cras amet qui nunquam amavit

Marissa been in New York for the past few months since they were finally released, taking over her aunt’s fashion company since she didn’t have any heirs to pass off too, she accepted the job. Knowing her parents were a bit upset about it but seeing her happy was what they always wanted. Standing there holding onto her son’s hand, dressed in a summer dress from the heat, the brunette turned to look at the male. “Long time huh?”

Though by no means hostile to the sound, Eric does not smile instantly upon hearing Marissa’s voice. A reaction owed to no fault of her own but rather to Eric’s imbedded distance. Pleasantries, to him, weren’t reflex. So instead he looks to his side where she stood, draped in a charming sundress, to quickly regard both her words and presence, “There was awhile there where I figured they wouldn’t let us leave. Still surprised they did, frankly. So, yeah,” he nods his head, looking back to Alexander. “... it’s been much longer than I had ever considered... Where was it you headed to again? New York?”

His heart slams against his chest and he looks out to Alexander only to calm his nerves. Eric had no ring on him, no idea what his next words might be, but regardless, the thought had been with him, gentle, unobtrusive, and wanted for months now---so he sat by her side and gave, with the slightest nervous smirk, not a proposal, but a question:

                                    “Would you marry me?”

“Non seulement tout point.” Eric retorted with a lazy smirk, wrapping his free arm around her waist mischievously, “Oh, Alex looks tired? Really? Well I’ve been chauffeuring this charmer from person to person all evening. If anyone get’s the exhaustion badge, it’s me. You’ve made him far too affable.”

Eric looked down at Alex, who in response, looked up at him, “Only a few meltdowns, so I'm sure he did. There were lots of hugs, and lots of food by any means.”

Eric noted the girl’s bright optimism, or at least, what would be very positive pleasantries, because clearly there were some miserable faces mulling about. Wedding’s always had some misery tailing them. “Yeah,” He answered, “That’s me. And this is Alex, and--- you're new. Beca showed you around the island or something?”

“Yes, because, statistically speaking, one day we will run out of unmarried couples -- at least, those I’m willing to dress like a clown for -- and when that day comes, you’ll be damn sorry you made jokes at me. I’ll burn this thing out of spite if I have to get the point across.” Eric smiled lightly into her kiss,  “Want us to wait?”

“I’m sure if you had been willing to grab the cheap stuff, no one would’ve had the balls to call you out, Mike. Perk of a wedding -- well that, and you know, actually getting married and all." Eric adjusted Alex on his hip, "How is it, by the way? Being married?”

“And it’s that attitude right there,” Eric retorted, “That’s responsible for why you’re never going to see me in one again. Take one last lingering look, mon chérie. The Davies-Moore boys are off to hit the well-deserved hay -- aren’t we, bud? Yeah, hang up these threads for good.”