"late-night cravings"(james Aubrey)
Pairing(james aubrey x female reader)
Warning:none
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You werenât sure how you ended up here â sitting in James Aubreyâs car at nearly midnight, parked outside a 24-hour diner. The case had wrapped hours ago, but instead of going home, Aubrey had nudged you with his elbow and said, âWanna grab a bite?â
You didnât have the heart to say no. Or maybe you just didnât want to.
âSo,â Aubrey said, tapping the steering wheel, âbest late-night snack: pancakes or fries?â
You squinted at him. âWhy not both?â
His eyes widened. âYouâre a genius.â
The two of you slid into a red vinyl booth, the overhead lights humming softly. Aubrey immediately ordered pancakes, fries, and a milkshake to split. The waitress barely blinked.
As you waited, you rested your chin in your hand, watching him ramble about the latest horror movie heâd seen. His eyes lit up when he talked, like he got excited about the smallest things. It was⌠endearing.
âSo,â he said, taking a sip of water, âyou gonna tell me whatâs on your mind?â
You blinked. âWhat do you mean?â
Aubrey tilted his head. âYouâve been quiet since we left the lab. Usually, youâre the one making sarcastic comments.â
You shrugged, poking at the napkin dispenser. âJust⌠thinking.â
He leaned forward, his voice softer. âAbout what?â
You hesitated. âThe case, I guess. It just⌠it sucks sometimes.â
Aubrey nodded slowly. âYeah. It does.â He paused, searching your face. âBut you know what doesnât suck?â
You raised an eyebrow. âWhat?â
He grinned. âPancakes.â
As if on cue, the waitress slid the plates onto your table. Aubrey handed you a fork, and you couldnât help but laugh. Somehow, he always knew how to pull you out of your head.
The two of you ate in comfortable silence, the soft clatter of silverware filling the air. Every now and then, your knees would brush under the table, and neither of you moved away.
When the plates were empty and the clock read way too late, Aubrey walked you to your car. You leaned against the door, watching him fidget with his keys.
âThanks for tonight,â you said softly.
He looked up, eyes warm. âAnytime.â
You hesitated for a moment. Then, before you could overthink it, you leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.
Aubrey blinked, face going red. âUh⌠wow. Okay.â He chuckled nervously. âNext time, Iâm buying dessert.â
You smiled, sliding into your car. âItâs a date.â
As you drove off, you caught a glimpse of him in your rearview mirror â standing there, still stunned, and grinning like an idiot.
Maybe late-night cravings werenât so bad after all.
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