"Holy shit, I've got lipstick on my teeth and you didn't even tell me." Raven boomed from the passenger seat, a compact in her hand.

I tutted heavily, flicking my indicator down to turn left.

"Hello? I can't look. Do you want to crash and die?" I retorted before making my way into the driveway. Exiting the car, I adjusted the nude-coloured dress I was wearing. We were currently parked outside Danny and Amelia's house.

"Don't worry, Alexis, you're looking so good, you're making me question the integrity of my relationship with Mason." She spoke out, shutting the door and I laughed at her words.

I brushed my hair behind my ear.

"Speaking of which, I haven't seen him." I questioned and Raven rolled her eyes, coming over to my side.

"He forgot to get them a gift, so he's gone rushing over there now." She said bluntly and I rolled my eyes. That was so typical of Mason.

It was the day after Danny's and Amelia's wedding anniversary- a year since they got married. They had spent the day in each other's company, but today we were all going to celebrate together.

I smiled at the memories. It seemed as though it was just yesterday that they had gotten married. I was one of the bridesmaids, so was Raven and Savannah and a couple of Amelia's friends. Danny had a complete breakdown, not being able to pick a best man from Aaron and Justin, so just ended up having his dad as his best man. I still remember the tantrum he threw when he didn't know how to do his bowtie for the wedding reception and Aaron had to do it for him.

"Okay, you stand here smiling in the cold, I'm gonna take my ass inside." Raven grumbled out, her burgundy dress hiking up as she all but stomped to the door and I chuckled before following after her.

Knocking on the door, I drummed idly against my phone, smiling at the sound of Raven huffing in impatience. The door opened revealing a very drunk Drake. He grinned sleazily, ushering us both in with flailing hands before running into the kitchen area. I shook my head. The party had only started 15 minutes ago and Drake was already drunk. Well, I guess that was how he numbed out his recent breakup. They had been together for around 6 months and she left him without so much as a text. Oh, and how Drake repeatedly likes to mention, by stealing his coffeemaker- his only one true love.

Raven pulled me along to the living area and I smiled when my eyes landed on Amelia, rushing up to her as fast as I could with the heels I was wearing. She squealed as we met in a big hug.

"Hey, Alexis, you look great! I hope you got here okay." She commented, drawing back and I grinned at her words.

"Thanks, you look so good too." I replied as I looked her up and down with a smile. She was a bit more modest than what Danny had usually gone for. She was wearing jeans with a cute cold shoulder top and flats. I watched as she exchanged greetings with Raven before turning her gaze on me, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Where's Aaron. You didn't come together?" She questioned and I shook my head, smiling at Raven as she handed me a drink.

"No, he had to work late. He said he's gonna go home and freshen up and then make his way over here. He'll probably be home right now. He might be here in 10 minutes or so." I explained before taking a sip and Amelia nodded before speaking.

"That man really loves his job." She commented and I smiled at her words. She was right on that account. It was surprising, but Aaron's work ethic had indeed changed over time. He had become involved with business, after University and had joined his uncle's company and he worked hard to get to being promoted to financial advisor. Nevertheless, there was never a time where he let it affect his personal life, he made sure of that.

I, on the other hand, didn't have as tiresome a schedule. I worked as a research associate in health and disease and I was proud to say I loved my job. It helped, not only gain awareness on different diseases, but also allowed me to contribute in combating illnesses that I knew all too much about.

Amelia turned, ushering us to follow.

"Daniel's in the garden." She said and we followed her outside. At first, I couldn't see him through the amount of people that stood around. We had called friends and family to celebrate the occasion and, needless to say, there was a lot of people.

I heard him before I saw him. His booming voice was distinct from all the others, his laughter deep and loud. I smiled as I saw him and his gaze landed on me. He dropped his cup and I watched as the person, he was talking to, scurried back from the sudden action. I smiled as he rushed over to me, gripping me in a tight yet familiar bear hug.

"Alexis! I missed you! It's been ages! Where have you been!" He exclaimed and I choked from the lack of oxygen. Thankfully, he pulled back and I grinned at him.

