Rated: PG

Angie made sure Rollie ate, but didn't get her kiss. The Fates, in the form of Sanchez and Gatti, worked against her hopes. Rollie spent the next day, trying to decide what to do for their date. Their first date! After changing his mind at least a dozen times, he decided to try for reservations at a French restaurant. After all, French was for lovers. The thought warmed his scared heart. He read and re-read the listings for French places in the Sunday paper, before picking Cafe des Artistes. It had a reputation as romantic, being a place to fall in love. Since, he WAS in love and wanted his lady to fall for him, Rollie thought it appropriate. And artist, special effects experts were considered artists in some circles, Angie was an artist in her computer wizardry. It seemed a happy omen to the nervous Australian. He called and got reservations for eight the following Thursday. Now what else? Flowers, but that had to wait... What else? A show? A play, perhaps? He wanted this date to be special, perfect! This wasn't a casual romance, this was Angie! The woman he loved and wanted spend the rest of his life with.

Rollie pondered which play to try for, something romantic, naturally. Perhaps "Phantom Of The Opera" or "Beauty And The Beast". He'd already decided to give Angie a single red rose, so "Beauty" was a good choice for several reasons. After all, Angie was a beauty and sometimes, he felt like a lonely beast. She'd been wanting to see the Broadway play, but had never gotten the opportunity. He fidgeted as he worked, trying to remember who owed him a favor that might be able to get him good tickets.

Angie smiled a warm and secret smile as she watched Rollie get up and wander the loft, then sit back down, trying to work. Rollie had been fascinating before, knowing he was planning a date with her made him even more fascinating.

Mira and Francis dropped in with the Simmons case again, seeking more answers. They didn't really notice anything different to Angie's wondering eyes, just that Rollie was distracted by something. They apparently decided it was the movie, "Flashpoint!" and dragged his attention back to wherever they wanted him focused. The brown haired Aussie dug up satisfactory answers and they went off to work with the latest tidbits of information. They were close to a breakthrough with the case, Angie could tell and it diverted suspicion from Rollie's behavior.

Angie was frustrated by one thing. She couldn't find out what Rollie was planning for their date! Somehow, he managed to make whatever plans he was making without her knowing. What if she needed new clothes or something? How could she figure it out if she didn't know what they were going to do?!? Normally, Angie wouldn't worry about it, her selections of clothes while small, adequately covered practically every occasion. She didn't think Rollie would take her to a royal dinner or something, so why did she care? Because she wanted it to be perfect! She wanted this date to be perfect!

Finally! The day arrived! Somehow, both of them survived the work on the movie and the police investigation. When Rollie dropped her off at her apartment, he told Angie he would pick her up at seven and to wear a cocktail dress. Okay, so they were going somewhere nice. Angie smiled as she sank into the warm, scented water of her bath. She wondered where they were going and what they were doing tonight. She was so nervous! Like it was her first date. Is this what Rollie felt right before he asked me out? If it was, she didn't blame him for fainting. Butterflies filled her stomach. Oh, this just has to be perfect! First date? It was her first date! Her first date with Rollie! A warm filling settled the butterflies. Rollie. She sighed deeply, closing her eyes, seeing his handsome face and warm smile. She climbed from the cooling water and toweled dry. Blow dried and fixed her hair, as if everything was perfectly normal. Normal!?! Not likely, the butterflies returned and brought friends. Angie dressed in the simple soft blue cocktail dress she'd picked out of closet. Not too showy, simple yet elegant. Her hand was steady as she applied her make-up. Was it right? Too much eye shadow? Not enough blush? Oh my! She had to be perfect! She wanted to be perfect! For Rollie.

Rollie parked his sports car outside Angie's apartment building. He checked his hair in the rear view mirror and fidgeted with his tie. He wanted to look good for this date. Did he look all right? He patted the pocket with the theater tickets, then the pocket with his wallet. He picked up the roll of waxed paper from the passenger seat and climbed out of the car. What was he doing? How could he take Angie out?!? Rollie walked into the building and up to Angie's floor, feeling as nervous as a cat surrounded by dogs. Why? He loved Angie! He knew it, so why was he so nervous? Maybe because for the first time EVER, so much hinged on the outcome? Please let her enjoy herself, Rollie prayed as he paused outside her door. The tall man adjusted his tie again and ran his hand through his thick brown hair. He took a deep breath, then performed the hardest act he'd ever done. He knocked on his best friend and partner's door.

