11:45

James looked around, the sidewalk running alongside a series of apartments and duplexes. He looked at his watch, then pressed a small button. Sighing, he turned and walked up a small set of steps to one of the doors. A quick knock and a buzz later and the door opened. James went inside, closing the door behind him, and ascended the first flight of stairs inside the building, stopping at the landing just as Sarah opened her door.

"What brings you all the way out here?" she asked, stifling a yawn. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine," James replied, stepping forward, closer to her. "I just...wanted to see you."

"See me?" she echoed uncertainly, confusion clear on her face.

"Is Nathan here?" James asked, changing the subject and glancing behind her.

Sarah glanced behind her, then answered, "No, he's at his place. Why?"

James gave no reply, only stepping forward, his arms wrapping around her, drawing her into an embrace. He lifted her head and leaned in, kissing her. He savored the feeling of her lips on his, the warmth of her body pressed against his, the softness of her skin beneath his touch. He held her close for a moment more, until he finally released his grasp.

"James..." she almost sighed. "I didn't... But what about..?"

"All that matters right now is you and me," James replied, pulling her close once more.

They stood there, bathed in the light of her apartment, bodies and minds and hearts as one, until James heard the soft chiming of Sarah's clock announcing midnight. He held on to her for one last moment, one last magical moment of flesh and fire and fate, until she began to fade. He watched as both she and the stairwell around them faded into nothingness.

11:45

James looked around, the sidewalk running alongside a series of apartments and duplexes. He looked at his watch, then sighed and continued his walk down the road to his house in the distance.