"I missed you too! But, it's only been 3 days." I let out, putting one side of his shirt collar down. Danny swatted my hand, a pout on his face.

"Don't change it! I wanted it like that." He whined and I raised an eyebrow at this, folding my arms.

"Oh really? One collar was up, why would you want it like that?" I questioned curiously but, as per usual, I was dreading the answer. Danny put his collar back to the original way, a concentrated look on his face.

"Quora said that collars down give a neat and groomed look while up collars give off a ruggish and messy badboy look. I didn't know which one to go for, so I went for both." He explained, a look of triumph on his face and I didn't have the heart to quash his happiness, so I nodded.

"Well, you hit the nail right on the head." I commented and Danny's eyebrows furrowed at this, a look of pain on his face as he processed my words.

"I built something?" He questioned, shock and awe evident in his eyes and I rolled my eyes, opening my mouth to speak, but Raven interrupted.

"Oh, am I just a piece of furniture? Give me a hug, idiot." She said before hugging Danny tightly and he hugged back. I think it was only Raven who could take his brute strength.

And, that was saying something considering Danny had gotten stronger in the last couple of years. At his tender age of 24, Danny was already very big, his tanned physique was very muscular. His blonde hair, that used to flop into his eyes, was now brushed back. He wore a white collared shirt and I could see his muscles bulging through it. Danny worked as a personal trainer and the job matched his passions completely.

Amelia, on the other hand, worked as a teacher, so both were well off. They were probably the most loved up and mushy couple out of all of us and I laughed, remembering how many times Justin would leave the room when they looked at each other with 'goo goo' eyes. Well, that was how Raven put it before warning Mason that she would give him an upper cut if he ever looked at her in that manner.

Raven and Mason were on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Danny and Amelia. They acted more like friends, but everyone could tell that they loved each other. Rarely, would I see them hold hands or hug, but I knew how much they cared for each other. They didn't want to get married like Danny and Amelia. Both of them didn't believe in marriage and felt like being with each other was more than enough. Raven currently worked at a beauty salon and Mason as a computer technician.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind.

"Alexis." Was the only word that left his mouth, but I smiled, immediately recognising his voice. I turned around before wrapping my arms around him. His body tensed at this and I smiled at the fact that he still wasn't used to such things even after all this time. Hesitantly, his arms wrapped around mine and I laughed.

"Justin." I said simply, acknowledging him with a smile and he drew back before looking at me with his cool grey gaze.

"I heard you and Aaron went to a check up a week ago." He said bluntly, his face blank, but by now I could read his emotions. The concern was evident in his tone.

I smiled, shaking my head.

"No, I'm fine. I was unwell, so Aaron got really worried. Nothing was wrong. I'm all clear." I explained and he nodded his head, his gaze looking off into the distance. I looked down to his attire. A black v neck with black jeans to accompany it. Justin hadn't changed much at all. He was still the caring yet protective male he had always been. I tutted before touching his hand and he gazed at me at the sudden contact.

"Justin, I'm telling you I'm fine. Trust me." I consoled to which Justin looked back into the distance, his stance rigid. I knew what it was. After my operation, the doctor had said there was a risk that I would reject the bone marrow and I have been going to check ups since. Over the last few years, I had been going less frequently, but in this past month, the boys were worrying more because I had gotten sick.

Justin sighed deeply at my words, his hold on my hand tightening only slightly before he let go. He turned his full gaze on me before managing a small smile. But, it was still undoubtedly breathtaking.

"I get that. I think I just care too much." He let out bluntly, not realising how much it made me smile. I nudged his arm affectionately.

"I think, I suffer from the same problem when it comes to you." I replied and he smiled at my words.

His eyes flitted to Savannah as she came to our side, greeting me with a tight hug. I smiled at the sight of them; despite their relationship ending, their friendship had only flourished in these past years. Given that Savannah didn't have a job at the moment, she spent much of her time volunteering at church. Justin worked as a chartered accountant and to say he excelled in his job was an understatement. Right now, they both were single, having broken up 3 years prior due to their differences, but were very amicable.

"Where's Aaron?" Justin asked, turning to me and I opened my mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the devil himself.