Angie jumped at the sound of the light knock. Chiops meowed loudly, startled by the abrupt motion. The blonde had paced nervously around the apartment for the last fifteen minutes. Only stopping in front of a mirror, nervously touching her hair, critically examining her make-up. One last glance at a mirror and she moved to open the door.

Rollie stood before her, handsome in his black suit, white shirt and colorful tie. She didn't remember that tie, but it's color relieved the stark contrast of his suit. He smiled warmly at her, his eyes stunned by the beauty before him. "Hi," the Aussie said shyly, as if he hadn't seen her just a couple of hours ago.

"Hi," Angie responded just as shyly, smiling up into Rollie's warm brown eyes.

"Um," Rollie shifted nervously and brought his hand from behind his back, "these are for you."

"Thank you." Angie didn't look at first, captured by the depths of his eyes. She blinked and looked down to see a single red rose and a single white rose. A red rose for a passionate love, a white rose for... What was a white rose for, Angie wondered idly, as she took them from his large hand. She moved to the mantel and picked up the crystal bud vase resting there. Angie filled it with water and returned, carefully arranging the two roses in it's grasp. The vase her father had given her, saying it belonged to her mother. That her mother had placed the flowers he gave her in it. The vase Angie had never used before, never wanted to use before... Until now. She whispered a plea for their blessing and turned toward her date.

Rollie Tyler watched Angie move in front of him with wide eyes, as if he'd never seen her before. Appreciating her beauty and grace, the easy way she moved. How could he be so blind and not seen her like this before? Why had it taken so long? He hoped she liked the roses. He only intended to pick up a single, perfect, red rose, but the white ones had called to him, reminding him of Angie's fair face and he'd impulsively added the white to the red when he made his purchase.

Angie picked up a small purse and came to stand in front of Rollie. "Ready?"

Rollie blinked, surprised to find Angie before him and cleared his throat. "Ready." He shyly offered the beautiful woman his arm, escorting her to the car as was only proper he thought. He opened the passenger door and helped his blonde partner inside, then walked around to climb in on the driver's side.

Angie nervously touched her hair and wondered what was wrong with her and with him. They were acting like a blind date! They had worked together earlier that day with an ease that only thirteen years of knowing each other could build. Right now, it was as those years had never existed, they were both so nervous and unsure. She studied Rollie's handsome profile carefully as he drove. Why were they so nervous now all of a sudden? Probably because they were changing their lives totally tonight and it might well be the start of the most important and wonderful part. Angie smiled warmly at the tall Australian. The most wonderful part!

Angie was surprised and pleased when Rollie stopped in front of Cafe des Artistes. She dreamed of coming to a place like this, but none of her dates had ever brought her. She... they had never gotten that far in the relationship. And here was Rollie on their first date taking her to one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. It was... perfect. She smiled warmly as Rollie escorted her inside and gave his name for the reservations. They were shown to a secluded table, just right for a romantic evening. Rollie carefully ordered a red wine to go with their meal. The couple ate, oblivious to all others, their eyes only for each other, laughing and talking softly as they shared their meal. They split a strawberry cheesecake for desert, Rollie feeding a bite to her carefully with his fork, before having a bite himself.

Neither noticed the curious eyes watching from a nearby table. "I know I've seen that man before," the sophisticated woman said as she watched the couple so obviously in love.

"Of course, you have Mave. You've mentioned him in your column." Roger Dorman was amused by Mave's curiosity. That's what you get for taking a gossip columnist out, he thought to himself. "That's Rollie Tyler, the special effects wizard."

"Rollie Tyler? Oh! He was seen with Danni for a while, wasn't he?"

"Yes, love. They met on her first movie."

"That bomb! Still. I wonder who she is?"

Roger smiled to himself, he wasn't about to tattle on the younger couple. After all, he wanted Tyler FX to work his next picture. "I don't recognize her." He lied calmly.

"Still, might be a good bit for tomorrow's column. I'll have to put it in." Mave watched the couple a moment longer. "Whoever she is, she's exquisite!"

That wasn't a term he'd ever heard used to describe Angie Ramirez, but still... Looking at the couple, he decided it fit right now. Her face was radiant with love. Rollie Tyler had finally come to his senses and woken up to what had been in front of him for a long time. Roger was glad. The special effects experts were a good match for each other... and Rollie deserved some happiness in his life. "Yes, she is." He answered softly.

