The Order of Huntsmen

Game Day

Ben slid a bag toward me. 

I looked down at the bag and up at him. "What's this?" 

He grinned. "A gift." 

I hesitantly opened the red gift bag and dug through the white tissue paper packed into it. I gripped onto the soft fabric I found and pulled it out. Ben was vibrating with anticipation as I unraveled the folded deep red garment in my hands. My eyes widened as I saw "Chaseman University" printed on the front in metallic gold. Underneath it was the establishment date and the griffin mascot the students fondly referred to as "Griff." 

It was obvious it was a hoodie, but it was far nicer than the ones they sold in the gift shop. I flipped it over and printed across the back was a large, white outlined, 17. 

"Wow," I said in genuine awe as I ran my hand across the printed letters on the front. "Thank you, Ben." 

He preened. "No biggie. I was hoping you'd wear it to the game tonight. Ya know, school spirit and such." I didn't like the smile he gave me. 

I narrowed my eyes, "Whose number is this?" 

He smiled wider. "It's a secret." 

"I don't really like those." 

"Then consider it more of a surprise." 

I narrowed my eyes until I almost couldn't see. I didn't like those either. "What kind of surprise?"

"The fun kind." 

"For who exactly?" 

He shrugged and tented his fingers before him. "You, me, Lukas... the rest of the school." 

I raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't you mention Andrew?" 

He grinned. "No reason. None whatsoever. Why do you ask?" 

I squinted at the back of the hoodie. I wasn't following. "Is this... yours?" 

He only smiled wider. I didn't even know that was possible. "Perhaps." He leaned forward across the table between us. "So, will you wear it?" 

I looked down at the hoodie again and felt a twist in my heartstrings. At least it didn't have anything to do with Twilight. "Of course I will."

He squealed in delight. I was feeling wary of whatever his intentions were behind the number on the back, but it was overruled by the joy of receiving a gift. It felt like true friendship.

That had me stopping short. I considered him a friend. The second one I had since Jace. I didn't want to think about the first, things around her were still tense. "Thanks, Ben," I ran a thumb across the fabric of the hoodie, "You're a good friend." 

Ben gasped. I was worried I said something wrong, until Ben launched himself up from the table and ran to my side. He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed. I hesitated for a moment before wrapping my arms around him and returning the hug. He laughed a little and said, "I'm glad you consider me a friend." 

My heart felt full. "Of course. Lukas too." 

Ben pulled back and raised a questioning brow, "And Andrew?" 

I didn't even try to hide my grimace. Ben howled with laughter. I broke and laughed with him.

He wiped his eyes with his thumbs, "Oh that was a good one. He deserves it."

Ben looked at the clock in the wall and squawked. "Sorry! I'm supposed to meet up with the team before the game, I have to go." He ran to the door and haphazardly put his shoes on. "I'll see you at the game! Lukas will text you the details of where he wants to meet you. See you then, bye!" He opened the door and ran. The door shut hard a few seconds later.