>>“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with recapturing youth. It’s actually pretty fun. I'm only glad I get to share it with you.”

"Jorge, we have been dating for almost two years" Gemma pointed out, looking at her menu, trying to sound all bored abd professional, in short, everything she was not right now "You know you don't have to charm me like that."

In fact, she did not mind one bit. Jorge was good at charming, and he was the rare person one could know meant every word.

The menu looked good. Gemma spent several minutes trying to decide what she wanted to eat. There was no rush, no fuss. That was good too.

>> "Jorge, we have been dating for almost two years…You know you don't have to charm me like that."

The detective laughed a little as he kept his eyes on the menu in front of him. Maybe at times it seemed like he was laying it on pretty thick, but in truth he was really just speaking his mind. He guessed that being raised primarily on books and classic movies made him a bit more of a romantic than most men would have liked to admitted being. But Jorge did not mind it in the least. He really liked having this side of him; it just helped to create the mosaic that was Jorge Cervantes.

In response though, he could only chuckle a little as he eyed her over the menu that he held in front of him.

“Oh I know,” he beamed as he pretended to casually look down at the menu again, continue in a rather professional manner that matched Gemma’s own tone, “but its more that I ‘want’ to charm you, rather than ‘have’ to,” he said with a wink.

It was true. Jorge was definitely enamored with this woman and honestly could not imagine his life without her. Though he didn’t charm her in order to keep her with him, instead he did it because that was honestly how he felt. He liked thinking nice thoughts about her, he liked sharing his time with her, all that only added up to strength his want to actually propose. But it was not going to be here, at this restaurant. He had something else in mind, something that he hoped would help her to say yes…

But, shaking those thoughts away in order to not appear too distracted, he finally decided what he was going to have, set down his menu and smiled over at Gemma, stealing glances at this gorgeous woman. It would be a good dinner with good conversation to follow; at least he hoped.

Dinner was good. Gemma appreciated the place as much as the food. It was nice and not fancy enough to make one uncomfortable. And she had good company; while they were eating she could finally spend time talking to Jorge, catching up on what happened with both of them during the week, ever since they last met. Nothing important, just talk that makes someone feel good because she got to share her life with someone else. It was an unsaid agreement between them that serious topics should be avoided; dinner-dates were not for solving the world's problems, they were for avoiding them...

Dinner was fantastic. The food was actually fair better and portioned than Jorge thought they would be. That was always the fear of going to fancy places, that they would be fed grass and kernel of corn as their main course. But this place did just an absolute wonderful job. The food smelled and tasted wonderful, the drinks were tasty, and, obviously, the conversation and company was just wonderful as well. Jorge soon found himself almost forgetting the special, underling reason as to why he asked Gemma out on this specific night. So calm was he, so satisfied were her nerves, that the detective had nearly forgotten all about the ring box that sat in his pocket.

But, as they laughed and shared and caught up for the week, Jorge slowly began to remember exactly what lay in wait inside of his coat. It was nearly time for that moment, but first they needed to get to their second destination. Hopefully they could get there without him fainting or being wracked with nerves again.

The bill came and, after some glaring and discussion, Jorge managed to snag the bill from her and pay for the evening. Once all that was squared away, the detective sighed as he straightened up and offered Gemma his arm to lead her out of the restaurant and back into the night air of New York City.

He smirked whenever she did take his arm and sighed happily. Dinner was a success so phase one was complete.

“Soo, Gemma,” he beamed as he held the door that led back outside open for her, “Do you have enough teenage vigor to continue with our evening?” he said with a playfully. Of course he was just kidding…at least he hoped he was. God, please don’t let her already be tired after their long week!

Dinner was over before she knew it, and she felt well fed and content. She put up a fight about the bill, but eventually let Jorge take it. It was a guy thing.
She took his arm as they left the restaurant. She knew he had something else in mind; Jorge was good at arranging dates, and when they did not end in mutant crisis they were usually a lot of fun. She knew dinner was just a start.

>>“Soo, Gemma. Do you have enough teenage vigor to continue with our evening?”

"Depends on what you have in mind" she smiled, stopping before they got in the car to kiss him. Pulling back, she looked up at him "You are not going to tell me are you..."

>> "Depends on what you have in mind…You are not going to tell me are you..."

“All good things come to those who wait,” he responded with a nod. Then he tilted his head, looking at her with a witty look. “I thought you were a counselor?”

