A/N - Come on, you guys. 10 reviews for last chapter?? Of course, I value each and every one of them, I'm just kinda wondering where all my readers went. Have I scared you all away with the lack of Jesse-and-Suzeness? Well, I hope I can lure you back with this chapter, full-on fluff. Enjoy!

The Stroke of Midnight

October

Another tall, dark-haired male entered the cafeteria, and my stomach gave yet another somersault, before I realised – for possibly the fiftieth time – that it wasn't Jesse. I sat back down again; taking a sip from my seventh glass of water since I'd arrived, and went back to tapping nervously on the desk.

"Suze," Carrie said, not looking up from the textbook she was reading from. "Will you knock it off? You're driving me insane." I took a deep breath and unravelled the note from Jesse that had been balled up in my hand. I read his black swirly handwriting again and again, looking for some comfort in his words and the fact that he had touched the same piece of paper that I was holding now.

We need to talk.

O.K, I'll admit it. Not the most promising words in the world. And yes, they were generally followed with "I think we should take a break" or "this isn't working out for me", but as Jesse and I were no longer involved in a romantic relationship, I chose to think optimistically. But it was kinda hard telling my nervous stomach that.

I wished that I had the note I had sent him in response to squeeze in my other hand – Jesse's note was currently acting as stress ball. I picked up Carrie's apple – much to her annoyance – and squeezed that, anxiously. She rolled her eyes at me, before turning back to her notes. She had an Art History midterm just around the corner.

Dormitory Cafeteria, I'd written back eagerly. 1:30pm.

It was now 1:45, and I was worried. Jesse was never late; more punctual than I ever was, arriving on – and sometimes even before – the dot, whereas I was consistently running behind. I'd even been late for my own birth.

And then I spotted him – running a tanned hand through his thick, crisp hair as he forced his way past a group of swooning freshmen, and shooting me a dazzling smile as he reached me. He took my cool hands in his, warming them instantly.

"I'm sorry I'm late," he said. "Something came up at the police station just as I was leaving – there was no one to cover me." I shook my head forgivingly, losing myself as always in those dark eyes of his. I clung to his hands, thankful for any display of affection he was giving me, after we'd departed so coldly last month after Paul's arrest.

And speaking of Paul…

"How is he?" I asked, trying not to sound desperate. "Paul, I mean." Jesse shrugged, and, to my disappointment, releasing my fingers.

"He's scared stupid of being in jail," he replied. "I don't think we'll ever have much trouble with him again with drugs. He's awaiting trial for a sentence of three months, but he's on bail, for whoever can afford him. His parents are in Puerto Rico, and it doesn't look like they're in a hurry to return." I smiled sadly. I couldn't help feeling just a little bit sorry for him.

"And what about you?" I continued, waiting patiently for him to snatch my hands up in his again any second. "Are you O.K? What did you want to talk about?"

Jesse smiled at me. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright after the other week in Paul's apartment," he said. "I know it's been a while, but things have been busy at work." I nodded understandingly.

"I'm fine," I answered; I felt like some response was required. And then, fed up of waiting for him, I took his hands and squeezed them apologetically. "I'm sorry for putting you in such an awkward position with Maria, Jesse. I should have never made you choose." Jesse shook his head in disagreement.

"No," he argued. "You were right to force a decision from me. I love you, Susannah; I should have never let a material thing like money get in the way of that…" I kissed his hands.

"It's O.K," I replied. "But have you been cut off? Where are you living? You know, I bet I could convince Carrie to sleep somewhere else – I swear she's in with those sorority girls – and you could stay in my dorm room…" Carrie's head popped up, and Jesse chuckled, pressing a callused finger to my lips.

"Susannah, calm down," he said, gently. "I haven't been cut off just yet – another family crisis has arisen, seemingly more damaging to our family reputation." My eyes widened in surprise.

"What?" I asked, curiously.

"Maria has eloped with a con man," Jesse answered, matter-of-factly. "Felix Diego. It seems to have shamed the family far more than a broken engagement ever could." I couldn't resist smiling, just a little.

"Come outside with me in the sunshine, Susannah," he said, before leading me out of the cafeteria – Carrie checked out Jesse's rear end with interest as we left – and into the courtyard. We sat down on a bench and he held my hand tightly.

"I love you, querida," he continued, his affectionate gaze on me comfortable. "But has your past experience with men – both with me and Paul Slater – forced you to give them up completely?" I chewed on my lip, deciding to tease him.

"I'm pretty sure I have," I replied, a false sad look on my face. I shook my head thoughtfully, looking at my feet. "It's a shame, really."

Jesse let go of my hand again. "Oh," he said, simply, and a quick glance at his face told me he looked bitterly disappointed. I grinned, and stretched my legs across his lap.

"However," I added, looking as if I really had to think about. "I might make an exception in a really special case." Jesse brightened at these words.

"Really?" he asked excitedly, lifting me onto his lap. "Do you mean it?"

"Of course I do, stupid," I replied, wrapping both of my arms around his neck and gazing into those dark pools which stared so earnestly back at me. "I love you. I couldn't possibly love anyone else."

He smiled, showing his level, white teeth, before brushing a piece of hair out of my face, and taking my chin between his thumb and forefinger. He then proceeded to kiss me, just gently at first, and in small intervals, before he gave in completely and deepened the kiss, holding me tightly in his arms. I held on just as firmly, hoping with all my heart that he never, ever let go.