Aidan

When Lucas calmed down, I asked him if he would feel better at The Pearl.

He hesitated for a second and then answered: "Actually, yes. I haven't mixed in a while. I...I would love that."

I smiled. "That's a great idea. It's important to keep on doing things that bring you joy and are an opportunity to express yourself."

"Like your painting," he said.

"Yes. It's James who gave me my first canvas and brushes, you know. That day changed my life. Before that, I had nothing. Before him, I had nothing."

Lucas tilted his head. "I didn't know this story. That's beautiful. You guys, your friendship is something else."

I lowered my head and ran a hand through my hair. "Yep. You can say that."

When I crossed Lucas' gaze again, he averted his eyes. "I'm so glad I have you. I know that Stanislas...," He trailed off. "That it was not the same for you."

I nodded, and he continued. "Have you talked to him since... since that day?"

"No."

He put a hand on my arm, and I wrapped his in mine with a smile. I didn't want to linger on that so I changed the subject. "Alright, let's go to the club now."

Lucas put on a more club-appropriate outfit and we went to The Pearl.

We immediately took the stairs to Elise's office to see Melyn. My puppy was dozing in his basket buried in comfy blankets and was making adorable noises. I felt an amount of affection for the animal I had not anticipated. I was never tired of watching him, even if everyone was making fun of me for it.

"Can I pet him?" Lucas asked.

"Of course. But be careful, he scares easily."

Lucas sat on the floor beside the basket and gently extended his hand. He brushed his thumb over the puppy's head, who wiggled and leaned into his touch. Lucas lifted his head towards me with a bright smile.

"He likes you," I said.

I sat on the couch and let Lucas stroke Melyn softly, entering the sort of contented trance that I knew so well since my first encounter with the small animal. I didn't understand why but to keep him safe made me feel safe. And I could see he had the same effect on Lucas.

After a moment, Elise opened the door and closed it very quietly when she saw us. "Everything's okay?" she whispered in my ear. I nodded and nuzzled her neck. She kissed my temple and sat with me.

When Lucas was ready, we left Melyn, still sound asleep, and joined Anna in the main room of the club. James was not there, and I had the pleasure of seeing the love of my life perform on stage. Not that I didn't like James' Saturday night challenges. He's a superstar. But she's my goddess.

Lucas accompanied her. There were darker shades in the color of his eyes but there were also genuine glimpses of joy, even though fleeting.