Meal finished, Rollie escorted Angie back to their car and helped her in. She looked at him as he got in beside her. "That was wonderful, Rollie. I really enjoyed tonight!"

"You sound like the evening is over," Rollie responded sadly, thinking about the theater tickets in his pocket.

"Isn't it?" Angie looked puzzled, seeing the disappointment in his warm brown eyes, she lightly touched his arm. "Is there more?" She asked eagerly.

"Well, the night's still young and I... I have these." He pulled the envelope with the tickets and passed them over to Angie. Theater tickets! She opened the envelope, enthusiastically, wanting to see where they were going. She gasped in delight. "Beauty And The Beast!" She hugged him tightly, "I've been wanting to see it for so long! Thank you!"

"I know." Rollie smiled at her pleasure. "You said it often enough."

Angie looked more closely at the tickets, looking for the seat numbers. "Third row center? Rollie! How?!?"

"I called in a couple of favors," Rollie answered and the results make the effort worthwhile, he thought. Angie was in heaven at the tickets and the seats. It was good to see her happy, it made him happy. More than worth the convoluted path of favors he'd followed and arranged over the past week.

Rollie parked a block away from the theater and they walked hand in hand to join the crowd going to see the romantic Disney play. Inside, Rollie bought a program for Angie and a silver pin shaped like the famous rose that he pinned to Angie's dress over her heart. One slender hand touched it, stroking the cool metal, before taking Rollie's large hand in her own again. They found their seats and settled down for an enchanting evening. Angie rested her head on Rollie's shoulder, his strong arm around her, holding her close as they watched the musical unfold. At intermission, Rollie and Angie remained in their seats as their neighbors moved away to take advantage of the break. Rollie stroked Angie's cheek in wonder. Wondering how she could love him? His forehead touched hers, then slowly, their lips moved to touch.

Angie wanted to scream as Rollie pulled back, surprised by a young girl in front of them, staring in fascination. Damn! He'd almost kissed her! Why couldn't they kiss? Just one little kiss...

Rollie sighed in silent frustration. Sometimes... Sometimes, he thought the Fates were determined against his love, his happiness. He rested his head gently against Angie's, his heart promising that soon. One way or another, they would kiss!

Intermission ended and they settled back to enjoy the beautiful play. Angie smiled, full of love for the man at her side as she watched Beauty find her prince. Just like I have, she thought happily, one finger stroking the large hand holding hers. Hoping for that kiss in just a bit, when this play was over and they were safely alone. Her heart sang at the thought of kissing Rollie. Angie was willing to wait for the moment.

The couple drifted out of the theater, part of the exiting crowd. Rollie's hand held tight to Angie's, his eyes promised her they would kiss soon. They walked down the sidewalk to where the car was parked, faces lit with joy and love. It was a beautiful night, Angie thought, a perfect night! SHe snuggled against Rollie's side, happy and content.

The happy sounds of the theater crowd was shattered by the screech of a speeding car and loud gun shots. Angie gasped slightly as Rollie's body slammed into hers, knocking her to the ground. His lengthy form covering her smaller body, protecting her from the shots. She heard the car leave, no more shots were fired. Screams and sobs filled the night air, but Rollie didn't move.

Angie felt her heart stop with fear, terrified for Rollie. She reached up and gently touched his face. His lips brushed her fingers with a soft caress. Her heart started once more with relief as he pushed himself up to cautiously look around.

"Are you all right?" Rollie asked, afraid he'd hurt her.

Angie nodded silently as she sat up and looked around. She saw people moving carefully, fearfully. The beautiful night shattered by harsh reality. Rollie moved to the side of another couple, the man's leg was bleeding. He removed his belt, using it as a tourniquet. Then pulled off his tie and pressed it against the wound. Rollie looked around with sad eyes. He relaxed ever so slightly as he realized everyone was moving, slowly and terrified, but moving. There were no too still bodies.

Angie touched his shoulder and reached into his jacket, pulling out his cell phone. She dialed 911 and reported the shooting to the operator. Finished, the beautiful blonde moved to calm the hysterical woman, reassuring her that her companion was doing fine, would be just fine. At Rollie's request, she took over applying pressure to the injury. Her eyes followed the lanky Aussie as he moved through the crowd, seeking others needing attention.

