A/N: I'm obsessed with my two characters going out at night. I love early bedtime but my mind wonders to the possibilities of not sleeping. What if I just hopped into my car and drove through the night? Imagining is fun. xD

Prior this scene, they somehow grew distant from each other. Soo ... here they are, making up and spending another late night-out together again. :3

- - -

Cassie waited. She wore a light, sleeveless orange blouse, black leggings, and a pair of wedges she kept in the wardrobe. She stopped by Rainee's and borrowed lipstick from the range of colours the latter had, seeing as her own bar had grown ancient from the long stay in the drawer.

Initially, Rainee was over-enthusiastic and was determined to shower everything onto her but knowing better, Cassie declined the offer with a smile.

She had put in more than her usual effort into dressing up.

She missed him.

There was a certain chilliness in the night's wind. She smoothed out the front of her blouse a little, then wrapped her arms around herself.

"Boo." A voice behind her said gleefully.

She rolled her eyes, turning to Michael. 

"C'mon, let's go," she laughed.

"Oh, hold on. I got something for you."

He took out a box from inside his coat. It was a classy black box and opening it, she saw a thin silver necklace.

"This is for you."

She felt slightly taken aback, her heart beating.

"It's very ... delicate. Pretty," That was the honest appreciation she could summon. As far as she could tell, it was the real deal. Knowing Michael, it couldn't be something he bought off the flea market.

"Would you wear it tonight?"

She nodded, turning around and letting her hair fall to one side. Michael draped the necklace around her neck before clasping it closed at the back. She swallowed when his fingertips touched her neck. 

Her own fingers touched the texture of the necklace. It was a lavish gift. She bought something for him as well, but certainly not as luxurious. When he asked her out for tonight, it spurred her on to get the item off the shop, having walked by it many times. It was a custom of her own, perhaps. She was fond of the idea, so in her handbag lay a similar box. She would give it to him later.

* * *

They had a splendid time watching the latest movie in an actual movie theatre. His eyes lit up like a little boy's when he saw the gigantic bucket of popcorn she bought. Half an hour into the film, he somehow managed to eat through nearly three quarters of the bucket until Cassie reminded him to leave some for her.

After the end of the film, they exited the movie theatre with the rest of the crowd. People bumped into each other in the narrow corridor. A man knocked into Michael and without a second glance, dropped a hasty apology and continued on his way. No one recognized him, and he was at such a relief.

That was the first time they held hands in public.

An hour till midnight, they sat under the stars, enjoying late supper at a curry shop Yvonne recommended. Cassie, Yvonne and Jake came here recently. That time, Jake ordered the hottest dish the restaurant had and collapsed halfway to the toilet.

"How are you liking it?" Cassie asked.

"A bit spicy, but not bad," Michael croaked, fanning his face.

She passed her glass of water to him, laughing. It was a chilly, windy night. Leaning back on her chair, she took a moment to look up at the sky. She closed her eyes, listening to the voice of a guitar busker at a neighbouring table. It was heavenly. If only she could capture this moment in time ...

The guitar busker came over to their table.

"A song for your wife?" the busker asked Michael, with a heavy Italian accent.

"No ... we're not married," Cassie told him.

"Sister?"

"No!" Michael protested, giving a loud laugh at this assumption.

"My bad," the busker chuckled good-humouredly. He started singing a love song at their table. Cassie blushed, feeling both silly and giddy. She met Michael's gaze, wondering if he felt like she did. His eyes were on her, as though intent on catching her expressions.

Why are you staring at me like that? She mouthed to him, raising an amused eyebrow.

A gentle smile played on his face. He looked very happy to have her as his company.

* * *

Cassie parked her car. She lowered down both windows and turned off the engine. She got out of it and let Michael take the driver's seat while she took the passenger seat, per Michael's request earlier as she neared the ranch.

He peeled off the disguises as they left the city further and further away. Appearance-wise, he was the same Michael again.

He didn't start the car, but simply placed his hands on the steering wheel. He closed his eyes, living momentarily in a scene of his imagination.

"Wish I could drive you all to places. You, Prince, Paris ..." he said softly. She responded vaguely, not wanting to go down the road that may leave them miserable at the end of the night.

He changed to a casual topic.

"What was your first job?"

She thought for a moment. "I think ... yes, I remember I was a waitress."

"What else did you do?"

"I was a bank clerk once, that was on term break. It was the first and last time I would ever sit in front of an office desk. It was scary, I was so scared to type the figures. Mind you, they were mostly seven-digit figures. What if I done something wrong?"

He chuckled. It was probably the first time in months since they both felt relaxed and at ease with each other like this. No one around. Just the two of them.

Her hand dipped into her bag.

"Michael, actually I got something for you, too."

He turned to her, pleasantly surprised. She gave him the box; it about the same size as the one he gave her. He glanced towards her for affirmation that he could open it now. Her heart thudded in her throat as she nodded.

The lid was lifted, displaying a smart, elegant watch for men. It was a model she could afford. A watch was a practical item that a person could wear everyday and be reminded of the giver; a classic gift that could never go wrong.

He was quiet for several long moments as he held the watch in his hand, examining it from several angles. What she could buy, he definitely could, but it was the thought that counts, right?

He finally turned to her. "Thank you, Cass." His voice came out as a soft whisper. He let her put the watch around his wrist. This was her quiet promise that she was willing to stay with him. 

He reached across to her easily, placing a kiss just next to the corner of her lips. She moved her head ever so slightly to meet his lips with her own. He responded tentatively, slowly. It was this gentle affection that made her feel so heartbreakingly loved and beautiful at the same time. She didn't want him to pull away. 

- - -

A/N: That sexual tension. Damn. *stuffs popcorn into mouth* 

I'd also like to draw your attention to the "sleeveless, orange blouse" at the start of this scene. :) I spotted the blouse at a GUESS store three years ago. When I saw it, all I could think of was: Cassie would wear that when she dresses up nicely. It set off my train of thoughts for their second night out. When they go out, she would wear that exact blouse. Pity I didn't take a picture of it. The blouse was absolutely gorgeous.