Perhaps Alex needed to get himself out more because he had never seen the city as magical as it was that night. Of course he grew up knowing New York as the city that never sleeps, but this was the first time in his entire life that he could see that it was true. As they walked, people would leave and enter whatever late night establishments were still open. Bars and pubs seemed to be filled to the brim and the heart pounding music of clubs seemed to echo out into the streets as they passed, many of them still having lines of people waiting to get out of the crisp cold air.

The ever chilling night air that brought forth a sense of peace as they moved was a stark contrast from the brilliant, vibrant energy that had been in the karaoke bar. Alex's usually spinning mind was silent for once, and the quiet was somewhat jarring. When he found himself startled, he would hazard a quick look down at Harper and smile. Everything was fine and the stilled thoughts were okay. He just wasn't sure that he could get used to it.

As they strolled, the call of music caught their attention once more. A lone figure was tucked away in a cozy corner of the street they were rapidly approaching, the notes of a violin being cast out amongst the gentle breeze. The soft thrum of the violin was pulling them closer and closer, and Harper's eyes lit up.

"Oh, look!" Harper said to Alex, her steps becoming lighter and lighter. "Do you think we can stop and listen for a while?"

"Are they often out this late?" Alex asked as approached. He found himself captivated by the violinist who gave them both grins as they stopped. Several others who had been slowing their steps, uncertain of whether they wanted to stop decided to join them.

"Not always," Harper said quietly as she reached into her pocket and dropped money into the violin case in front of the performer. "Usually they're kicked out before they can ever stay this late, but it seems like the city wants us to have some magic tonight."

Magic indeed, Alex thought as Harper leaned into him, her arm still looped around his. She dropped her head on his shoulder, and Alex felt the stirrings of butterflies in his stomach. He was embarrassed by the fact he suddenly felt like he was a teenage boy around his crush, but having Harper with him felt nice. The whole night had been nice.

Whatever the violinist was playing was melancholic but also hopeful. It wasn't a song that Alex knew, nothing that was fitting in his mind that he could recall. He wondered if it was something that the violinist had written themselves. After all, it was New York City and with the artists and dreamers that made up the city, he wouldn't be surprised. As the violinist continued to play, Alex gently unfolded Harper from himself and held out a hand towards her, a silent invitation for a dance under the stars.

Harper's gaze met his, her expression quizzical for a moment before the faintest of smiles was on her lips. She placed her hand in his, giving a small curtsy that made Alex chuckle before he pulled her in close. They swayed gently to the music, letting it wrap itself around their bodies.

Alex wondered if Harper was thinking the same thing as she dropped her head on his shoulder, and he rested his cheek on the top of her head. She fit neatly against him, almost like she was meant to be right where she was. Like they were meant for that exact moment in time.

The entirety of New York City and the world seemed to fade into the background. The noises of passing taxi's and the talking of other people as they walked by silent as if they were shielded from everything else. The only thing that existed was the violinist, Harper pressed against Alex, her head on his shoulder, and the puffs of air rising from their breathing.

Harper felt warmer than expected against Alex. A part of her wanted to look up at him, but keeping her head resting on his shoulder was safer. She took in a deep breath, inhaling the scent of whatever cologne still lingered on his clothes. The hints of the crisp air sat there as well, but the rest was entirely him. She felt oddly safe in his arms in a way that she didn't expect, a comfort that she had been longing for. When was the last time she had felt like this? Harper tried to remember but found that she couldn't, and a small part of her heart broke at the thought.

The violinist's song changed to something even more hopeful than the last, a passionate and romantic piece that seemed to echo whatever feelings Alex and Harper shared. They both stilled for just a moment as they took in the music before continuing their gentle swaying to the music. Whatever the performer was composing for them was haunting and beautiful.

As the performer started the next song, Harper forced herself to look up at Alex. "This is like something out a movie, isn't it?" Harper asked, casting a glance at the violinist. "Dancing under the stars in the middle of the city with someone seemingly playing only for us." She looked past Alex's arm, smiling at another couple who had stopped to do exactly the same thing as they were, and a sudden jolt went through her.

A couple – was that what they were?

Harper supposed for a small moment that maybe they were. Everything between them that night so far had been unspoken, as if neither of them wanted to ask what was going to happen next. They seemed to be finding reasons to continue being together instead of dropping her back off at home, something that seemed far more logical the later it became. But Harper definitely didn't want the night to end.

"I think it's much better than a movie," Alex said, pulling Harper's attention back to his gaze. He gave her a gentle smile and reached up to brush back the piece of hair he had been wanting to tuck back behind her ear for hours. A soft blush crept up Harper's face, warming up her chilled face.

"How so?" Harper asked almost breathlessly.

"It's better because it's real, Harper," Alex said, leaning down a little closer to Harper to whisper. "And it's all ours."

There was a moment of hesitation where Alex questioned if he should close the gap between them and press a kiss to her lips. He so desperately wanted to and the less than subtle glance at his lips told him that Harper might be interested, her entire body bracing in anticipation, but he didn't dare. He straightened up, clearing his throat and grinning at the violinist's song transitioned into something livelier. It was almost as if the performer wanted to spare them from the disappointment of a missed kiss, they gave the couple a chance to switch to a more playful dance. Alex was grateful that Harper didn't seem too disappointed and laughed as Alex swung her around.

As the final notes of the violinist's song drifted into the night, Alex and Harper's playful dance transitioned back into something slow, wanting to enjoy the last remaining moments of the music. They remained in each other's arms as the performer gathered their things and gave the two a slight nod before walking off. Alex and Harper remained where they were for a few moments longer, each taking a breath and letting it out slowly as they broke apart.

Rather than speaking, the two just looked at each other. Alex swallowed hard as he took in Harper's soft smile and the subtle glow that seemed to surround her. He wanted to say something but couldn't figure out what he could say.

Not wanting to break the silence amongst the lingering notes of the violin that seemed to still be playing in the air, Alex held his hand out for Harper to take. It was a silent invitation to continue on their way and this time he didn't miss the look of disappointment on her face. Still, Harper placed her hand in his and motioned for him to lead the way.

Their walk was much slower this time, the two of them both trying to continue to prolong the night for as long as possible. Alex wracked his brain for something to do, not wanting to let Harper go just yet. He knew that the night was growing later and later, but something was telling him that he needed to stay out. But what could they do?

Harper's eyes lingered on a nearby park as they passed by and a sudden idea struck Alex hard. Without saying a word, he gently steered Harper back around the way they came. It meant doubling back in the direction they already were and put them further away from her home, but it was fine. If it meant spending more time with Harper, it would be worth it.

It took Harper a few moments to understand what Alex was doing, her face twisted in thought as she tried to figure out where they were going. But when they turned a corner that she knew would put them in the direction of Central Park, Harper relaxed and gave Alex an appreciative smile. She looped her arm around his once more and slowed their walk. They would get there when they got there and that was all that mattered.