"Just a few steps further, I promise you," she turned back and smiled, "it'll be worth it."

Kane was starting to sweat—he never thought the spot would be on top of a hill. Maybe he was exaggerating but they had to walk up the hill for ten minutes, long trees shadowing the grounds and all he could think about was the number of spider webs and insects he stepped on without realizing it. Ava, in her silk robe, walked as if it was a promenade, humming a tune to herself, harmonizing with the soft breeze delicately brushing past their ears.

As much as Kane wanted to turn back, he wanted to see this sight for himself, reaching the sommet and discovering a but more about Ava herself. He wondered if Jay had been shown this spot, and it made him feel quite guilty that the answer was probably not.

He followed behind Ava, watching as she shifted her body sideways to dodge trees and stepped over trunks that had died layered over the grassy floors. She was in memory, knowing every single step from this forest floor, and Kane followed her rhythm.

Until he noticed the light from the moon brighten, the forest coming to an end in a few steps, and she breathed in astonishment, "Here it is."

They finally reached the edge of the hill, and the forest ended a few steps behind them. Finally, they were free, hearing the waves at the bottom of the hill hitting the wall, and Kane was unable to turn away from the stars. They were low, the moon appearing to be only miles at distance, and he could even see the shape of these stars. They appeared magical, illuminating the night and reflecting the waves quietly singing their lullaby.

It was as if an orchestra was playing, and both of them could hear it.

"Isn't it wonderful?" she exhaled, approaching him, "It's as if magic can happen."

"Woah..." he was speechless, never having seen this sort of sight in his life, and he felt as if all his organs and blood was rejuvenating, opening his heart to an eternity of liberty. He felt as if he could jump and gravity would be corrupted, allowing to fly further towards the moon.

She finally removed her robe and set it aside. For a moment, Kane stared at the scenery in a daze until he heard her clear her throat. He turned to her, and when he realized what she was wearing, he connected the dots and said, "No."

"It's not that deep," she pleaded, walking towards him, "and were not that high either."

"I think we should go home."

"Please," she stepped towards him, and in the shadow, he noticed the shadows of the lines forming her stomach, a few poking ribs showing from the sides. He noticed how frail her legs were as she stepped towards him, but appearing too smooth from the line that he wondered how his nails would feel digging along its skin. She touched the hem of his sweater, her fingers gripping its length before slowly pulling upwards, noticing that he also raised his arms.

Once his sweater was removed, she stepped even closer, only inches away, her finger touching his chest before gliding to his stomach, Kane observing the way her face appeared so mysterious in the moonlight. He watched as she curled her nails into his waist, and she waited until he winced, wanting to see him react to her touch.

He was looking down in her eyes as she released her hold on him, both their breaths starting to fall in sync and Kane noticed how close she was, her lips glistening amongst the stars. He wanted to lean forward and plant his lips on hers, the perfect scenery and finish it with a masterpiece. But he thought about Jay, about himself, and about Jasper. He thought about Ally, and Tessa, and even Mike.

Then he thought about his own father.

"I'm not going to kiss you, Ava."

Ava's eyes seemed to curl slightly, the sudden lust vanishing and replaced with ache, and her lips turned down, pausing for a moment before whispering, "Why not?"

He stepped backwards, his eyes only imagining the hurt behind Jay's when he'll find out, "Jay's my friend. I know you aren't dating, but this isn't right. You know this too."

Ava, who was wearing a bikini, interlaced her fingers behind her back and turned to the water, "At least jump with me, will you?"

Kane smirked, throwing his pyjama pants off before widening his arms, "On three."

"Three," and she jumped, leaping to the water's waves and straightening her arms in front of her as she dove into the waves. Kane did the same after a flip, and landed in the water, resurfacing a few instants later. He watched as resurfaced as well, her brown curls running along her back, and she swam towards him.

"Worth the drive?" she teased, poking his stomach.

He nodded his head, "Yeah."

***

Kane had just arrived to Ava's home, a bit dryer than they were about an hour ago. They had stayed until the water for a bit longer before both of them grew tired and decided it was time to leave this beautiful scenery for another day. Once he parked behind the woods at the back of her home, he shifted the car in park, he said, "I'll see you."

"Can we still go on dates?" Kane was about to shake his hand when she placed her palm on his shoulder and added, "As friends?"

He thought about it for a moment; there was nothing wrong with being friends. Besides, he had a fun time with her, a moment he hadn't had in a while. With that, he nodded his head, "Let me know where our next adventure is and I'll drive."

"By the way, thank you for coming."

There was a gloom that evoked in her gaze, as if she hadn't had this type of outing in a while. Shortly after, he nodded his head and added, "You can call me whenever, okay?"

She stepped out of the car and nodded her head, "I will."