Peter Spankoffski

- @bunsen-burnout

@bunsen-burnout @overactive-sweat-glands

Paul was surprised to admit to himself that he was actually a little nervous. He may not have cared about what Pete himself thought of him, but what he did care about was Richie's wellbeing and happiness. While he didn't want to interfere with that and was sure Richie didn't need his help with Pete, he didn't want to embarrass his nephew... When Richie said okay to his offer to let he and his friends study at Paul's apartment while Richie was staying over, he was a little surprised, but happy to oblige.

"Guys..." Paul sighed, frowning slightly at the pair of them. He almost looked weary. It was hard to watch the two best friends suddenly struggling to see each other and see them devolve into disdain. "Come on, you're stressed and it's making you make bad decisions and see the worst in each other." He only brought up the past memories in the hope of helping them see they'd work past it. It was like watching cats suddenly hiss at each other out of the blue. No, in a way that was dismissive. It was sad. Seeing the stress they were under so suddenly cause them to devolve into upset.

“You always get like this,” Pete commented, his glare locking with Richie’s. “So yeah, this is just the usual, Richie. Same old crap.”

The moment Richie shoved him, just that quick, petty push to the chest, Pete didn’t even think. Reflex took over. He pushed right back, matching the force exactly, eyes narrowing for a moment as if he dared the other to do it again.

“I didn’t take that toy,” He snapped back, voice low and defensive. “We found it together. You dropped it, I didn’t even like the damn thing!” The words came fast, riding the wave of old frustration bubbling to the surface.

And then, he shoved again when his shoulder got clipped. This time harder. Not just matching Richie’s previous force now, but it was a lot more put into the push.

He turned slightly, shooting a glare Paul's way. “I don’t need to cool down! Richie does! He started it by being an asshole!”

He knew he should take a breath, calm down. Take Paul’s suggestion even, to go to the kitchen. Seperate himself from the moment. Because that’s what it is, just a damn moment. They’ll eventually cool down and not fight, of course. Forgive and forget. Whatever other crap they do. But it’s just. Moment that’ll eventually pass. That’ll eventually go on and be forgotten. Some petty fight he’d hope to laugh about later.

His gaze turned to Paul, momentarily. Focusing on his uncle. Maybe that’ll help him calm down. Because he could never get angry at him. Not like this. And the suggestion sounded good. “..Yeah. Yeah, that—“ He doesn’t manage out much more then that before Pete shoved him. Hard. It had him stumbling, catching himself back in the corner of the room and catching himself on the wall. It’s the proper straw that finally had Richie’s brain snap into something more familiar.

Fight or Flight.

But, he’s not up against Max Jägerman or someone twice his weight, that Pete seemed like someone he could fight. Or that the stress of exams have just ruled out the option of flight all together.

His body tensed, before he’s swivelling suddenly back to Pete. Tears pricked at his eyes, making his way back and shoving the other in return. Hard. Rough. Intentionally to try and push the man over. Or, as hard as Richie could push. He’s not notoriously known for strength. “I hate you, Pete! I fucking hate you!” He screeched.

"You guys came here to work through all this together, didn't you? Not to kill each other." He sighed, trying to force himself to de-tense. "You're both stressed out and saying things you don't mean. Or if you do then you need to... talk about it! Not like this. Richie, go cool off in your room for a minute, okay? And please eat and drink something."

When Paul stepped in, physically placing himself between them, Pete didn’t resist. He raised both hands in a show of surrender, fingers splayed. The gesture was half-mock, half-genuine.

“Fine! Fine,” he muttered, quieter now though still laced with the remnants of anger in his voice. He wasn't about to pretend everything was okay, but he could at least step back and cool off.

He dropped his hands slowly, still a bit tense, and cast one last sharp glare in Richie’s direction. A final look before he turned his attention away entirely from Richie.

- @bunsen-burnout

@bunsen-burnout @overactive-sweat-glands

Paul was surprised to admit to himself that he was actually a little nervous. He may not have cared about what Pete himself thought of him, but what he did care about was Richie's wellbeing and happiness. While he didn't want to interfere with that and was sure Richie didn't need his help with Pete, he didn't want to embarrass his nephew... When Richie said okay to his offer to let he and his friends study at Paul's apartment while Richie was staying over, he was a little surprised, but happy to oblige.

