Love song

chapter five

After a smooth landing, Aurelia and Arthur made their way to the Plaza Hotel, where Aurelia confidently checked them in. Arthur looked around the grand lobby, impressed. "So, this is your connection at work, huh?" he asked, grinning.

She shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I have... a friend or two."

The receptionist handed them their room keys, and as they reached their suite, Aurelia threw open the door with a flourish. The room was spacious and elegantly decorated, with two twin beds neatly made up on either side of the room. She hesitated for a second, then turned to him with a casual smile.

"Alright, so this is cozy," she said, hoping she sounded confident. "Twin beds — but, you know, it's like we're *roommates*," she added, trying to inject a playful tone.

Arthur smirked, raising an eyebrow. "So, I don't get a five-star invitation to share your bed then?"

Aurelia's eyes widened. "What? I mean... unless... um, unless you *want* to?" she blurted out, instantly regretting it. "I'm kidding! I totally didn't mean... unless... Ugh, no, definitely joking." She rubbed the back of her neck, her cheeks warm.

Arthur just chuckled, setting his bag down on one of the beds. "You're terrible at this," he said, his voice full of amusement.

She threw a pillow at him, trying to hide her embarrassment. "I'm just... warming up, okay?"

After they'd freshened up and unpacked, Aurelia suggested they head to Marquee. It was just getting dark, and the city buzzed with energy. She took Arthur by the arm and led him confidently through the bustling streets, weaving her way expertly through New York's evening crowds.

When they reached Marquee, the line was already long, but true to her word, Aurelia flashed a quick smile at the bouncer and he waved them in. Arthur looked impressed. "Alright, I'll give you credit for this one. VIP access, huh?"

"Did you ever doubt me?" she replied, smirking. She gave his arm a playful squeeze as they walked in, trying her best to look like she did this all the time.

They squeezed through the crowd toward the bar, where she confidently leaned against the counter, waving down the bartender she'd mentioned earlier. "Hey, Danny! Two drinks, please!" she called, flashing him a grin.

The bartender smirked, sliding them two glasses. "On the house, Aurelia. Always good to see you."

Arthur was watching her, thoroughly entertained. "Impressive," he said as he took a sip. "How many times have you been here?"

"Enough to make connections," she said, trying to sound mysterious. She then leaned in close, bumping his shoulder with hers. "You know, Arthur, if you play your cards right, you might get VIP treatment tonight."

Arthur raised an amused eyebrow, playing along. "VIP, huh? How exactly do I earn this treatment?"

"Well..." She paused, thinking for a moment, but then lost her train of thought under his amused gaze. "By... um... just being, like, really good company? Which, I mean, so far, you are."

He laughed softly. "High bar you've set there, Aurelia."

"Oh, don't mock me!" she replied, smiling despite her embarrassment.

They found a spot near the dance floor, the music pulsing around them. Aurelia noticed Arthur's gaze sweeping across the room, taking in the scene with an amused grin.

She nudged him. "So, you come here often?" she asked, attempting her best "cool" voice.

Arthur laughed, leaning close so she could hear him over the music. "Aurelia, you really need to work on your pickup lines."

"What? That wasn't a line! I'm just, you know... making conversation."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, yeah. Totally natural conversation."

Aurelia narrowed her eyes at him, feeling determined. "Alright, mister expert, then maybe you should try flirting with me," she challenged.

"Maybe I don't need to try," he replied with a smirk, catching her slightly off guard.

Feeling a thrill of nervous energy, she grabbed his hand, pulling him onto the dance floor. "Come on, Leclerc, show me what you got."

They danced together, laughing as they tried to outdo each other's dance moves. The atmosphere in the club was electric, and Aurelia's nerves gradually faded. She found herself relaxing, genuinely enjoying his company. At one point, she leaned close to shout over the music. "You know, I'm starting to think my flirting might actually be working."

"Oh, really?" he replied, leaning down so his face was close to hers, his eyes dancing with amusement. "And what makes you think that?"

She swallowed, suddenly aware of the closeness between them, and quickly tried to think of a comeback. "Because... you haven't run away screaming yet?"

He burst into laughter, his warm hand still resting on her waist. "Aurelia, you might be the worst flirt I've ever met. But, hey..." He paused, looking at her with a soft smile. "It's actually kind of charming."

Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt a surge of confidence. "So... are you saying it's working?"

Arthur tilted his head, eyes sparkling as he replied, "Guess you'll just have to keep trying to find out."

They spent the rest of the night dancing and talking, Arthur's amused looks only encouraging Aurelia to keep trying her awkward, bold flirtations. And by the time they left the club, she felt she'd made some progress — even if her flirting skills left a lot to be desired.