"So I take it I'm not Jackie's favorite," Caleb chuckled as he glanced back towards where Ann and Jackie were talking.
"I wouldn't say that," Gloria stammered. "You gotta understand, Jackie's my oldest and probably closest friend. I mean we've known each other since kindergarten."
"Huh always thought you and Sasha were besties?"
"Well Sasha and I didn't really start getting close til high school," Gloria stated. "Pretty much after Ann and Jackie became a couple."
Caleb nodded, once more glancing towards Ann and Jackie. It amazed him how close the two were. "So your aunt is actually an adult right?"
"Yes" Gloria laughed. "I know it gets confusing. She seems to yo yo between teen and adult all the time."
"With an occasional trip to kindergarten," Caleb smirked.
"Thise are usually accidental," Gloria smirked. "By the way, thanks for rushing to help out when I called."
"No problem darling," Caleb smirked. "Although it was real weird seeing my mom as a 6 year old."
"Aw she was adorable though," Gloria chuckled. "The pigtails and the spunky personality really jacked up her cuteness."
"If you say so," Caleb laughed. The hunter now paused as he ran his hand over his cheek. It still stunned him to be almost as old as his parents now, the thirty something year old man surprised by his 5 o'clock shadow. "Man I think I need a shave."
"I don't know," Gloria said, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "I kinda like you with a little bit of scruff. Makes you look dangerous." Caleb simply laughed, noting the mirth in Gloria's voice. "I'll keep that in mind."
"So," Gloria asked. "Any idea what you want for your 18th birthday?"
"Was going to ask you the same thing," Caleb replied. "Can't really think of anything to be honest but I'll be happy with whatever you give. Just don't get anything too expensive. I don't want to be scrambling for yours."
Gloria laughed, promising she would give her boyfriend something simple yet heartfelt. It still struck her as ironic that Calebs birthday was only a few days before hers.
"Happy New Years Caleb," Gloria sighed as she leaned in close to her boyfriend. "I love you."
"Love you to Gloria," he sighed. "More than you could ever imagine."
As Gloria and Caleb now star gazed, Duke and Sasha now found themselves strolling along the beach. Despite the cold weather the two found themselves unbothered. "Knew I shouldn't have worn heels," Sasha grumbled.
Duke glanced down, noting the grown up Sasha hadn't taken her heels off as the two strolled along the beach. Stifling a laugh the damphir, could only shake his head. "Why in the world didn't you take them off?"
"I don't want to go barefoot," Sasha replied. "I mean Jackie already put me in this dress." Duke nodded, noting Sashas golden knee length dress. "Well you look stunning if it helps."
"Thanks," Sasha blushed. The raven haired sorceress now paused, grunting in frustration as she shook sand from her heels. "Screw this," she grumbled, with a wave of her hand the womans heels now transformed into a pair of sneakers. Sasha sighed happily as she smiled at her boyfriend. "Much better."
"If you say so," Duke chuckled. As the couple now walked arm and arm, Duke could feel Sasha lean into him. "Wanted to tell you something," Duke stated, Sasha now glancing up at him. "I decided to join the wrestling team."
"Wrestling team," Sasha asked.
"Caleb and Adam talked me into it," Duke replied sheepishly. "Honestly it sounds like fun."
"You sure about this," Sasha asked curiously. Duke nodded as the two continued to walk. "Sort of," Duke stated. "But Caleb and I have gotten close since, well, our initial meeting."
"Where he tried to kill you."
Duke laughed nodding in response. "Yeah that," he grinned. "To be honest I get it. Its in his nature, he's trained for just that type of scenario. He's apologized now more than once. We've become close friends since then."
"Huh a hunter and a vampire being friends," Sasha smirked. "Bet thats never happened."
"Actually," Duke blushed. "Its happened before. My great uncle who was a damphir actually had a best friend who was a hunter."
"Shut up!"
Duke chuckled softly, as he now smirked at his girlfriend. "My grandfather had a half brother who was a damphir," he said. "Apparently he was pretty powerful to. My father heard about those stories, which is why he courted my mother."
"Wow," Sasha whimpered. "Guess its a good thing your dad paid attention to family history." Duke nodded, the couple pausing before sharing a kiss under the stars. "Lets head back Sasha," Duke said softly. "I want to ring in the New Year with all of our friends."