"Guys..." Paul sighed, frowning slightly at the pair of them. He almost looked weary. It was hard to watch the two best friends suddenly struggling to see each other and see them devolve into disdain. "Come on, you're stressed and it's making you make bad decisions and see the worst in each other." He only brought up the past memories in the hope of helping them see they'd work past it. It was like watching cats suddenly hiss at each other out of the blue. No, in a way that was dismissive. It was sad. Seeing the stress they were under so suddenly cause them to devolve into upset.

“You always get like this,” Pete commented, his glare locking with Richie’s. “So yeah, this is just the usual, Richie. Same old crap.”

The moment Richie shoved him, just that quick, petty push to the chest, Pete didn’t even think. Reflex took over. He pushed right back, matching the force exactly, eyes narrowing for a moment as if he dared the other to do it again.

“I didn’t take that toy,” He snapped back, voice low and defensive. “We found it together. You dropped it, I didn’t even like the damn thing!” The words came fast, riding the wave of old frustration bubbling to the surface.

And then, he shoved again when his shoulder got clipped. This time harder. Not just matching Richie’s previous force now, but it was a lot more put into the push.

He turned slightly, shooting a glare Paul's way. “I don’t need to cool down! Richie does! He started it by being an asshole!”

- @bunsen-burnout

@bunsen-burnout @overactive-sweat-glands

Paul was surprised to admit to himself that he was actually a little nervous. He may not have cared about what Pete himself thought of him, but what he did care about was Richie's wellbeing and happiness. While he didn't want to interfere with that and was sure Richie didn't need his help with Pete, he didn't want to embarrass his nephew... When Richie said okay to his offer to let he and his friends study at Paul's apartment while Richie was staying over, he was a little surprised, but happy to oblige.

Paul watched the two start getting to work, settling into an armchair at the other side of the room with his phone, ready to start scrolling through various wikipedia articles online.

When Richie began to get more animated though, Paul frowned and looked up, glancing at him walking around the room. Poor kid. He worked so hard, and if he was struggling then Paul could only imagine how much pressure they were putting on those kids at that school. Or was it Gary? Either way, Paul could tell that he was getting stressed and feeling irritated.

He was about to pipe up and offer to get him something that might help, until Richie seemed to figure out what was up himself. After a moment, Paul stood up and picked up one of the packets of pocky from the table. "Hey..." he offered quietly, gently placing a hand on Richie's shoulder in an attempt to ground him. "Take a breath, it's okay." Carefully, he slid his finger under the cardboard of the packet and ripped the foil, trying to make as little noise doing so as possible. He didn't normally like candy, but if it was what Richie needed. He hesitantly picked out one of the sticks and held out the remainder of the packet to Pete. Biting into the candy, he was surprised that it wasn't as sweet as he thought it would be. "Mmh! It's good."

He frowned, trying to replay the last few minutes in his head. Had he said something wrong? Missed some unspoken thing? As far as Pete could tell, he was just trying to help.

He stared at him, eyebrows knitting together, confusion and frustration twisting in his gut. “Okay fine, you don't want any help. Cool.” He stated quite clearly, his tone clearly of frustration.

With a little more force than necessary, Pete set the papers he had offered to Richie down on the part of the table that had been cleared off for him. The pages made a soft thwack as they hit the surface, but he didn’t care. Let Richie think whatever the hell he wanted since the other already seemed ticked off at him for whatever reason.

At the offer of the candy, Pete took one good look at it before he shook his head once. “I don’t like those ones,” He said, trying to not let his frustration be directed at Richie's Uncle. “You and Richie can have it.”

His head turned briefly back to Paul, posture growing more relaxed momentarily. He really did appreciate his uncle. God, he was so hungry. His head was all over the place. A snack would do him well and he can calm down, get back to studying and-- Richie's attention snapped back to Pete, or moreso the papers making a small thwack against the table. It reminds him of his mood, about each of the details in the room. That his clothes were bothering him, he could see his nose out the edge of his vision.. Jesus, he had so many things due and he still had to study! And he's sitting here, wanting a snack? Hunger could wait, right? Oh, no, it shouldn't--

His head's thrown in an uncomfortable loop, unintentionally worsened and set on the path of destruction from the papers.

