Dusk was fast approaching, and I walked alone. The occasional vehicle drove past, some already with their headlights on. I wanted to have been home by now. Oh well, at least it's beautiful out here. I paused to remove my jacket, shoved the wrinkled mass into my backpack, and continued. I could feel the breeze on my arms now, a little chilly, but nice. I opened my hand by my side, allowing small wisps of air to rush around each individual finger. I was at peace. No troubling thoughts. Just the wind's breath through my hair.

The hurried scuff of footsteps, and suddenly, I was no longer by myself. I could feel the breath on the nape of my neck just before I was overcome.

"Arg!" came the grunt of a not-so-terrifying man, slinging his lanky arms around my neck.

"Gabe, get off!" I exclaimed.

"Well maybe I wouldn't act upon my abandonment issues if you would've waited for me!"

"Maybe if you wouldn't take so long to clean your lab equipment, I would've waited, Mr. Perfectionist. That chemistry course takes up enough of my time. I do have other classes, you know."

"That's true.." Gabe's smile faded slightly.

I felt a little bad that I hadn't waited. It was almost tradition that we walk to our respective homes together on Friday evenings. Gabe has been my friend since childhood; I don't know what I'd do without the comfort of him enrolled in the same university.

"It's getting dark already," he observed, "We should take the bus for the rest of the semester."

"But the route takes so long!" I protested.

"And it'd be safer."

"A lot of crazies ride the bus, too!"

"But it'd be safer."

"I guess.. I can take care of myself you know," I said defiantly.

"With those scrawny biceps, I think not!"

"Like yours are any more muscular."

"Ouch!" he exclaimed, touching his hands to his heart.

I smiled; teasing each other was a consistent factor in our relationship.

The subject died, but I had to admit he was right. These streets can be dangerous at night. Gang violence has been growing in prominence throughout the entire city. Another reason Gabe insists on walking with me, probably. We reached a corner and halted. This is where we normally split; his place was a block over and up to the left. My path took me straight to the right. He adjusted the straps of his backpack and ran his hand through his blonde hair.

"Want to hang out at my place tonight? Anna is cooking. You know Friday is her homemade pizza night."

"I'm not really up to it, I'm sorry," I declined.

"Pajama pants night?"

I chuckled, "Definitely a pajama pants night. But tell Anna I said 'Hi.'" His loving foster mother always welcomed me over, and her pizza sounded amazing, but it's been a long week. It was time to relax.

"Okay," I could see the disappointment in his blue eyes, "well call me if you change your mind. We're still on for tomorrow?" he rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet, anticipating my reply.

"If I can't find anyone cooler to hang out with."

Despite my answer, I knew almost for sure that I'd be seeing him. I had actually been looking forward to our monthly movie night all week.

He pushed his fingers through his hair again and smiled, "Bye, you dork!"

Friendly affection remained in Gabe's eyes as he strolled across the street and waved goodbye.