He smirked as he shook his head though. The man had a rather enigmatic and diabolical grin on his face, almost like he was up to something but the truth of that could never be validated. Instead the man only smiled, neither confirming nor denying with the expression on his face. No matter how hard she asked him, he was not going to tell her anything. After all, he had his secrets and if he was going to propose tonight, he wanted it to, hopefully, be a surprise. The kiss, though, was enough to crack his resolve…just a little bit.

Damn her feminine wiles…

“Well,” he said slyly as he circled his arms around her hips and kissed her softly. “You’re welcome to keep trying to get it out of me. But it be may be better if you just wait.” he grinned.

He kissed her cheek one last time before he opened the car door for her, moved around to his side of the vehicle and climbed in. Once he started up the engine, they were off again to continue this date.

The whole evening seemed to be moving much faster than the detective thought it would be moving. Maybe it was because of anticipation, maybe from nerves, but they were quickly approaching that time where he would ask the question that would change the both of their lives forever. Either she would say yes and he would be the happiest man on this planet, or she would say no and it would lead to a rather awkward time. The prospects were far too terrifying to remain focused on so he tried to keep his mind on driving to their next destination.

As they drew closer, he finally decided that he would at least give her a hint as to what they were going to see next.

“I hope you like this place,” he said to Gemma. “I’ve never been but you should hopefully recognize something there.”

He smiled again as he pulled up a rather elegant looking building, alit with lamps and stone benches. All of these stretched around the perimeter of a large, reflection pool that housed a small variety of water flora that grew in the very water. The steps leading up to this pool, and the building behind it, were line with a few pillars that only said: “Welcome to the Botanical Gardens!”

Jorge sighed as he cautioned a glance to his long time girlfriend. “Stop number two. A beautiful setting for a beautiful woman.”

>>“All good things come to those who wait. I thought you were a counselor?”

Gemma wrinkled her nose at him, in a way that said 'very funny mister'. He was right, she did love surprises, she just did not like waiting for them.
Oh well, she will know soon enough.

>>“Well. You’re welcome to keep trying to get it out of me. But it be may be better if you just wait.”

She chuckled and got into the car; the sooner they were off the sooner she would know what he had planned. She watched quietly as they drove through the city, trying to guess where they were going.

>>“I hope you like this place. I’ve never been but you should hopefully recognize something there.”

She watched curiously as they pulled up, and she finally recognized where they were. It was beautiful, especially at night.

>>“Stop number two. A beautiful setting for a beautiful woman.”

"Oh wow..." she whispered as they walked up to the pool "Jorge, this is gorgeus..."

Leaning agasint him she smiled as they walked, content to just be near him in such a beautiful place. Since it was a weekday night, there was not a crowd of people around, which made her feel more at ease.

"You always find the most amazing places" she smiled "I love it."

>> "Oh wow...Jorge, this is gorgeus..."

The expression on her face was absolutely priceless. It made most of his nerves about the evening worthwhile and he was all the happier that he made her happy. She really seemed like she enjoyed this spot, a place that gleamed with the glory and beauty of nature that few people actually took part in. It was a sad but ultimately the truth when concerning the modern society. Too many times people actually ignored the true beauty of the world around them. At least there were still places like this to allow people to partake in it.

Walking up the steps and around the pool, he smiled as she leaned against him, arm encircling her’s as they strolled along. It was certainly a calm and peaceful night. Not many people were out, the air was cool and fragrant, it was the perfect setting for two people in love. And Jorge did definitely feel in love with this woman.

>> "You always find the most amazing places…I love it."

He squeezed his arm around her, hugging, as they walked in. It definitely made him feel good to listen to her compliments. Too long out of the dating scene, when he first started dating Gemma Taylor, he always feared that he was too out of practice, that he was going to mess things up because he’d forgotten what is was like to be in a sustaining relationship. Thankfully, though, he was at least doing some things right.

Indeed, the cop was happy as he strolled through the night air with her, moving through the outside garden. There were plenty of things to see inside, various exotic flowers and such, but, he wanted to be outside with her; in the cool air so that he could look at her under the moonlight and be reminded every second why he was doing this.

It was during their stroll, though, that the couple happened across the sounds of voices that were reciting sweet lyrics and amidst a group of various other people that were watching with smiles on their faces. Jorge smirked as he heard the poem being recited and turned his attention back to Gemma.

“Do you remember our first date?” he asked. “Before the evening was over, I took you see a group, some people that held artistic-like shows, the Renaissance League?” It was so long ago he thought that she would have forgotten all about them. But, on the off chance that she didn’t, he figured this would be the perfect way to segue into that question he wanted to ask her. Especially since he had something planned with this group. “I found out that they were having a gathering tonight. I…heh…thought it would be fun to stop by and listen to them for a little bit, just to complete the evening?”