It doesn't help with Pete's insistence against eating as well. Or, not joining in. So Richie felt like he couldn't have it, without them trying it first. He knew it wasn't anyone's fault, just an odd quirk he's picked up, but in the moment it was frustrating.

"Just--" He began, before his hands immediately swiped at the papers and pushing them to the ground. Richie's pushing himself to step closer to Pete. "Your fucking-- Fucking useless Pete!" He exclaimed, out of breath, before he's pacing and moving to the other side of the room. He's moving to sit in the corner, just moving his hands to his sweaty hair. Fuck, his sweaty and greasy hair. He needed another shower, even if he had one earlier today..

Sure, Richie could've left the room to regulate a bit better. But, admittedly, his mind's in a loop and felt like he shouldn't leave.

After a moment, Paul forced himself to breathe and let out a sigh. "Richie..." Paul offered in a soft voice, taking a slow step toward his nephew. "I'm sure you don't mean that about Pete." He turned and shot a small apologetic look to Pete on Richie's behalf. Maybe after Richie had calmed down they could think about an apology. "I know you're both feeling very overwhelmed and stressed out from all of your school work, and that's making everything else feel worse. I think you need to take a deep breath before you misdirect your stress at each other." Paul sighed. "Let me get you some water, okay Richie?" Hopefully the cold would refocus him, let alone the poor kid probably hadn't drank anything.

"Honestly, you two haven't changed," Paul mused. "Don't you remember Thanksgiving, I think when you were... nine? Richie, you lost your little Pokemon toy and you were so scared and overwhelmed that you both got into a fight thinking Pete had it?" Paul didn't remember the details, but... "You found it together, didn't you? And you both got through it."

But then, The sharp scrape of paper and the sudden flutter as the papers were shoved off the table and onto the floor, hit harder than expected. Pete froze for a beat before looking up just in time to catch whatever Richie was trying to do. Like he was trying to size him up like some rival instead of the person who’d literally offered to help.

Then with Richie's hostile words Pete sort of snapped.

“You asshole!” he snapped, voice louder than intended as his glare shot straight into Richie like a thrown knife. He didn’t follow when Richie stormed off to the corner, Pete didn’t trust himself not to yell more, or say worse things he would likely regret later.

Instead, he stood there fuming, chest tight, the air buzzing with all the words he hadn’t said yet.

Pete’s expression softened a fraction, if only because Paul didn’t deserve to be caught in the crossfire of the anger. He let out a breath through his nose, still tense, but his tone eased when he spoke.

“He probably does mean it,” Pete said, half-defeated, shoulders sagging just slightly. “He’s just being a complete ass about it.” A pause. “As usual.” Some poor choice of words from Pete.

But the tension hadn’t entirely left him, and Pete, being Pete, couldn’t help but add a bit more, even if it wasn’t exactly helpful.

“Thanksgiving?” He echoed, glancing at Paul. “Yeah, I remember it a bit differently. That was after, like… hours of us arguing. Nearly came to blows at one point before we made ‘peace’, whenever that happened.” He gestured vaguely.

- @bunsen-burnout

@bunsen-burnout @overactive-sweat-glands

Paul was surprised to admit to himself that he was actually a little nervous. He may not have cared about what Pete himself thought of him, but what he did care about was Richie's wellbeing and happiness. While he didn't want to interfere with that and was sure Richie didn't need his help with Pete, he didn't want to embarrass his nephew... When Richie said okay to his offer to let he and his friends study at Paul's apartment while Richie was staying over, he was a little surprised, but happy to oblige.

Paul watched the two start getting to work, settling into an armchair at the other side of the room with his phone, ready to start scrolling through various wikipedia articles online.

When Richie began to get more animated though, Paul frowned and looked up, glancing at him walking around the room. Poor kid. He worked so hard, and if he was struggling then Paul could only imagine how much pressure they were putting on those kids at that school. Or was it Gary? Either way, Paul could tell that he was getting stressed and feeling irritated.