Police cars and ambulances appeared quickly. EMTs took over caring for the couple and Angie stood. Rollie returned to her side, his white shirt stained with blood of the victims. The officers questioned both of them, but they hadn't seen anything, only heard the car and the gunfire. She pressed her face against his chest, trembling in reaction. So close, so very close. Feeling her shivering, Rollie removed his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. They left, huddled together. Rollie didn't look at Angie as he returned her to her apartment. He didn't say anything. Angie's heart ached as she watched his profile.

Stopping in front of Angie's door, Rollie hung his head, still not looking at her. Angie reached up and gently pushed the soft brown hair from his eyes.

"I'm sorry," came the tiny oz accented voice.

Angie felt a pang at the words, "It wasn't your fault." She tried to reassure him, wishing the evening had remained beautiful, peaceful and joyous as it had started.

"I... I wanted it to be perfect and..." Rollie shook his head sadly.

"It was perfect! It was wonderful! Rollie, you didn't cause it. It's not your fault that... it happened." Angie reached up to gently touch his cheek, traced the line of his jaw. "It's not your fault." She finished in a whisper.

Rollie looked at her with sad brown eyes filled with a slight shimmer of tears. "I wish..." He touched his forehead to hers. "I wish..."

"What?" Angie asked hopefully. "Rollie, what do you wish?"

His large hands reached up to frame her face, his eyes close and full of warmth. Seeking something in her blue eyes. Seeking and finding, his lips moved to gently touch hers. Their first kiss. Rollie felt a warmth filling his body, his heart and soul. Not the fast burning flame of passion that would burn hot and fast, then be gone, leaving him cold and alone, but the warmth of a deep love that would last forever. Angie felt her toes curl with pleasure as Rollie gently kissed her with a depth she'd never known and never dreamed could exist. THIS! This was what she yearned for so deeply and so much! Why had they waited so long?!? Breathless, they broke the kiss and smiled warmly, brown eyes seeking blue ones. Eyes filled with love, a love to fill a lifetime. So right!

Angie pulled on Rollie's arm, trying to draw him inside. The Australian remained immobile. She looked at him, puzzled.

Rollie smiled at Angie shyly. His eyes reassuring her. "No. Not now. I want to do it right." He whispered, then kissed her again and Angie felt the desire there, the warm passion that filled both of them. "I want to do it right," he whispered softly, his voice full of love.

Right? Angie wondered what he meant. What right?

Rollie stepped back ever so slightly and smiled at her, his eyes full of love and desire. "Good night, my love."

Angie blinked and opened her door, "Good night." She responded softly. She watched him leave with wistful eyes, then closed the door. Right? What did Rollie mean? She wondered as she drifted around her apartment. She realized she was still wearing his jacket and removed it. She lifted it to her face and inhaled, filling herself with his scent. Slightly musky with a hint of spice and oh so male. She got ready for bed and laid down, Chiops curling against the back of her knees. She pulled Rollie's jacket close and wondered what Rollie wanted to make it right. In that single moment between waking and sleeping, when the veils of dreams lifted slightly, she recognized the answer and smiled, full of love and warmth. Rollie was courting her. Courting her and wanted it done right... proper. As if Manny was watching over his shoulder, making sure everything was done correctly. She fell asleep then, dreaming with her heart so full of love, finding she wanted it done right as well.

Rollie returned to the quiet of the old brewery and wandered around the various levels, slightly restless. He hoped Angie understood. He didn't have the words for what he felt, he just knew he... wanted it done right. Just tumbling into bed together, however willing, was... not right. Not proper. This was Angie, he had to do it correctly. This... This was forever! No second chances, he didn't want to fumble it. The night... the night had almost been ruined. Angie had recovered it, made it... not right, but better. He wanted to go slowly, carefully, following the steps of a dance only he saw. Or perhaps... Perhaps Angie saw it too... Or would see it. He smiled as he stood in the clean room, Angie's space... hers! Finally, his restlessness stilled and he climbed the stairs to his home. He changed and looked ruefully at his shirt, there went another one! And everyone wondered why he wore black all the time. He shook his head as he slid between the sheets. In his mind's eye, Rollie Tyler saw Angie's face and he smiled warmly. Angie, he whispered as he fell into a peaceful sleep, his heart so full of love, that a single drop would cause it to  overflow...