Around the corner of bushes, there was where the Renaissance League had set themselves up. An expanse of grass had various blankets set up, as well a tiny stage where a young woman was reciting a rather beautiful poem. All around, paper lanterns were hung up, illuminating the scene with a soft, warm glow. It truly was a scene the embodied romance…

>>“Do you remember our first date? Before the evening was over, I took you see a group, some people that held artistic-like shows, the Renaissance League?..."

Gemma nodded and smiled. She did remember their first date. The first that was intentional and went well, that is. She did not have that many forst dates in her life to make her forget that one.

>>"I found out that they were having a gathering tonight. I…heh…thought it would be fun to stop by and listen to them for a little bit, just to complete the evening?”

She nodded again, far too comfortable leaning against him to actually say something. She listened to the poem and watched the lights and the people, content with Jorge by her side.

"Perfect" she said finally, pulling him to a bench to sit down "Really perfect."

It was so simple as an idea, yet exactly what she needed. Jorge was very good at guessing that.

She swayed with the almost lyrical sound of the poem and the detective once again was washed over with relief. It felt so good to know that things were going off without a hitch. Problem was though that as each of these moments were hit, it all meant that he was getting closer and closer to the one that he feared the most. He needed to remember that she still did not even know of the proposal so there was still a little bit of dread there. But…he kept his will strong.

>> "Perfect…Really perfect."

He smiled, gently, as he sat onto a nearby bench, watching and listening to the poem being read.

When Jorge was first doing research about the perfect setting to ask this woman to marry him, he stumbled across a rumor that the Renaissance League wanted to play in the Botanical Gardens. They were heading it up as their “Night of Romance” and all the readers and presenters would be reciting, singing, or painting their love and sharing it with the small audience that always gathered. To Jorge it seemed almost like destiny; the first group he ever took her to on their first date just happened to be displaying a night of romance at the time he wanted to propose; it was kismet.

He obviously couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

Gemma seemed like she was really enjoying herself, out here in nature and surrounded by warm light and the sounds of poets baring their sounds. It really was a perfect setting, exactly what he had wanted. Now, though, it was time for the next phase. Casually he glanced at his watch…they were right on time.

The last poet finished reciting her piece and gave a small bow amidst the applause. Up onto the stage came a small, wiry man, handsome with sandy blonde hair. He smiled and applauded along with the crowd until the woman reclaimed her seat.

“Lovely poem, just lovely,” the man beamed. “Tonight…truly is a night of romance and spirituality. A time of the year when a person can truly open his heart to those that he or she loves dearly.” He then paused as he peered out into the audience. It seemed as if his eyes had settled on Jorge and Gemma. “And…as I understand it, we have another presenter. Someone who truly wishes to express himself tonight. Is there a…Jorge Cervantes out there?”

Jorge lowered his head, and smirked. Of course Jerry, from Human Resources, would ham it up just a tad. He could only shake his head and chuckle. He then raised his hand Jerry, who applauded him from the stage and waved for him to come up. The detective glanced at Gemma, a small smirk on his place.

“If you’ll excuse me for a second,” he beamed at then, then made his way to the stage…where Jerry was handing out Jorge’s guitar.

Gemma clapped with the rest of the smal crowd, smiling as the poet left the stage. She like it that people were comfortable and open enough to share their own art on the stage. It was much nicer than just listening to hired professionals. She was curious what was going to happen enxt.

>>“Lovely poem, just lovely. Tonight…truly is a night of romance and spirituality. A time of the year when a person can truly open his heart to those that he or she loves dearly. And…as I understand it, we have another presenter. Someone who truly wishes to express himself tonight. Is there a…Jorge Cervantes out there?”

Gemma stared at Jorge, her eyes wider with amusement and surprise.

"No, you did not..." she whisperet with laughter in her voice as he stood and walked to the stage. Gemma smiled a bright smile and shook her head, this was precious, even from Jorge. She practically bounced in her seat with delight. Did the man have to stage fright?...

>> "No, you did not..."

The words rebounded in his head as he smirked to himself, actually a little pleased that he had managed to surprise her. Though Jorge was, by no means a rock star, he had been told more often than not that he was actually a pretty good singer and played the guitar well enough. He rarely played much these days, being busy with work and all, but he hoped that he could pull this off for Gemma, if only for one night, for this one moment.

Lord, please do not let my voice crack or my fingers go numb, was all he thought.

“Thanks Jerry,” he smiled as he took his guitar from him.