He was about to pipe up and offer to get him something that might help, until Richie seemed to figure out what was up himself. After a moment, Paul stood up and picked up one of the packets of pocky from the table. "Hey..." he offered quietly, gently placing a hand on Richie's shoulder in an attempt to ground him. "Take a breath, it's okay." Carefully, he slid his finger under the cardboard of the packet and ripped the foil, trying to make as little noise doing so as possible. He didn't normally like candy, but if it was what Richie needed. He hesitantly picked out one of the sticks and held out the remainder of the packet to Pete. Biting into the candy, he was surprised that it wasn't as sweet as he thought it would be. "Mmh! It's good."

He frowned, trying to replay the last few minutes in his head. Had he said something wrong? Missed some unspoken thing? As far as Pete could tell, he was just trying to help.

He stared at him, eyebrows knitting together, confusion and frustration twisting in his gut. “Okay fine, you don't want any help. Cool.” He stated quite clearly, his tone clearly of frustration.

With a little more force than necessary, Pete set the papers he had offered to Richie down on the part of the table that had been cleared off for him. The pages made a soft thwack as they hit the surface, but he didn’t care. Let Richie think whatever the hell he wanted since the other already seemed ticked off at him for whatever reason.

At the offer of the candy, Pete took one good look at it before he shook his head once. “I don’t like those ones,” He said, trying to not let his frustration be directed at Richie's Uncle. “You and Richie can have it.”

- @bunsen-burnout

@bunsen-burnout @overactive-sweat-glands

Paul was surprised to admit to himself that he was actually a little nervous. He may not have cared about what Pete himself thought of him, but what he did care about was Richie's wellbeing and happiness. While he didn't want to interfere with that and was sure Richie didn't need his help with Pete, he didn't want to embarrass his nephew... When Richie said okay to his offer to let he and his friends study at Paul's apartment while Richie was staying over, he was a little surprised, but happy to oblige.

Paul smiled and nodded in understanding as Pete spoke about the clothes. He remembered receiving his own older brother's hand-me-downs when he was a kid too. It was nice to hear a bit about what Ted was like outside of work too. Sharing things with his younger brother...

At the kids' hesitation to study with Stephanie, Paul shrugged. "It's up to you and her, but no one at your school knows me. Unless you've mentioned it to anyone, I doubt people would even know you're staying here for a while, Richie. Unless you say anything, then no one needs to know why, or even that, all of you were here." Knowing that Richie was having problems at school was the real reason why Paul suggested the privacy of his own apartment, unaffiliated from Richie, and away from the prying eyes of a public library.

At Richie's discussion of what Max was doing, Paul frowned, an uninhibited scowl coming over his expression at the idea of someone hurting his nephew like that. "Someone should talk to that boy's parents. No way any responsible parent is going to let their kid act like that." Maybe he should consider getting Richie some self defense classes? No... that would just add to his busy schedule. Paul desperately wanted to do something that would help Richie get out of the situation, but he didn't know if there was anything he could do to be effectual. It sounded as though this Max Jagerman was a psychopath. Seeing Richie pacing, he gently patted Richie's back as he passed. "Try not to think about that for now. It's just us here now. Give me one second."

Paul turned and vanished out of the room, heading into the kitchen. After a minute searching in the cupboards, he returned with a few boxes of pocky, mochi and little japanese cookies in the shapes of some little mascot that Paul didn't recognise on one arm, as well as a small bowl of popcorn.

“It’s been washed loads of times, don’t stress about it.” He said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “It was stashed away in a closet for so long before I got my hands on it, anyway. My brother hasn't worn it in years—practically forgot it existed.”

But the second Richie mentioned the idea of them studying at other places like where he sort of lived, Pete snapped back to full alertness, hands flailing slightly as if to physically push the idea away. “No, no chance. We are not studying with Steph at my brother’s.” He practically recoiled at the thought, already picturing the smug look and endless teasing he'd get. “He’d never let me live it down. Here, or like Ruth’s place, is definitely way better. Your uncle's cool about hosting.” he added, gesturing vaguely in Paul’s direction, then dropping his hand like it had all spoken for itself.

