" "Not really, I just ignore it. I'd much rather pay attention to you" Kate smiled and took his hand in hers from across the table. "Good answer, honey" "Thank you sweety.. now what would the mademoiselle like to eat and drink tonight?" Kate laughed "Flack honey mademoiselle is French, we are in an Italian restaurant" Flack shrugged his shoulders and adopting a very exaggerated Italian accent "Bella, my love what would you like to eat and drink this lovely evening" he finished with an over the top kiss of her hand. Kate laughed. Flack smiled. Every single woman in the restaurant was jealous of Kate and every single man in the restaurant was jealous of Flack. They really did make the perfect couple. After they had finished there meals they made there way out of the restaurant, Flack insisting that he pay for the meal. Kate smiled; he really was the perfect gentleman in every aspect. It was still only relatively early, about 10 pm, but both had to work in the morning.

Still holding hands they made their way into their apartment building and up to Kate's apartment.

"Don, do you want to come in and watch movies or something. It's still fairly early and I don't really want to sleep just yet" Flack smiled and rested his forehead against her forehead.

"That would be good honey, but only if you want me to" he said as he leaned forward and kissed her ever so gently on the lips. Kate was stunned at how soft and gentle he was and she slowly returned the kiss.

"Yeah I still want to take it slow though". It's was true she cared too much about him for it to be a one night thing.

"I agree. I don't want to rush into anything either. I care too much about you for that" Flack also replied quite honestly. He had been to known to have a few one night stands in his life but they were woman he didn't really have any feelings for beyond a physical attraction. Kate was different.

Kate leaned up and kissed him again this time with more passion. She was falling hard. Flack returned the kiss with the same ferocity. Flack was the first to break away from the kiss.

"Katie sweety if you keep doing that it's going to be real hard for both of us to take this slow" it was true. Right now Flack was incredibly aroused.

"I know honey but your too irresistible for your own good" Kate finished with a smile. Flack smiled back before Kate walked towards the door and opened it.

"Do you want to watch a DVD?" Kate asked as they made their way to the couch.

"Yep, what do you want to watch?" Flack asked her.

"I don't really care, you choose, I am going to get changed into something a little more comfy" Kate replied before walking into the bedroom.

Flack browsed her DVD collection which was alphabetised. He smiled. She must be a little bit of an organisation freak. Looking around her apartment it was also clean and everything seemed to have a place.

He finally chose the Bourne Identity and was placing it into the DVD player when Kate returned from the bedroom wearing sweats and now without makeup. She still however looked perfect. They cuddled together on the couch and Kate threw a blanket over them. As the titles started playing Kate was pleasantly surprised, she really liked this movie "Good choice Don, I love this movie, Matt Damon is so hot and broody". "Ah man, I chose it because it wasn't a chick flick and now you have made it into a chick flick". Kate laughed and playfully slapped his chest.

Kate's eyes started getting heavier and heavier and her head slowly made its way onto Flack's shoulder. He adjusted his body and guided her head onto his lap. Flack started brushing his thumb across her hair until he was satisfied that she was sleeping peacefully. He then lifted her up off the couch and carried her to her bedroom. He pulled back the covers and gently laid her down. He unzipped her jacket and lifting her back took the garment off of her. His eyes wondered to her chest and toned stomach that were barely covered by the singlet top. He noticed quite a long fresh (it was still really pink) scar running 10 cm from her side to her hip and instinctively brushed his thumb over it. She stirred slowly and gently placed her hand on his hand and although very sleepy mumbled 'please don't', Flack stopped rubbing the scar and instead leaned down and kissed his way along the scar before moving up and kissing her on the forehead. As he was about to leave, she grabbed his hand and ever so softly asked almost pleading ' you don't have to go I don't mind - please stay'. He took off his shirt and trousers to reveal a white singlet and boxer shorts and carefully crept into the other side of the bed. She rolled over and placed her head on his chest. He put his arm around her waist so that his hand was on her stomach. That's were they stayed for the rest of the night snuggled closely together. They fitted perfectly.

Please review. Constructive comments are welcome. Chapter 4... Kate meets the team and pole dancing??