[Eddie's POV]

I opened the door to be greeted by Nora, looking as beautiful and put-together as always. I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and asked for Loren. I didn't want to sound too eager, but I couldn't help it. Her motherly instincts saw right through me.

Melissa was walking down the hall with a video camera wrapped in her hand. "And now, Eddie and Loren's first date…" she announced dramatically as the camera was brought up to her eye. I glanced past her, wanting to see if Loren was ready yet. She was.

I know I told her nothing too fancy, and she had listened. But I was awestruck by her natural beauty like always. She seemed to glide down the hall, even wearing just a pair of dark jeans a simple pink top. But the sweet blush in her cheek and the bright flecks of light in her eyes made me want to smile.

I take Loren's hand in mine and lead her down the hallway. I pull open the passenger side door for her, watching her step in carefully before shutting it behind her. I want this night to go perfectly. Everything's set up and ready to go; now I just have to make sure I don't do anything stupid tonight to mess it up. I'm not sure where I'm going with this relationship, but I know it'll be worth the extra effort.

I pull to a stop and Loren grins when she realizes where we are. Our hill. Our spot. Our spot for thinking, for inspiration, recently for meeting up, and now for a date. We hike up the hill and she's eager to get up to the top, but I hold back. I tug on her arm slightly to slow her down. She turns, her eyes inquisitive and bright.

"Close your eyes, please." I ask nicely. I see her hands tighten into fists hanging by her sides.

"Relax. I just don't want to ruin the surprise." A soft blush creeps up onto her cheeks but she nods curtly, still nervous.

I gently take her by the shoulders and lead her the rest of the way up, careful to stay on the smoothest path. It's still growing darker, nearing full nighttime. We reach our destination. I let go and notice her shoulders automatically bunch together. I knead them softly for a few second, attempting to get her to relax. She doesn't change a thing. But it's okay, because I know she's going to love this night.

[Loren's POV]

Eddie's touch is soft, sweet, and gentle, but I can't help my tightly wound nerves. I don't want to ruin tonight.

I hear a hopeful, soothing voice. "You can open your eyes now."

I open them. I'm shocked and touched. I see a soft blanket resting on the damp grass with an old-fashioned picnic basket sitting on top. There's an iPod with speakers [I guess Eddie's version of a violinist – it's cute]. Music fills the air, adding onto the romantic atmosphere. I can see the stars shining above us, bright dots of white gleaming in the pure almost-darkness.

And then I see Eddie. His usual handsome self – jeans, sneakers, and a dark T-shirt with a black leather jacket thrown on casually. His hair is spiked naturally. But it's his expression that gets to me the most. He looks like a little boy on Christmas morning. Barely able to sit still, excited for what's coming, proud of what he's given, and hoping that it's enough.

But I can see that my reaction's not what he expected, not what he was hoping for. Maybe a laugh, a shriek, an "Ohmygod, I love you"?

"Do you not like it? I thought – I hoped you would." Disappointment is drawn down over his face. The light in his eyes dims until I can barely see it. The speed of his words increases. "I just wanted to make this night special for us. For you. To be alone and have a nice night." He scratches his neck and looks down, mumbling something about Rumour and his dad.

"Eddie." His name escapes my lips in a quiet, nearly imperceptible whisper. He looks up, his expression blank. I shake my head, then nod, unable to decide what I want to say. I walk over slowly and take his hand.

"I love it." And I mean it. I love that he went to any trouble at all for me. He made me feel special, like I'm the only girl in the world, and I love him for it. His eyes brighten up immediately and he's now grinning from ear to ear. I love that smile. I'm unexpectedly pulled into a warm hug. I can feel his heart beating against mine. His muscled arms wrapped tightly around me. His breath on my cheek.

I manage to get two words out. "Thank you." But he pulls away, suddenly embarrassed. I long for the heat again, both physically and figuratively.

He notices my slight shiver. "Are you cold? You probably weren't expecting to stay outside." I can just barely make out a hint of hesitation in his voice. He doesn't wait for an answer and instinctively shrugs off jacket, draping it over my small shoulders. "Well, let's get started." Eddie grins cheerfully, the sweet yet awkward moment behind us. I can't help but smile back.

We laugh over a late dinner of sandwiches and soda. I get to hear stories about his life as the only son of two famous rock stars. And more about his own life as a rock star.

It's getting late, but I barely notice. The full moon is shining down on us. I put my trash away and settle down more comfortably on the blanket. I lean back and flip my hair out of the way, gazing up at the stars. Hoping for a flying one, so I can make my wish.

I just realized that I kind of switched from past to present tense in the beginning... sorry about that.

You might have to wait another chapter or two before any real drama starts. I just want to ease into the stroy first.

Also, each chapter might be a little shorter or longer. I just want to make sure I don't post too much and get stuck, so I'll probably keep a little backup.

Thanks for reading! -shimmeruponwishes