Always and Forever || LUCAS SCOTT [3]

2006 ― Manhattan, New York

Aurora James stood in the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, the grand space humming with quiet energy as her ballet class moved through its routine. The expansive studio, lined with tall mirrors and wide windows, was filled with disciplined movements and the rhythmic sound of pointe shoes tapping against the marble floor. She was in her second semester at Juilliard, fully immersed in the grueling but exhilarating experience. The program was even more intense than she had anticipated, pushing her to her limits, but she welcomed the challenge. She was learning, growing—becoming the dancer she had always dreamed of being.

"Take five, guys!" their instructor called out, signaling a brief reprieve.

The students dispersed, some stretching, others gulping down water, all reaching for their phones to check the outside world. Aurora made her way toward her duffel bag, feeling the vibration of an incoming call before she even reached it. Without glancing at the caller ID, she swiped the screen and answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's me."

The familiar voice sent warmth surging through her chest, and a wide smile immediately spread across her face. Slipping out into the hallway for some privacy, she leaned against the cool wall, already feeling her heart race with excitement.

"Hey! I've been trying to call you all morning before I got to class. I watched the game highlights online," she told him, voice laced with regret for missing it. "I wish I could've been there. I've just been so swamped."

"Yeah, me too," Lucas admitted, his voice carrying an edge of longing. "But I remember you said the program is really extensive and intense, so I understand. I'm so proud of you, you know?... So what are you wearing?"

Aurora's face flushed instantly. Even after all this time, Lucas still had the ability to make her feel like a love-struck teenager. She glanced around the hallway, making sure no one was nearby before whispering into the phone.

"Luke, I can't do that right now. I'm in the middle of class, we're just taking a break," she reminded him, biting back a grin.

"I'm thinking..." he began, his tone teasing yet confident, "those black high-waisted leggings you love, and the crop top that I got you before you left—the white one. And your hair's pulled back into a low bun." Aurora's mouth parted slightly in surprise, her gaze drifting down at herself. Every single detail was spot on.

"Whoa... you're amazing," she murmured, equal parts impressed and endeared.

"Yes, I am," Lucas replied smugly. That was when she noticed his voice sounded closer. A shift in the air made her turn instinctively. And then she saw him.

Lucas was there.

Walking toward her, his blue eyes fixed solely on her, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. Her phone was out of her hand in an instant as she bolted toward him, throwing her arms around his neck. "Lucas, oh my god, hi! I can't believe you're here."

His arms wrapped tightly around her, holding her against him as he let out a small laugh. "Yeah, well... since you couldn't come to see me—" Before he could finish his sentence, she cut him off with a kiss. It was urgent, full of relief and pent-up longing, the kind of kiss that made the months apart fade into nothing. Lucas responded just as eagerly, his hands tightening around her waist, his heartbeat thudding against hers.

"Hi," she breathed against his lips when they finally pulled away, her giggle light and breathless.

"Hi," he whispered back, gazing down at her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered. "Sorry for the imposition, but I just needed to see you."