Silence

Ethan and Layla sit in silence. The night is calm and peaceful, the only noise to be heard a slight rustle from the breeze. Breathing deeply, Ethan finds some of his lingering exhaustion fading away. Despite being awake, just lingering with Layla on her porch seems to be rejuvenating him. Glancing over at the blonde woman, he catches her gaze on him. Locking eyes, the two stare at each other for several quickening heartbeats.

Layla gives him an awkward smile, hiding her maturity and letting a side of her slip out.

Ethan returns the smile, somehow managing not to make it as awkward as hers.

The shared gaze lasts a moment longer before Layla clears her bats her eyelashes and looks away. "It's late..."

"Yeah..." Ethan shakes his head looking away as well.

"I work in the morning... I should..." she points towards her front door.

"Yeah... Yeah of course..." He starts to stand up, nodding his head.

Layla chews the corner of her mouth, not asking a question.

Ethan looks at her, seeing her not asking a question.