A/N: So I think I'm going to pick up with The Avengers movie timeline in the next section and play into what happens when Hill realizes Coulson's been alive all this time. I may come back to the early years of their relationship in a future section! Meanwhile, enjoy their fluffy first date. I decided I couldn't be too mean to them yet.

Song of the day: 'Kiss You Slow' by Andy Grammer

Maria Hill examined the contents of her closet with a frown. She ran her hand through the line of fabric, glancing briefly at the various outfits she had accumulated. Nothing seemed right. She turned from her closet with an exasperated sigh and strode back towards the bathroom to dry her damp hair. Shaking her head, she tried to understand why she was so worked up about tonight. It was just dinner with Phil. Hell, they had dinner together all the time. It's not like they didn't live together.

"And if this ends badly you're out a home and a friend," the nagging voice in her head chimed in. She tugged the brush through her hair with a scowl, and met her own ice blue gaze in the mirror.

But it could also go oh so right.

An image of his strong shoulders relaxing under her hands rose to her mind, and she ground her teeth to keep from poking herself in the eye with the mascara wand. Fucking hell, Hill- you're not a damned teenager. Have some self control. She swallowed hard and pushed that train of thought out of her mind. Satisfied with her appearance, she trudged back to the closet in search of a suitable dress.

There was a knock at her door, and she turned in time to see Melinda May stick her head through the door with a disdainful expression.

"I insisted Coulson let me come up since I knew you'd probably being standing around in your underwear," she said as she handed Maria a garment bag.

"I'm glad your intuition is still intact," Maria responded with a snarky edge as she peered into the bag.

"I had a feeling you had nothing you'd want to wear," May replied.

"Are you sure about this?" she said as she held up the red dress.

"Dead sure. Besides, you never struck me as someone who plays it safe," Melinda added with a piercing stare.

Maria just shrugged her shoulders and stepped into the soft fabric that ended just above her knees. It was tight in all the right places, but surprisingly modest given the fact it went up to her neck and had long sleeves. The back of the dress was what sold the whole outfit. It was completely bare. She grunted her approval, and May just rolled her eyes. Her SO had closed back off, and Maria watched her silently head for the door.

"Thanks, Mel," she called out.

May paused, and gave her a short nod before disappearing. Maria stared after her with a thoughtful gaze. The older woman seemed to be doing a little better. She was still closed off around others, but she let her barriers fall slightly around Maria and Coulson.

"I told you you should have given her a day to get herself together," she said bluntly after returning downstairs.

Melinda wanted to laugh at the expression on Phil's face, but settled for a slight twitch of her mouth. Ever since Bahrain, she felt like she'd lost the ability to show any emotion. Maybe that's why she wanted Phil and Maria took work so badly.

"See you tomorrow," she said and gave his shoulder a pat.

"Thanks, Mel," he said warmly, pulling her in for a hug.

She stiffened, and tried to force herself to relax. He released her after a moment, knowing she was uncomfortable. With a slight shake of her hair, she headed out the door. She had a date with the gun range.

Phil sighed as he watched his longtime friend walk out the door.

"She's doing better," a voice said, pulling him from his thoughts.

He turned back towards the stairs, and was unable to stop his eyes from widening as Maria carefully navigated them in her heels. She met his gaze with a slight smirk, and he felt his face turning red.

"For a spy, you have a horrible poker face," she muttered.

"Just around you," his mouth responded before his brain could catch up.

She let out a snort, as he flushed harder.

"Resorting to pick-up lines, Agent Coulson? You do realize I already agreed to a date."

He floundered for a minute, unsure of her teasing lilt. Taking pity on him, she looped her arm around his and pulled him towards the door. When they reached his car, she gave him an amused smile as he opened the door for her.

"Indulge me," he said softly.

She stared up at him through a half lidded gaze, and he fought the urge to kiss her. She quirked her eyebrow in question and he ran his hand softly down her cheek.

"You're stunning, MK," he stated quietly and her eyes softened.

He let his hand fall, and quickly made his way to the driver's side door. She continued to stare at him thoughtfully, but didn't say a word. She fumbled with the radio- scanning stations and listening to snippets of songs before changing the channel again with a frown. He grinned at her when she left it on a classic rock station and ZZ Top's classic guitar melody floated through the speakers.

"La Grange?"

"Just because I play a classical instrument doesn't mean I don't like good rock," she replied.

"You're something else," he said with a shake of his head.

They drove into downtown, and stopped in front of a busy street teaming with well-dressed people. He handed the keys to the valet before escorting her towards a bright building.

"How did you get reservations on such short notice?" she asked incredulously.

"Sometimes that whole secret agent thing has its perks," he whispered into her ear.

She smacked him in the arm.

"Lead on, Coulson. Phil, Coulson."

Eyes instantly drifted towards the statuesque brunette as they were escorted to their table, but she didn't seem to notice or care. Her attention was solely focused on the man in front of her. The evening passed quickly and dinner was delicious. Maria let her eyes blissfully close at the perfectly seared rack of lamb that was melting in her mouth. She always was a meat and potatoes kind of girl.

The corner of her mouth lifted when Coulson ordered the triple layer chocolate cake for them to split. She moaned softly at the taste of the ganache. She couldn't remember the last time she'd eaten a dessert this decadent and delicious. Their forks scraped the plate, and Maria caught his darkening expression when she licked her fork clean with a smirk. He muttered something unintelligible under his breath, and she just smiled sweetly. Much to his surprise, she grabbed his hand while they strode to the exit, and her brow furrowed when he led them away from the parking lot.

"You didn't?!" she practically exclaimed when she realized where they were headed. "Those tickets have been sold out for months."

"I may have bought them pretty far in advance," he paused bashfully. "In hopes that, ya know-"

"Phil, shut up," she interrupted before pressing her lips to his.

To say he was stunned would be an understatement. He was still for a moment before he reached up and cupped her face with his hands. He could fell the warmth of her own hands where they rested on his chest, one fisted ever so slightly around his tie. He pulled back with a groan, his eyes taking in her flushed appearance and slightly swollen lips. A smile played at her lips, and Phil decided right then and there she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

"So, umm, Vivaldi?" he asked.

She chuckled and intertwined her hand back in his as they headed towards the symphony hall.