"Right here." He spoke and his deep voice sent shivers down my spine. I hadn't seen him for a day and a half now because he was busy with a presentation for work and, needless to say, I missed him like crazy. I stilled when my gaze landed on him. He walked in our direction, his ocean eyes on me. He was wearing a navy blue smart shirt and his midnight black hair flopped carelessly onto his face. I smiled and he smiled back, his gorgeous gaze fixed on me. The look of his smile evoked so many memories from 3 months ago and I felt the heat rise to my cheeks.

*****

"Why are we here?" I questioned yet again, smiling when he wrapped his arms around me from behind. The familiar warmth of him made my heartbeat race faster. I looked to the side and my eyes met his.

"Why are we in Dubai? Or, why do we exist?" Aaron questioned and I nudged him with an elbow. He laughed before speaking.

"I wanted to take you out. Sue me." He retorted and I felt the need to elbow him again. Raising an eyebrow, I turned to him, looking at him expectantly.

Aaron covered his face with his hands, groaning in frustration.

"Don't do that. Don't give me that look" He complained and my eyebrows furrowed at his words.

"What look?" I questioned curiously and Aaron moved his hands away from his face before putting them around my waist.

"It's this look you give me when you want to know something. I can't explain it, you look so beautiful and it makes me feel strange. It scares me." He explained and I felt the need to blush, but pursed my lips and looked down, a look of mock seriousness on my face.

"Oh, so I'm scary now, is it?" I joked, but Aaron panicked, moving me closer into his arms.

"No no! I didn't mean that!" He let out and I laughed before making my way off the balcony and into the living room of the apartment we were currently staying at. Aaron had brought us to Dubai so spontaneously; he had only told me 2 days in advance. He had given me no reason. Currently, we were on day 3 of being here and I was having the time of my life. We had gone and seen a lot of attractions, gone to the beaches, museums, quad-biking and I was enjoying myself so much. Only, I still didn't know what incited such a trip. It wasn't my birthday nor was it his. It wasn't any holiday occasion or anything, so I was left completely confused.

"Where are you going, princess?" He called out from behind me and I pointed towards the bedroom without saying anything. I heard him coming up behind me.

Making my way, I smelt the room before I saw it. Roses. I walked in, shocked to see the whole room scattered with roses and scented candles set up everywhere. The smell of sugared vanilla hit my nose and I smiled.

"I didn't plan for you to come into the room this early." Aaron's voice came from behind me and he entered the room, shutting the door behind him. I didn't say anything and looked to him for an explanation, a shocked look on my face. Aaron moved in front of me, a small smile on his gorgeous face as he scratched the back of his neck- a habit of his when he was nervous. He moved closer and I felt the aching need to melt into his arms, but I stayed rooted, waiting for his response.

He looked at me with burning blue eyes, his gaze scanning me and I felt suddenly wary of myself. Did I have something on my face? I looked down at my attire. I was currently wearing a mid-thigh white floral dress. Aaron had said we'd be going out to eat this evening, so I dressed up for the occasion, my brown hair in loose curls. I let out a deep breath when his hand touched my face and he moved even closer, his face leaning in. His lips touched mine and I felt my whole being react to his touch. I immediately responded. Our lips moved in perfect synchronisation, our bodies melding together as if they were meant to be. He reached behind me, his hands slowly encircling my waist and pulled me tight against his chest. My own hands entangled in his soft locks that were always too tempting to touch. His lips were soft, but firm over mine and I smiled at the intensity of it. I could feel the emotions he was trying to relay to me. Love. He smiled in response before pulling back, but still holding me close. His fingers grazed against my cheek.

"Why does everything about you drive me crazy?" He murmured and I blushed deeply at his words, gazing down. He laughed quietly before tipping my chin up, making me look him in the eyes. I looked at the smile on his face; his kiss on my mind. He kissed my forehead quickly before speaking.

"It's been almost 7 years that we've known each other, but it doesn't seem like it. Honestly, I feel like I've known you for decades, but it also feels like just yesterday was the day we met. It's weird, isn't it?" He questioned and I opened my mouth to speak, but he put a finger to my lips.