Hearts We Mend To Break (Book I)

.77.

💫ANGEL💫

"Welcome to game night!" Loki yelled from the top of his lungs as we all entered the front door.

I'd driven over to the dorm, picking up Sevyn, Giselle, and Max. On our way there, we picked up Zack. Once we arrived to Loki's, Vanessa was getting out of an uber, high off of something stronger than the usual. I watched her stumble up the stairs and hold onto the railing for dear life. I tried catching her, asking her if she was okay, but she pushed me away and ignored me.

"Fuck her." Giselle whispered into my ear. I simply shrugged it off.

"Are you party animals ready to have a good time?" Loki was happier than he'd been all week, smiling from ear to ear, partially sober, exuding the most magnetic energy. "I've got Christmas hats over here for everyone. We're taking photos, shots, whatever it takes. Lets have a good time."

Loki cranked up the Christmas tunes, hitting a remote that turned the lights down and the Christmas lights and tree on. It was beautiful. Of course, we all expected Loki to go all out, and he always lived up to that. Without him, our crew would be boring or possibly non-existent. He was the glue.

"So, what's on the menu, Lo? I know you have amazing shit planned." I wrapped my arm around his neck.

"Decided to keep it simple. There's food in the kitchen, games in the living room, music playing in every room. I really just want us to enjoy each other's company. You know, we'll be out for like two or three weeks this time. I'm going to miss everyone."

"First of all, since when have you ever kept it simple?" Giselle smiled, hugging him on the other side and planting a kiss on his cheek." I loved how she loved him. Seeing her love on him and support him when he needed it made me love her even more. She knew exactly how to be a friend for each and every person she was acquainted with. My sweet girl.

"Ahh! I love your kisses, Sunshine. But not in front of Angel. He may get jealous and beat the shit out of me." He joked.

"Fuck you, dude!" I laughed, nudging him in the side.

Without hesitation, he was firing a few punches of his own my way. Ready to seize the moment, I dived for his legs, taking him down as we wrestled on the floor, knocking shit down and causing the usual scene we were known for.

"Oh my God! Calm down boys." Sevyn complained.

We didn't give a shit, we kept going until we were both out of breath. Loki was like a brother I never had. He was that person who was always there when you needed him and was open to receiving support when he needed it. I knew that he provided a brotherhood that was unmatched, hard to find, and worth holding on to. I knew that he was something special and I reminded myself of it every chance I got. I reminded him as well, knowing he was going through a lot and probably needed reassurance every now and then.

"What's that look?" Giselle whispered in my ear as I stared off into space.

"Thinking about Lo."

"Aww...sad to see your bromance take a pause during Christmas break?"

"Nah, girl." I laughed. "Just praying he'll be okay. I love him."

"I know, Angel. We all do. He's going to be fine. We're all staying at school together, remember?"

I scratched at my hair, knowing that this was the perfect time to pitch my proposal. So, I took it upon myself to walk her out back, holding her hand and saying a silent prayer to myself. Once outside, we sat in silence for a few minutes. I loved that she didn't start hounding or questioning me, allowing me to take my time.