don't be a fucking dick to people

Sam smiled, and nodded in agreement. Although he wasn’t against parties, something was holding him back tonight. Perhaps it was because he knew Alex wasn’t entirely enjoying himself, or because Campbell was expected to arrive soon. “Do you want to leave?” He spoke and signed, before gesturing to the door, knowing the loud music would make it harder for him to be understood. 

Without hesitation, Alex nodded, the idea of getting some fresh air, and some alone time with Sam, incredibly appealing. But the quick response was selfish, especially without discussion. Sighing, he shrugged, pointing back toward his friend. “Do you? I’ll stay if you want to.”

“I didn’t realise winning made you popular,” Aimee replied honestly, glancing at the beer pong table with a new sense of awe. “I would’ve tried harder if I knew that. I was just kinda’ lobbing it, when it was my turn. Although I did get one in, that’s gotta’ count for something, aye?”

“Well, according to the pack of testosterone that set this game up, it does. You do know whose party you’re at, right?” Alex had only come along because Marina and Sam had wanted to go. He’d have steered clear of the so-called ‘Riot Club’ otherwise. “It doesn’t matter, really,” he shook his head. “Popularity is very overrated. William might’ve filled this house with people, but he only has three actual friends, trust me.”

“I do think,” Noora nodded in agreement, already having a rather strong opinion about William, considering his treatment of Adeline. Still, she avoided mentioning him. His recent behaviour with her had been odd, and whilst she hadn’t changed her mind about him, he’d given her something to consider. Perhaps he was right about one thing, that she didn’t know him, not in the way she believed she did. Again, though, her conclusion was swayed by the scene he’d caused here. If this was William’s idea of fun, she didn’t think much of it. People were either blackout drunk, like Brooke, or uncomfortable, like herself and Alex. 

“Not at one of these parties, that’s for sure. They practically handed me a drink at the door.” Arms crossed, he observed the event through the window. “Well, we should just have one then, maybe alcohol free. No wine, and no assholes allowed. What do you think?” It wasn’t like him to make plans so boldly, but he doubted they’d actually come to fruition anyway. All too often, people didn't come through.

“Okay,” Noora replied with a smile, already heading towards the nearest exit. And within the next minute, she was outside, breathing in the fresh air she’d been so desperate for. She often felt like she couldn’t breathe, trapped inside with overly drunk teenagers. “Ah, this is better. So — how come you also don’t like parties?”

Needless to say, Alex felt a lot more at peace once they’d gone outdoors. Obviously, the noise was still prevalent, but at least now he didn’t feel like he was being watched. He was frustrated with himself that he’d even agreed to come, as if he’d have missed out otherwise. “Majorly,” he nodded. Glancing over at her for a moment in thought, he shrugged. “I guess I just don’t like the people who throw them. Not that I really know this guy, but I know his best friend." His tone was embittered as he thought of Guzman, how they never saw eye-to-eye. "Plus, you can tell a lot about people from what type of parties they throw, don’t you think? This certainly isn’t some wine and cheese game night,” he added, voice dripping with sarcasm as he watched someone stumble into a bush. “How about you? Why'd you come?” She was so well dressed, she’d clearly made an effort for some reason.

“I… do not understand this, either,” Noora glanced down at the game, clearly unimpressed. She’d come along because of a promise she’d made to Max, but this wasn’t her scene, she wasn’t enjoying her time at all. “I am going to get some air. Will you come with me? Or do you want to ah – play… ‘beer pong’?”

“Fair enough,” Alex shrugged, failing to hide a smile at the comment. Really, he just appreciated that someone cared enough to help improve his night. “I might have to watch a few, get some tips.”