UNDER EDITING 𝐺𝑅𝐴𝑉𝐸 𝐷𝐴𝑁𝐺𝐸𝑅 | 𝐴𝑃𝑂𝐶𝐴𝐿𝑌𝑃𝑆𝐸 ✔︎

Something "Cool"

(Jasper's POV)

The tables are packed with people. They served chicken and beef that they had grilled on a fire outside and I was thrilled. They also had chips and other snacks.

I stacked my plate with food. I can't remember the last time I ate an actual meal. Noah is behind me in the "lunch line" but he doesn't grab as much as I do.

"Ooh punch." He grins and grabs a cup, pouring himself some of the red juice. He glances me way before putting down the pitcher. "You want some?"

"No, I'm good with water. Thanks though."

We make our way to a table, sitting beside the kids that were our age.

Noah continues to glance at a table full of art supplies, which surprises me a bit. "Earth to Ashwell. What's so interesting about that table?"

"Oh, no. It's nothing. I was just blanking." He then turns quickly back to his food.

"Oh and... can we leave early?" Noah asks with a mouthful of food. I just shrug. "Uh... yes? I mean I'm dying to but this party is for us. I'm sure we can sneak out though."

"Perfect." He smiles which causes my face to redden the slightest bit. "Cool."

Time skip ~

Unexpectedly, this little party has been more fun than I thought. And surprisingly, sitting at the craft table has been the most fun of all. Noah and I are the oldest kids there, so nobody else really talks to us.

He's been really "giggly" lately. Yeah, that seems like the best way to put it. He's been crocheting something, a bit secretly. And, fuck, I didn't even know he could do that. I've been trying to follow his lead, but I keep getting my yarn tangled.

Leaning back in my chair, I hold up my catastrophe of a coaster. "Jesus, Ashwell. Check it out." I smile.

I expect a simple laugh from Noah, or even a forced compliment of my terrible attempt at crafting. But he doesn't just laugh. He basically.. erupts.

Squeezing his eyes together tightly, he leans his head back and cackles at the top of his lungs. I raise my brows in surprise as many heads turn our way.

"Haha... Noah—"

He wipes his eyes and grabs for his plastic cup. "Sorry for laughing. It's not for everyone." His words come out like a slur, and I can't help but be confused.

"I'm gonna go get more punch. It's really good." He smiles giddily and attempts to stand up, but leans his hand against the table for support.

"You've had like seven cups of it, but okay."

I notice his uneasiness and question it. "Noah?" I ask, and stand up as well. "What's up with you?"

"I... I don't know." He rubs a hand over his face. "I feel so dizzy." With that, he starts to laugh again. I glance down at the cup in his hand and take it. "Oh no... is this..."

I leave Noah at our table and walk over to the food line, taking the pitcher Noah had used in hand. Examining it, I see the smallest little label on it. Red wine.

"Goddamnit. They couldn't even separate it from the kid's drinks?"

I glance back at Noah to see him swaying a bit it place and jog over to him. "Oh hey Jasper." He smiles widely and I hold back a laugh. "Hey. We're gonna leave now, okay? Here, take my arm."

"You're so pretty." Noah smiles, tilting his head to the side. I laugh at the use of the word pretty. "Ashwell, don't you mean handsome?" I ask, holding him up enough to help him walk. The brunet shrugs, still looking at me as we walk. "I'd say you're *hiccup* both. You have these really pretty blue eyes, but you're face is so handsome and strong looking."