Bella Notte

The blanket of stars twinkled beautifully against the black velvety sky as the budding lovers shared their first kiss. The butterflies in their stomachs fluttered about furiously and they couldn't help but quiver with an overflowing feeling of blissful contentment. Doc couldn't keep his hand still as he caressed the nape of Clara's neck – he felt so…happy and terrified and sick all at once. The couple parted, their eyes perpetually sparkling 'neath the moon. Doc turned bright scarlet, and even though his mouth bore a bashful smile, he could not bring himself to look at the beautiful woman he had just expressed his undeniable love for. Smiling warmly, she gently touched his hand.

" Emmett," she whispered. " That was the most wonderful kiss I have ever received."

" Same here," he admitted. " Not unless you count the kisses my mother gave me."

Clara laughed and gave him a light, playful nudge. The couple continued to watch the stars in silence. The full white moon gleamed brilliantly in the darkness and he shone with unbearable pride. His countless children shimmered and danced around him, filling their onlookers with a magical feeling that neither of them had ever experienced before. The Doc grinned at Clara, his heart beating faster and faster. He picked up his bag, which he'd brought with him. Clara watched him curiously while he rummaged through it. Then he pulled out a covered dish.

" Hope you're hungry," he said and uncovered the plate. The smell of tomatoes, onions, cheese and meat billowed out, surrounding the pair in its delicious aroma.

" What is it?" Clara cried, amazed.

" It's spaghetti and meatballs. It's a vastly popular dish from Italy. I'm quite partial to it," he explained. He took a spoon, dug it in the pasta and shoved it into his mouth. " It's delicious! Please, try some."

" All right," she muttered uncertainly.

Doc handed her a knife and fork. Because she had never seen pasta before in her life, he taught her how to cut it up and twist it around the fork. Although she wasn't that good at it, she genuinely enjoyed this strange and wonderful concoction of unknown food.

" This food is heavenly!" she cried after several minutes. She savoured every bite so she would remember this night for the rest of her life. " Emmett, I didn't you were such a good cook!"

" Neither did I," he joked. " Try the meatballs. You'd love them! Here. I'll give you some of mine."

He scooped three of his meatballs and plonked them on Clara's side of the plate. She smiled again, slurping a long strand of the spaghetti, her heart bursting with happiness. Doc gathered a bit and brought his fork to his mouth. They chewed hungrily on their strips until their lips met in the middle. They'd been eating the same piece of spaghetti! Instantaneously pulling away, they blushed and laughed. And Doc? He couldn't help noticing that familiar feeling of déjà vu. He was somehow reminded of a scene in a movie he once saw a long time ago in the future. But his memory failed him, as it so often did, and could not the recall the title. What did he know was that night was the most bella notte he'd ever known, because he'd shared with someone he hoped to be with for all time.