It seemed like it had been forever since he picked it up to actually play it. He grabbed a stool and placed it in front of the microphone, looking out at the gathering of smiling faces before him. There was only one face in which he was particular interesting in seeing, and that was the look on the face of Gemma Taylor as she was seated on a bench towards the back. He gave her a smile, tapped the mic to make sure it was working, and chuckling, sighing a little as he looked out across the people.

“Wow, heh, been a long time since I’ve done anything like this,” he chuckled as he glanced to all the happy people. He cleared his throat as he played a few minor chords on his guitar, just getting the feel for it. “Well, ladies and gentlemen, uh, as your wonderful host just said, my name is Jorge Cervantes and…I guess I’m up here to perform.” he said while fiddle with the chords. “I am up here tonight, because, well honestly, I am in love.” He continued to strum more chords that gradually grew into a melody. “We all say things like that, but…honestly and truly, I am in love. To that lovely woman over there,’ he grinned as he nodded to Gemma. “Say hi, babe.”

The crowd turned and “awww’d” as they clapped a little for Gemma. Whenever she was done waving at them they grinned as they turned back around, dreamy looks of romance on their faces. Jorge smirked and, whenever Gemma was red enough from all the attention, strummed a tune that would start his song.

“Beautiful, isn’t she?” he beamed. “Well…I…um…I dedicate this song, to you, Gemma. Because…I love you…and…here we go!”

With that, Jorge took a breath, closed his eyes and…started to play and sing… this song…

>>“Wow, heh, been a long time since I’ve done anything like this. Well, ladies and gentlemen, uh, as your wonderful host just said, my name is Jorge Cervantes and…I guess I’m up here to perform. I am up here tonight, because, well honestly, I am in love. We all say things like that, but…honestly and truly, I am in love. To that lovely woman over there... Say hi, babe.”

Gemma had been listening with her eyes wide and her dark skin turning even darker with a blush. This was waaay over the top, even for Jorge, who was a hopeless romantic by nature, under all that cop thing.
... and then suddenly everyone was turning around and looking at her, but since blushing more was phisically impossible, she just raised her hand and waved. She was way too old for this, to be giggling like a girl, and to be confessed love to from a stage. With a guitar.
That man was just impossible.

>>“Beautiful, isn’t she? Well…I…um…I dedicate this song, to you, Gemma. Because…I love you…and…here we go!”

There were no words. Gemma felt like she was completely enchanted, under a spell, and she only remembered to breathe when the song was over. The crowd clapped and cheered, and they were looking again to see her reaction, but she was still sitting completely still, soaked in the music and trying to find her way back to reality.

Jorge played and sang his heart out. This was one of his favorite songs from when he was growing up and had always struck a chord with him. The 80s were not for everyone, but Jorge remembered them fondly. This was one of those songs that snuck into the back of his remained there until the right moment. Maybe that was why he decided to play it for her this night, right before he was going to propose. Because once he decided to do so, the song snuck back into his head after who knows how long of not listening to it.

Again…kismet.

Throughout the song, Jorge kept Gemma in the back of his mind, trying to keep focused on that rather than thinking of possibly messing up his song. Though he could not remember clearly, by the time he got to the end of it and sang out that last note, he was fairly certain that he did not stumble over any words or misplay any of the chords. It seemed as if he had actually pulled it off.

He opened his eyes, smiled a little that he had actually gotten through it, and looked up to see the smiling faces of the crowd. People began to applause, clap, and before long, Jorge stood up and gave a slight bow.

But, peering through the faces, he sought the expression of only one person. And there he saw her, at the very back, still sitting on her bench with a look on her face that seemed like a mixture of dreaminess and awe. He smiled and hoped that she enjoyed the song and would not kill him too terribly for pointing her before.

Jerry returned to the stage, clapped and patted Jorge on the back.

“Beautiful job, my friend! Just beautiful! Another round of applause?” he asked as he began to clap.

Jorge waved to the crowd as they all clapped while he exited the stage. His guitar still in hand, he looked a little shyly to Gemma, finding her still sitting there, her eyes only showing surprise. As the next presenter, another poet came onto the stage, stood in front of his girlfriend and just beamed.

“Tell me that was not as corny or as bad as I’m thinking it was?”

>>“Tell me that was not as corny or as bad as I’m thinking it was?”

Gemma was still looking at him as if she had seen this man for the first time in her life. Which was not true, of course, by any stretch of the imagination; she had even seen this romantic side of him before, but tonight was, for some reason, different. It felt different. The song was good, and she could tell he meant every word and every note.

Standing up she hugged him, pressing a kiss on his cheek.

"It was great. I mean, not bad at all." she chuckled against his shoulder to hide she was blushing again "Thank you Jorge."