Emma tossed and turned, trying desperately to get comfortable. No luck. She groaned and grabbed her phone. The bright light burned her eyes as she checked the time. 12:27. Ugh. Maybe James was awake, she thought.

She decided to give him a call. He picked up on the second ring. "Can't sleep?" He knew her so well. Emma giggled, "Not at all." she heard him moving around in the background, "Get ready. I'll be there in 10." She smiled to herself, "Okay."

She hung up and jumped out of bed, pulling on her ripped skinny jeans and a band tee. Emma put on a touch of lip gloss and brushed out her long brown hair. A few minutes later there was a knock at the door.

"Hey," she greeted James as he pulled her in for a hug. Emma giggled as he picked her up and twirled her around. "Where are we heading tonight," she asked when he finally put her down.

"You'll see," he smirked. She smiled slyly and poked him, "So mysterious." He pretended to be hurt, "Ouch. I'm very sensitive."

Emma rolled her eyes and got in his car. He turned the radio up and rolled the windows down. The stars shone overhead as they made their way down the highway.

They could see the twinkling lights of the city in the distance. James glanced over at her, checking her out not so discreetly. Emma smirked and placed a hand on his leg, moving it higher and higher. He bit his lip and tried to ignore her. She laughed and removed her hand.

"So, can you tell me where we are going?" He shrugged, "Nowhere in particular." Just then the bright lights of the city came into view. The tall buildings rose up around you. James pulled over and parked.

"Come on. We are going on a little walk." He came over and opened her door. "Why thank you, kind sir," she laughed.

He smiled and took her hand, leading her up the street.

The sidewalk was crowded with people heading into the many clubs that lined the street. Emma gripped James' hand tightly so she wouldn't get lost in the sea of people.

The crowd eventually thinned the further down the street they walked. "I could get used to this," she muttered. James laughed, "Please don't. I need my sleep." she slapped his arm playfully.

He kissed the top of her head, gently. "I'm just kidding. You know I'd do anything to make you happy." Emma grinned and laid her head on his shoulder.

They walked in silence until they came to a small café. James stopped her and pulled her close. Music hummed softly from the outdoor speakers. "Dance with me." Emma laughed, not thinking he was serious.

"Dance," he twirled her around, "with me." she looked around at the empty streets. Why not. She locked her hands behind his neck as his hands found her waist. Emma laid her head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.

James swayed back and forth gently, spinning her around occasionally.

"You are some casanova," she whispered, laughing lightly. "So I've been told," he said, spinning her around one more time as the song came to an end.

Neither of them moved. They stood there in silence. But it wasn't awkward. It was peaceful. "You are so beautiful," James' voice snapped her from her thoughts. She felt herself blush profusely. "I don't know how I got so lucky," he continued.

~~~~

"I'm kinda hungry. Let's go in and grab something to eat." Emma suggested as she gave James' hand a squeeze.

"Okay," James replied and walked into the cafe hand-in-hand with Emma.

They took a seat at the booth in the corner of the cafe. A waitress came to them and gave them the menu. "So, kids what'll be?" she asked as she flipped her little notepad and prepared to take their orders.

"Um... you know what... let's go crazy, I'll have both blueberry pancakes please? And a large Coke while you added," he said politely to the waitress and closed the menu nonchalantly.

"Brilliant choice sir, and how about you, miss?" the waitress asked in a polite tone in her voice.

"God, I love eating pancakes at night. It's like the greatest thing
ever. How great is this?" he asked, smiling at her.

"I'll have the corn beef hash with a potato salad on the side. And a large soda."

"Alright... anything else?" the waiter asked with a sweet smile on her lips.

"That's all. Thank you," she grinned softly.

Then the woman beamed and left with their orders.

They looked at each other and exchanged smiles on their faces.

"So, are you really a writer? What book do you write about?" Emma asked courteously looking up at James staring into his blue eyes calmly.

"Yes, I am. I am a writer and I worked at Expert Writing Publications, the biggest writing company in Los Angeles."

"Oh, that's nice. Do you work with your father?"

"Yes, I do. I mean he owns the company and he offers me to help." James replied tranquilly.

A few minutes later, the food arrived. The waitress placed the dish on the table vigilantly. "Here's your dish, one blueberry pancake for you sir, and one corn beef hash for you, dear. enjoy." the waitress said with a grin.

"Thanks." they said in unison.

Emma took a fork and a knife and began digging in her dish. "Mmm, this is actually good. You want some?" She softly offered the dish to James.

"Are you sure?" James asked, cocking an eyebrow perplexed.

"Of course, silly. Here, open your mouth." she said vigorously positioning the silverware into his mouth enthusiastically.

James took a bite of the food and chewed the meal in his mouth nonchalantly.

"Mmm, this is so good. Here, try my blueberry pancakes." he offered and shoved the food into Emma's mouth softly.

They'd shared a laugh or two and continued having their meal.

~~~~

Stars filled the sky, and the streets were silent... except for the cars that quickly drove fast.

Trees dancing and the wind whispering, James was so lost in thought. He walked further, and somehow they ended up in a park.

James got to the edge of the lake and he felt the cold breeze. He held Emma's hand to notice she was freezing.

"Emma you're freezing, here have my hoodie," he was about to pull his hoodie off, when Emma pulled it back down.

"No James I'm fine, I don't want you to get cold," she moved her arms to her chest, crossing them to keep her warm. She was only clad in a thin sweater and sweatpants.

"Emma, just take it, I won't be cold, promise," she shook her head, being stubborn as always.

"How about this, if you take my hoodie, we can cuddle at home afterwards?" he knew she couldn't resist that.

"But you don't get any benefit," Emma shook her head, looking down at her shaking hands.

"I do, I get to be with you and not watch you get hypothermia. Pretty good deal to me," she laughed and nodded. James took off his Pink Floyd hoodie and put it on her. The hoodie was like a dress for her, it went all the way down to her mid-thighs. She looked cozy and warm.

James wrapped his arms around her and held her there. They were just standing there, underneath a lamp post, quietly swaying. He began humming Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley. She snuggled closer to him, burying her head into his chest.

"Um. James. Can I ask you something?" He nodded, "Anything." Emma took a deep breath, "Would you mind, possibly, staying with me tonight?" he laughed, "I thought you'd never ask."

Emma rolled her eyes. "Race you to the car?" He thought for a moment, "Loser has to give the winner a kiss on the cheek." she nodded and took off.

"I won," Emma shouted. James came up to her, breathless, "I let you win."

She smirked, "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Douglas." she pursed her lips, "Pay up." He laughed and kissed her cheek lovingly. "Thanks again, babe. I don't know what I'd do without you."

He laughed, "I don't know. Maybe get some sleep for once."

Emma laughed and hopped in the car. When she got home she and James sat on the couch and cuddled for the rest of the night. Eh. Sleep is overrated anyway.