When the topic shifted to Max, Pete shifted too, shoulders tensing slightly though he stayed rooted. “Talking to Max’s parents?” he echoed, voice laced with doubt. “I don’t think that would help. Might just cause a worse issue then anything.”

With a small step forward, he tilted his head to try and sneak a look at whatever Richie had been working on, curiosity flickering across his face. “So,” he asked, eyes scanning the various papers briefly, “What’d you actually get done before I got here?”

He knew Paul was trying to help, and he did appreciate it. But Richie also knew that nothing could be done about Max. They just had to suck it up.

Watching his uncle disappear to another room, his attention shuffled back to Pete. “I didn’t think you’d call Paul cool. That’s just— Wow. You never call anything cool. Not even your interests, even you say they’re nerdy.” He couldn’t help a grin. He expected Pete to call his uncle boring like other people, or even weird. But he’s glad someone else can see him as cool. He doesn’t pick up anything Pete is implying, if the other was. He’s moreso caught up on the fact his friend called Paul cool.

“Oh, right. The actual studying.” He cleared his throat.

A hand reached out to grab Pete’s arm, harshly dragging the man over to the coffee table and then letting go as he’s dropping down to kneel on the floor. Shuffling a few of the papers, he’s grabbing a few to show Pete. “I’ve actually been dual-wielding two of my classes, one of them has a single exam but another just has.. Two? For some reason? I’m not annoyed, makes up for Film not having an exams.” He then set those papers to the side before a good look can be given. “I haven’t even touched the practice questions on.. On Mathematics? They kept frustrating me, so I just did something else. Even though, yes, I know them.” His voice dropped into a mumble, hands grabbing around for other papers.

His attention is easily released on the idea of studying, head peeking up to glance over at the distance sound of pantries opening. Which, he’s soon seeing Paul once more back in the room. Richie’s up and about once more, swiftly moving to his uncle’s side to peek at the snacks. “I didn’t realise you got so much. Jesus.” But he’s thrilled either way, even if it sounded unintentionally snarky. “Are you going to have some too?” He asked. “Or— Try some?”

If only Paul had known how much it meant to the teens to be considered 'cool' - how notable that it was Pete called him that right out the bat. He had shot Pete a small smile before heading into the kitchen.

When he returned, Paul glanced proudly at Richie. He was so smart and worked so hard. "If it's mathematics I can give you a hand," he smiled and set the snacks on the table. Otherwise, he could just get on with some work he needed to finish. He smiled at Richie and gently patted his arm as the teen hurried up to him. "You don't need to eat all of this now. You can finish them later," Paul chuckled. "I might try some. To be honest, I didn't know what you would like so I got some of everything."

Then Richie mentioned math, and something clicked. Pete shifted his weight, leaning slightly to unzip his backpack and rifling through the mess of crumpled handouts and notebooks. "Oh, hang on. I've actually done some of the practice bits for that already," He said, pulling out a few pieces of paper. He held them out to Richie. “If you want to check them out, maybe it'll help or give you a head start or...something.”

When Paul came back into the room, Pete stood up when Richie did, mostly out of instinct, though he didn’t step far from where he’d been standing. Pete’s eyes landed on the snacks Paul was carrying, and he blinked in genuine surprise.

“Okay, woah,” Pete said under his breath, looking over the various snacks. He blinked. “You should totally try some of this,” he said, almost laughing at the sheer volume. “Some of these look way too good to be eaten just by me and Richie.”

- @bunsen-burnout

@bunsen-burnout @overactive-sweat-glands

Paul was surprised to admit to himself that he was actually a little nervous. He may not have cared about what Pete himself thought of him, but what he did care about was Richie's wellbeing and happiness. While he didn't want to interfere with that and was sure Richie didn't need his help with Pete, he didn't want to embarrass his nephew... When Richie said okay to his offer to let he and his friends study at Paul's apartment while Richie was staying over, he was a little surprised, but happy to oblige.

