Broken Arrows

08 | an uneventful party

"But after a while, you learn to ignore the names people call you and you just trust who you are."

—Shrek (2001)

☁☁☁☁

The party was in full swing by the time they got there. It was crowded to the brim, and everywhere she looked, she found another person blocking her view. She latched onto whoever was nearest, which happened to be Elliot, and refused to let go once they'd gotten past the entrance and moved into the living room, where there was some space to breathe.

"Some party," Erin commented. She raised her perfectly plucked brows as she assessed the room. "See anyone you recognize?"

"We don't know anyone from here," Hunter said. Just as he spoke, someone tottered in their direction, moving too clumsily to be sober.

Sachi recognized the blonde kid when he was a mere foot away, and he obviously recognized them too, because he threw an arm over Erin's shoulder the second he was close enough to. "Hey, girls." He smirked. "Glad you could make it."

Hunter's eyes narrowed as the blonde boy leaned closer to Erin, and she noticed his hands clench into fists by his side. Elliot didn't look all that pleased to see this guy either, because he moved to stand by Hunter's side, and the two each took turns in glaring at the kid.

"We still haven't gotten a name," Erin said, sliding his arm off her. "We really don't know who the hell you are."

He gave a mock bow. "Call me Leo." He straightened, though he almost stumbled as he did so. "Or sex-god. Whatever you prefer, beautiful."

"She's not interested, Leo." Sachi stepped up before one of the boys could, because if they did, she was almost certain fists would start flying. "Trust me."

That only piqued his interest more, and he turned to Erin, shooting her a flirty smile. "Why not? Got a man back home? I'm sure I could take him, baby." He slid his sleeve up to showcase his biceps. "I work out."

"I'm sure you do," Erin said with no small amount of amusement. It looked like it was becoming difficult to keep the grin off her face. "Unfortunately, she's right. You're not my type. No guy is."

It took a moment for the realization to set in, but when it did, Leo was stepping back and putting a fair amount of distance between him and Erin. "You're gay?" he said in disbelief, gaping.

Before Erin could respond, Hunter put his hand on Leo's shoulder. "Yes, she is," he growled. "Now go find someone else to bother. Thanks."

Leo was quick to follow through, but even as he scurried off, he kept stealing looks at Erin with wide eyes, like he was still processing his newfound information. It wasn't new news, at least not to her. Erin had come out freshman year, and everyone in Hawthorne High was aware of her sexuality. Besides a few nasty remarks, Erin had held herself up pretty well, and Sachi would be lying if she said she didn't admire her for it.

"I need a fucking drink," Hunter muttered before disappearing into the crowd.

"I could use a drink too," Erin admitted, moving closer to Sachi as two beefy guys pushed past her. "I think I'll need something strong to get me through this mess." Something caught her attention on the dance floor, and her attention was lost as she focused on some point beyond her vision.

"What?" Sachi waved a hand in front of her glassy eyes. "Erin, what?"

"Look at the girl by the window," Erin ordered. She directed her gaze, and Sachi noticed said girl immediately. She was definitely gorgeous, in the same way Erin was. It wasn't completely obvious, but there was an allure to the dark ripped jeans and crop top combination, not to mention the purple dip-dye that came from her black waves.