"I Won't Ever Say Goodbye", MT Jones

The Pearl was quite packed for a Tuesday and the waiters sneaked between groups of patrons with trays full of glasses. Pauline was the one who brought us our beverages. "Sorry for the wait, Elise," she said.

"We are not in a hurry. It is perfectly alright. Thank you, Pauline."

James passed me my glass, and I took a sip of wine.

"How is Lucas doing?" I asked Amaury.

After a few months with us, Lucas had settled into his new condition as a vampire. It had been quite an ordeal for Aidan to witness his struggle and, when Lucas had felt better, he had urged us to take some vacation. He had told us he was fine and that he would stay with James and Amaury. Reluctantly we had finally left for two weeks and we had just gone back on Sunday.

"He's fine. He was really happy that you took some time together." Amaury sighed. "You know him. He felt guilty and didn't want to be a burden. Of course, we told him constantly that it was not the case."

I nodded. "Let me guess. You told him that, whereas James started deflecting with a sarcastic comment and then hugged him like the sappy ball of fluff he is?"

James looked outraged.

"You did hug him," Amaury said with a grin.

"Traitor," James snarled. And looking at me: "I'm so glad you're back. When's your next trip?"

I tilted my head and smiled. "I know you love me."

James made a dismissal hand move and went back to his beer.

"Anyway," Aidan said, trying not to laugh. "Thank you for taking care of him while we were gone."

"So, where did you go exactly again?" James asked, seizing the opportunity to change the subject.

"We did a road trip on the Mediterranean coast," I said.

Amaury raised his eyebrows. "Really? I thought you hated cars."

"I do. But I love watching Aidan drive. I find it quite hot."

At these words, James choked on his drink. Aidan couldn't help a cute self-satisfied smile, and Amaury snorted. "I see," my best friend said.

I chuckled and snuggled against Aidan who took the opportunity to put an uncharacteristically protective arm around my shoulders.

James narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?" He said. "What did you do with our Elise?"

I grinned. "I often told you, sweetheart. I'm a multi-faceted being."

"Right. And, A., wipe this cocky smile off of your face."

I laughed and kissed Aidan's cheek. "Let's dance!" I said, taking Aidan's hand and pushing him towards the dancefloor.

We then slow-danced lazily, and I nestled against him as if nobody were around. And at the end of the song, I pulled away, took his hand, made him turn around, and dipped him. Surprised, he grabbed my arm so he would not fall and laughed.

"You deserve to be cherished, my love," I whispered in his ear, leaning over him.

"I love you so fucking much," he said and kissed me.