<div align="center">~~~Alexander arriving~~~</div><br/>The rearview mirror vibrated from the deep base of the techno music playing within the pearlescent blue BMW M6, all the while Alex danced in his seat to the beat.  The energetic music only helped to fuel his excitement for this year's vacation and he couldn't help but feel giddy upon pulling into the driveway.  Even though it has only been a few months since the wedding, it still felt much too long since he had been with his closest friends.  Alex pulled up next to the Beamer that he instantly recognized as Kasper's.<em>Damn, the Big Man got here before me.  Brawn one, brains zero.</em>The techno played for a few moments longer after killing the engine, Alex savoring rhythmic beats that practically bathed him in moving air.  Even after he got out of the car, effectively shutting off the music, he still danced to the phantom beats playing through his head with high spirits as he wandered over to the front of Kasper's car, putting his hand on the hood feeling only the faintest residual heat.  "At least it wasn't a devastating defeat."<br/><br/>Alex popped the trunk of his car and grabbed the handle of spiced rum, unscrewing the cap and taking a swig of its contents, enjoying the warmth that coursed though his body.  After returning the cap, he slung one of his duffel bags over his shoulder, closing the trunk with the hand holding the rum before making his way to the beach house with an excited swagger in his step.  He followed the sound of voices as it led him to the kitchen where Joseph and Hannah were conversing.  "Workers of the earth! I bring... good tidings of peanuts! And beer!"  Alex merrily quoted a line from one of his favorite novels before correcting the accuracy of the statement.  "Well, at least liquor and affection."  Alex dropped the duffel on the floor at his side and set the bottle of booze upon the counter before opening his arms.<br/><br/>"Come on kindred engineering brother, you know what comes next.  Bring it in buddy."  If there was one constant with Alex, it's that he was a hugger and any significant greeting among close friends was all the excuse he needed.  Alex moved in, wrapping his arms around Joseph in a friendly hug with the obligatory pats on the back that comes with all manly hugs.  "And of course the lovely lady who had the sense to marry said engineer."  Hannah was given a similar hug, though substituting the pats on the back for a quick peck on the cheek.  "I hope the honeymoon went well, I look forward to hearing of it sometime this week."  He said after pulling away from the embrace, addressing the both of them before he heard voices coming from the patio.  "For now though, I have more hugs to distribute to their rightful owners.  Feel free to help yourself to the rum, I shall return in time."<br/><br/>He was surprised to see Jason and Cassie upon the patio without any trace of Kasper or Vic along the way.   Undeterred by this, he continued onto the patio.  "Surely us single folk haven't been exiled to the patio for the duration of this vacation?"  Alex teased before greeting the two of them with hugs just as he had the newlyweds.  "I noticed Kasper's car in the drive.  Does this mean I am the last to arrive?  Speaking of, where is the Hercules incarnate and his lovely bride-to-be?"