Soft music created a tender background in the fancy place where Gaz’s engagement party was held, a pleasant contrast to the usual harsh tension of their lives. Simon had dressed in black slacks and a crisp shirt of the same color, the first three buttons left unbuttoned.

Even his own self was surprised by showing up looking completely elegant, different, out of his usual uniforms and gears.

Turning to look at you — you looked much the same — body hugged by a simple yet elegant black dress, a slit complimenting your legs. Tonight, you were the real definition of seduction and elegance.

Everyone was seated around the long table next to their partners, each with a glass of wine in hand, sharing chats, while Gaz moved gracefully around the room with his fiancée. Simon watched it all with a detached curiosity, yet there was a flicker of something he couldn’t quite name.

A strange feeling of distance, something he hadn’t noticed until now. He had shared late nights with you, between sweat and heat; touches and kisses that you’d both forgotten the very next day.

It had been simple, or at least he wanted it to be. No attachments, pure physical stress relief.

But right now, seeing everyone else look so softened in their closeness, a glimpse of longing flashed past him as you seated right next to him, sipping innocently from your glass of wine.

A trail of your perfume caught his senses as you leaned forward to speak with someone across the table, and without even thinking, he reached a hand under the table, his fingers trailing softly against your thigh exposed by the dress’ slit.

Simon met your startled gaze, and leaned to whisper into your ear, “You look beautiful.” His deep voice came out strangely tender, his thumb tracing slow circles over your warm and smooth skin.