Since all of the friends he had made in Boston were adults with jobs and lives, and some even had families, they were not able to all get together but a few times a year. Sometimes there were smaller groups that gathered, but Simon typically skipped those. Easy enough to claim that he had to finish a piece or had a big deal to close.

None of these friends knew his biggest secret, the one he had so casually spilled to Jeffrey on the first night they'd met. But he would not take it back now, nor did he wish to. Jeff having this knowledge allowed him to feel secure in their relationship, even if it was fleeting.

He had sent in his orders for Matthew the butcher weeks before, this time preparing everything the night before. This way he could be more active, more social at this gathering than he had been at the last one. It also helped that his boyfriend was forming connections in the catering world, helping Simon acquire proper hors d'oeuvres for those who needed human food.

Simon had anticipated seeing Jeffrey differently since their hunt together, but it hadn't happened. It was as if having knowledge of the instincts buried within Jeff had only deepened his attraction to him, not repulsed him as he had been worried for. They didn't spend every night together, and Simon had quite a bit of 'work' to catch up on before the party. Two heists back to back, and though neither ran into any issues, it was still stressful.

[Text Rose:] Sorry, Ava. 😬

[text: Jeffrey] You can keep calling her Philly if you want

[text: Jeffrey] Good. Very good.

[text: Jeffrey] We have a routine now, and I'm still getting tons of studying time in. Big test coming up, and if I fail, back to city hopping, probably

Did you part amicably with most of them?

Is there anyone you think back to with a...particular fondness? You know, the one who got away kinda deal?

(don't worry, I don't get jealous about the past)

If you say you are not jealous, I have no reason to disbelieve you. And yet it, it is human nature, is it not?

No one yet on my the one who got away list. But I am young. You are young. In respect to our respective lifespans.

I knew I was gay when I lived with my parents. But I didn't date, or was close to anyone then. When I left, I became a house boy (a rent boy?) to several older men. I don't count them as exes, but they are part of my experiences.

My last ex, the wizard, is one you'll meet at the upcoming party. It just didn't work, nothing wrong with him. If you jump ship to him, I wouldn't mind. He's very nice. Sometimes a little too prescient on what others are about to do. But I am glad we are still able to friends now.

I've told you I dated an elder vampire. He was a touch too demanding, even for my people pleasing sensibilities.

There were a few exes that only lasted a few months. I actually don't have many that lasted a year. That might say more about me than them.

A type? Someone bold enough that they won't only do what I say, or what I want. Not that my requests are very intense, but I'd rather not be the one coming up with all of the ideas. You know that about me by now. A result of making so many decisions in my 'day job', I think.

Was it quite the affair or something?

I've been so curious about how you guys grew up. I mean, I know you two had completely different childhoods.

Oh my god, I am going to strangle Simon!

It wasn't that exciting, he probably oversold it because it was funny to everyone else but me.

My fangs came in at 15, not too young or old for us. But we all think of it as the coming of age time. Like a bar or bat mitzvah or quinceañera. I was asked what I wanted to do, and I wanted a big party. One that went through the whole night, not stopping until sunrise. My moms helped, but I did a lot of the planning and coordinating myself.

It was the first time Simon had seen his parents in person since he'd left home. Made one part of the night a little awkward, but things went smoothly after that.

Until I was peer pressured. By Simon, and Caleb and Carter my closest in age brothers. They wanted me to try spiked blood and I kept arguing that I didn't want to, but it was just for one night, not for forever.

I gave in. Then proceeded to throw up blood all over my very pretty dress and the the snack table. Not a very glamorous story. The boys all thought it was the funniest shit they'd ever seen. I was so mad I punched Simon in the nose. Broke it, but also bruised my hand.

It all worked out fine, my sisters brought me a human to eat and it did make me feel better. I haven't touched high or drunk blood since. I don't think I'm missing out on anything, and I know you can't metabolize it anyway, so not like you could tell me if I was.

What about your most successful?

I'll start with the most successful, as it's the shorter story. It was a commission heist by someone with a net worth neither of us will see, even if we both live to a thousand. The rich get what they want, and they wanted a Rothko. Not my taste, but this piece was in a smaller museum, and not for sale. It was my first, and only, low 7-figure take. Not typical for this line of work, but the buyer got it at a steal considering what it could be worth at auction. I bought my house with my cut, all cash.

My favorite was my first heist in Boston with my first crew. It took me quite a few years to settle down here, and then I was hustling with smaller pieces. Doing it alone, relying on no one. I had few contacts, and was eager to grow both my clientele list and potential marks.

The pieces I wanted to take were far more involved than I was ready for. So I worked my way into the underground, befriending those that were already beholden to other bosses. And I poached them. It was a slow process, over months, but I grew a decent reputation, and I always paid them well.

Boys just make you cry, who needs them?