“Oh, sweetheart!” Ace waved you over his the booth excitedly, his lopsided smile never failing even after he recognized the bit of irritation on your face as you walked through the near empty bar. It was just Ace alone in the booth, for everyone else had left, and Marco explained that he refused to leave unless you picked him up- at 1 in the morning.

Ace scooted to the edge of the booth, swaying a bit he grabbed your hand in both of his like he was pleading with you.

“I know I said I wasn’t gonna drink thaaat much tonight, and I know you’re so very mad at me, but I just had a margarita for the first time, and it was—whoa.” Ace felt himself falling forward as you helped him out of the booth, holding his hand tightly as you helped him stand upright.

Ace’s arm came around your waist as he tried to steady himself with a dopey smile on his face.

“Been missing you the whole time too. You and your cute face.”