It was later that night. They had found a quiet park, and were sitting together watching the sunset and the stars come out. Resting her head on Nick's chest, Lilia sighed in contentment. His arms were around her protectively and the setting was beautiful She smiled as he brushed stray hair out of her face, kissed the top of her head, and leaned down to whisper to her.

"Will you sing for me?" he asked. She was shocked by the request.

"No," she said simply.

"Why not? I heard you that one time. You were beautiful," he said.

"Flattery will get you everywhere, except hearing me sing right now. It's not you or anything Nick, but I just decided that I was only going to sing for myself, for me. I mean, before I loved singing of course, but it got to the point where it was for everyone else. For Premiere, for my aunt, the people that came to listen to us, the talent scouts, record guys. It wasn't the same as when I was nine, singing all alone in the restaurant, with no one else to listen. Then it was only for me, for my happiness, for myself. It was more meaningful that way," she explained.

"Maybe one day, you won't be so decidedly against it," he challenged. She let it slide, and nestled back in to his arms, enjoying the warmth and comfort she found there. A few moments of silence passed.

"A penny for your thoughts."

"My thoughts are worth a lot more than a penny. What's wrong, Carter, afraid to have me quiet for so long?" she asked, smiling up at him.

"You just seem so contemplative. I, however, am more than willing to share my thoughts with you," he said, and smiled as he heard the anticipated "What else is new" comment from the woman in his arms.

"Do you want to hear it or not?" he asked.

"Go for it. Since I'm so contemplative and quiet, you might as well fill the silence," she said.

"I was just thinking about how I don't really want to go back to work tomorrow. You know, fan conferences and interviews, and I know the main question that everyone is going to be asking me," he said.

"And that would be?"

"If I'm single."

"And the problem is where?"

"I don't really know the answer. No, wait, listen. Everyone, meaning everyone on the tour, knows we're together, but that's all. That we are together. But, officially, what are we? We've been together for two weeks now, and every time I mention 'girlfriend', you flip and become Ms. Denial," he explained. She sighed and sat up so she could look into his eyes.

"Nick, I'm a firm believer in one day at a time. I've done the official titles and long range plans and the PDA's that are merely for the public, not the affection. I've had it all before and I just…want to take it one day at a time. Just be together, without complicating things," she explained.

"I'm sorry, Lilia. I forgot all about that…" he trailed off, not really knowing what to say. She sighed, leaning back on him, and gazed back up at the stars.

"Sometimes I feel guilty for not thinking about him. But these past few weeks, I haven't. Not once. But I don't feel guilty at all. It's really weird, and kind of scary," she said, turning back to face Nick. "It's scary to think that just being with you helps me forget. But then I think, it's not really him that I'm forgetting. It's the sadness and the pain. You do that for me. But dammit, I don't want you to have to feel like you have to watch your step around me, like anything you say will set me off on a grief trip. I hardly ever break down, and that one time with Jacki…well, I was overdue a good freak out on that girls ass. But anyway, I'm babbling. You don't have to watch what you say or do. Just be yourself."

"That's all I can be with you. Trust me, I've tried, but I just can't do the whole aloof-snobby-famous-guy around you. It just doesn't work with you," he said. She touched his cheek and kissed him, sighing with happiness. She eased back into his arms, her head by his neck, and focused her gaze back up at the stars.

"What a magnificent view. You can see every star from here," she breathed.

"Ever wish on one?" he asked.

"Who doesn't? My favourite was always the North Star, the biggest and brightest. I figured anyone who wished on it was bound to have their wish come true," she said.

"Really? And what was that wish?"

"I can't tell you. It won't come true," she reminded.

"Oh, come one," he whined.

"Fine, fine. My wish was always to, well, meet my mother. I never did, you know. I just wish I could have talked to her, just once. I mean, my aunt was okay, but it's just not the same, you know?" she said, sighing.

"What about your father? Did you know him?" Nick asked innocently.

"When and if I do, it would be only so that I could spit in his face and tell him how much I hate him," she said fiercely. She felt Nick's arms tighten protectively around her and she relaxed.

"I hope I never get on your bad side," he whispered.

"Nick, you were, about two weeks ago. Remember?" she asked, grinning.

"I don't think I'll ever be able to forget that. I think my face is still stinging," he said.

"Maybe I can help with that," she said, as she tilted his face down to kiss him.