This was a terrible idea. As he entered the house full of sweaty teenagers dancing to whatever that sorry excuse for music was, Gabriel promised himself to never listen to Sofia ever again. He hated this place already. There were too many people, and he didn't know anyone. Oh, actually, he thought he saw a familiar face by the food table. He made his way through the crowd, trying his best not to walk on anyone's feet, and failing to do so. As he reached the table, he realized the girl he'd seen wasn't anyone he knew, and he sighed, grabbing a paper cup and filling it with whatever that purple liquid was. Shit! This is alcohol! He spat the drink back into his cup, cursing as he felt his throat burn.

"Yeah, I wouldn't drink that if I were you", a deep voice said, making Gabriel jump and spin around. A tall boy with green eyes stood there, smiling at him. 

"Gabriel, right? Im Aaron."

Gabriel tried his best to smile back, confused as to who this was. 

"Yeah that's me. How do you...?"

"We have English and PE together", Aaron laughed. "I thought after all this time you'd recognize me"

"Oh" Gabriel scratched at the back of his neck uncomfortably "sorry? I don't really pay attention to anyone in class, I guess." 

Aaron laughed again, filling a paper cup with liquid from another bowl. He handed it to Gabriel. "Here. This one's orange juice"

They both laughed and Gabriel felt himself relax a little as he sipped his juice. 

"So what are you doing here then, if you're not a people person? This is like the worst place for introverts"

"I promised someone I would come. She wants me to make friends" Gabriel air quoted the last two words with his fingers, making Aaron laugh . 

"Well, you can tell her it's a success, then! I volunteer to be your friends."

Gabriel almost tripped over himself. Aaron wanted to be his friend? 

"Oh, so you consider yourself as several people? I mean, whatever rocks your boat, I guess.", he said, trying his best to seem confident.

Aaron stepped closer and smiled. "Trust me Gabi, with me as a friend, you won't be wanting any more. Im a handful" 

Gabriel's breath hitched at the sudden closeness. 

"Is that a warning or a promise?", he whispered.

"Both"

Gabriel stood still, very still, eyes lingering on Aaron's face. Now that he was up close, he could see several freckles sprinkled all over his nose and cheeks. When he realized he had been staring at the boy for an embarrassingly long moment, he cleared his throat, put his now empty cup down, and crossed his arms. The older boy chuckled. 

"Okay. I guess. I accept your offer. Don't call me like that, though"

Aaron stepped back and ruffled the smaller boy's hair, laughing.

"What? Gabi? I think it's cute!"

"Well I hate it!"

"Whatever, Gabi"

Gabriel hit him in the arm playfully.

 "You little shit! I regret this already"