Coop let out a dramatic, wistful sigh. "Gone are the days when I could drink the night away and get up with the sun without consequence. You know, you'd think with the ability to do some good ol' fashioned healing, I'd at least be able to avoid a hangover." He shook his head. "Pulled the short straw on that one."

At the mention of Aoife, his head fell back as he barked a laugh, clutching his arm over his stomach. "Oh, my god, so Aoife is as Aoife as ever, then? Good to know. I don't even think 'handsome vet' would fly with her, though, too complimentary."

He glanced at her, beaming broadly, then reached for her to squeeze her hand. "That sounds good. Really good."

And it did. Siren Cove was home to him, no matter how far away he was. Hell, he'd hauled himself off to Europe and still found his way back, that was the pull of home, wasn't it? Or maybe just the pull of Siren Cove, he wasn't altogether certain. Still, he felt more content now for being in Raleigh's presence than he had been a mere hour ago. Maybe it wasn't just the place that felt like home anymore.

"I'm glad I ran into you tonight. You never know, you know? Stay away for long enough, can't ever be sure who might be happy to see you. Time can heal, but it can also be a bitch." Coop paused, then rolled his eyes at himself over his own hesitation. It wasn't something he was embarrassed to say. "I missed you the most, by the way. Always knew I would."