Gabriel

Seventeen

"Nichea,"

Gabriel sighed as Ariel approached him, bracing himself for his reaction.

"What was that?" Ariel asked sharply. "You know, I asked myself why you were suddenly so open and brotherly to me, but I passed it off. I know you had a tough time connecting, so maybe you finally felt accepted,"

Ariel sat down, shaking his head in disappointment. "You can laugh at me, but I see you as my brother now." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "So why didn't you tell me?"

"Honestly," Gabriel started. "I didn't think you'd care. I'm not used to this," He motioned between them. "People never cared much, only Mrs. Lyza. But I did want to open up, I wanted to appreciate the team, and you," He confessed feeling awkward.

He wasn't used to this.

Ariel cared and it was weird.

But nice.

Ariel's glare lessened and his lips twitched. "You're so awkward," He chuckled with a sigh. "And I'm gonna miss your awful social skills," He patted his shoulder. "But I get it. You want the best for your little girl and I can't blame you." He smiled slightly, looking at Melody as she rested in Gabriel's arms. "I'm still mad, but like I said, you're my brother now. I'll punch you later,"

Gabriel rolled his eyes at his stupid comment. "I'm not awkward."

"Sure," Ariel grinned cheesily and snatched his trophy. "Um, I didn't expect this," He mocked, drawling like a doofus. "The only good thing about this stupid, I mean, unstupid move, is that I, Ariel Ieni Koa, will be honored as the 2025 MVP," He dramatically dabbed his eyes. "I honestly can't fathom this," He cried, mocking Gabriel once again.

Gabriel deadpanned at his annoying friend, no, brother. "Shut up,"

Ariel chuckled, placing the trophy on the table. "On a different note, did you see Jaleesa?" He asked and then fanned himself. "That woman is," He paused, remembering Inigo's presence. "A stunner," He finished, earning a look of approval from Mrs. Lyza.

Gabriel shifted as Melody stirred in his arms. "Good save," He noted. "I did see her. Inigo couldn't wait to find her,"

"I wish I could've sat with her," Inigo sighed. "No offense,"

Gabriel chuckled softly, shaking his head.

He understood.

"None taken,"

Ariel hummed. "Admittance," He wiggled his brows. "Tomorrow night, you'll see her again. Maybe build a bridge," He suggested casually.

Gabriel's stare hardened.

There was one thing Ariel didn't seem to understand.

Jaleesa wanted nothing to do with him. And he thought Ariel would understand that his attempts would be foolish.

"That's not necessary," He finally answered, leaving no room for questions.

Ariel discreetly eyed Mrs. Lyza and Inigo.

Gabriel nodded.

"And I respect that," Ariel said, standing up. "For now," He whispered with a grin. "Inigo, Mrs. Lyza, if I don't see you again, have a good night." He bowed slightly and disappeared into the crowd.

Gabriel sighed in relief.

He would finally be left alone.

Crowds weren't his thing, which made tonight a slight stressor.

Thankfully, the Lord kept him and sweet Melody was snuggled in his arms comforting him more than she understood.

"Gabriel! Man, first the speech and then this bomb Coach dropped on us, what's up with that?"