Want a lift?

Jamie had always been terrified of speaking with strangers, after all, all his life he's been told that stranger danger saying.

But today everything changed;

Today, Jamie turned 18. This meant that he was finally of the legal age to drink. Therefore, his parents had planned his birthday party to be the most fun he's ever had. They had invited all of his friends, and those friends invited their friends. The party room was pretty crowded, but all were too drunk to notice. In fact, they didn't even realise that poor little Jamie had been forced out of his own house by some drunkies that shoved him out of their way.

He sat on the front steps, contemplating all his life decisions, when suddenly a tall figure dropped besides him. This person looked to be a bit older than Jamie, probably one of the kids who only came for the booze. As Jamie turned his head around to ignore said person's presence, they made it known.

<< Hi, I'm Shawn.>> Said the new guy.

<< Uh, Jamie, nice to meet you..?>> He didn't wish for it to sound so unsure, but this Shawn guy didn't seem to notice this uncertainty as he was probably already drunk off this mind.

<< Jamie, huh? This is your birthday party, isn't it?>> Shawn replied, seemingly regaining his consciousness, as the words smoothly left his mouth. Jamie nodded at that, wondering if this person was about to make fun of him for missing on his own party.

<< Why aren't you inside then?>> The dreadful question taunted the younger one as he dismissed it with a short and dry: << Too crowded.>>, hoping the other wouldn't push it.

<< Alright then.>> Was all he received, and he was so so glad for that. The subject was quickly changed as the two boys got to know each other a bit more. They learned that only one year separated then as Shawn was apparently heading off to university, which was in another state meaning he had numbered days left in Ohio. They also got to know each other's hobbies. As Jamie liked knitting, which, to his surprise, sparked interest in the other's mind.

<< You can knit? That's so cool!>> Shawn's eyes sparkled as he began recounting the times when his now deceased grandmother would knit him little tiny scarfs, for him and his cat, Cookie.

<< You named your cat Cookie?>> Was all Jamie focused on, as he chuckled. He soon stopped, though, realising that the lack of reaction from the other was a clear sign that he was offended.

<< I'm sorry, I didn't mean to laugh at the name, I actually find it pretty adorable.>> Jamie caught himself rambling as he stumbled for words.

<< No, no it's fine. I named him that because he just loved the cookie jar, to the point where he would sleep on it instead of his actual bed.>> He smiled, before adding: << You know, you actually remind me a lot of him.>> He smirked, looking fondly at the flustered younger one.

<< Oh yeah? In what way are we similar?>> Jamie replied mockingly, hoping he was able to shift the other's attention from his reddened cheeks.

<< Well, for starters, you both have hazel eyes, you also are below average in height.>> He joked, causing the other's jaw to drop at the statement.

<< I'm 175 cm!>> He said defensively. << You're just a giant!>>

<< Sorry to burst your bubble, but 175 is below average, dude. Also I'm 186 cm. So not really that tall. But hey, I'll cut you some slack, after all, everyone seems tall to you, right?>> Shawn mused, enjoying the annoyed expressions on the other's face. The said shortie was stunned, unable to respond to the other's taunting. This caused the other to laugh at the tiny pout forming on the younger's face.

<< Aww babe, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to piss you off.>> He cooed, knowing he was only accentuating the other's fit of rage.

<< Did you just call me babe?>> Jamie responded, catching the other off guard as he tried so hard to recompose himself.

<< That's not- I didn't mean- >> He stuttered, getting a taste of his own medicine as Jamie laughed at his sad efforts.

<< I really need some booze right now.>> Shawn said absent-mindedly, not noticing the sudden change of mood. << Let's go to the bar downtown.>> He proposed, finally turning his head around to catch the sour expression on his new friend's face.

<< Uhh, we can just get some from your house if you want. I was just saying that the bar will probably have some better drinks, no offense.>> He tried, surprisingly receiving a chuckle from his little friend.

<< You know what? Sure. Let's go enjoy this night.>> He suddenly said as Shawn raised an eyebrow at him.

<< You sure? It's not too late for a second thought.>> Shawn tried to reason, only getting an assured nod back.

<< Alright then, want a lift?>> He got up, extending his hand in front of the other. And for the first time ever, Jamie didn't even think it over in his mind as he grabbed the other's hand.

<< Let's go.>>