Paul smiled and nodded in understanding as Pete spoke about the clothes. He remembered receiving his own older brother's hand-me-downs when he was a kid too. It was nice to hear a bit about what Ted was like outside of work too. Sharing things with his younger brother...

At the kids' hesitation to study with Stephanie, Paul shrugged. "It's up to you and her, but no one at your school knows me. Unless you've mentioned it to anyone, I doubt people would even know you're staying here for a while, Richie. Unless you say anything, then no one needs to know why, or even that, all of you were here." Knowing that Richie was having problems at school was the real reason why Paul suggested the privacy of his own apartment, unaffiliated from Richie, and away from the prying eyes of a public library.

At Richie's discussion of what Max was doing, Paul frowned, an uninhibited scowl coming over his expression at the idea of someone hurting his nephew like that. "Someone should talk to that boy's parents. No way any responsible parent is going to let their kid act like that." Maybe he should consider getting Richie some self defense classes? No... that would just add to his busy schedule. Paul desperately wanted to do something that would help Richie get out of the situation, but he didn't know if there was anything he could do to be effectual. It sounded as though this Max Jagerman was a psychopath. Seeing Richie pacing, he gently patted Richie's back as he passed. "Try not to think about that for now. It's just us here now. Give me one second."

Paul turned and vanished out of the room, heading into the kitchen. After a minute searching in the cupboards, he returned with a few boxes of pocky, mochi and little japanese cookies in the shapes of some little mascot that Paul didn't recognise on one arm, as well as a small bowl of popcorn.

“It’s been washed loads of times, don’t stress about it.” He said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “It was stashed away in a closet for so long before I got my hands on it, anyway. My brother hasn't worn it in years—practically forgot it existed.”

But the second Richie mentioned the idea of them studying at other places like where he sort of lived, Pete snapped back to full alertness, hands flailing slightly as if to physically push the idea away. “No, no chance. We are not studying with Steph at my brother’s.” He practically recoiled at the thought, already picturing the smug look and endless teasing he'd get. “He’d never let me live it down. Here, or like Ruth’s place, is definitely way better. Your uncle's cool about hosting.” he added, gesturing vaguely in Paul’s direction, then dropping his hand like it had all spoken for itself.

When the topic shifted to Max, Pete shifted too, shoulders tensing slightly though he stayed rooted. “Talking to Max’s parents?” he echoed, voice laced with doubt. “I don’t think that would help. Might just cause a worse issue then anything.”

With a small step forward, he tilted his head to try and sneak a look at whatever Richie had been working on, curiosity flickering across his face. “So,” he asked, eyes scanning the various papers briefly, “What’d you actually get done before I got here?”

- @bunsen-burnout

@bunsen-burnout @overactive-sweat-glands

Paul was surprised to admit to himself that he was actually a little nervous. He may not have cared about what Pete himself thought of him, but what he did care about was Richie's wellbeing and happiness. While he didn't want to interfere with that and was sure Richie didn't need his help with Pete, he didn't want to embarrass his nephew... When Richie said okay to his offer to let he and his friends study at Paul's apartment while Richie was staying over, he was a little surprised, but happy to oblige.

"Ted's best friend..." Paul repeated, making an effort as he realised he had spoken in surprise, to not make it sound like a question. That was how Ted had spoken about him to his little brother? Paul always got the idea that Ted didn't like him. Well, to be honest he was rude to everyone in the office, and possibly the least to Paul, so maybe that made sense? Still, he tried not to put across the suggestion to Pete that his brother's 'best friend' was surprised by that notion. "Uh, yeah, that's right." He smiled, and shook Pete's hand. "Don't worry. It's been a long time so I don't mind if you don't. Call me Paul, good to see you again too."

Their interactions made Paul continue to smile. Until Richie turned to him, spouting something about a girl he didn't know. The mayor's daughter. Did he vote for Mayer Lauter? Paul couldn't remember. He got a weird vibe from the guy so maybe he hadn't. But he was thankful for the explanation, or the conversation would have meant nothing to Paul, despite Richie acting like it was a massive deal. High-school politics he guessed. "Congratulations?" He offered to Pete with a small chuckle. He let Richie latch onto his arm, smiling and gently patting his shoulder. "I admit I've never met the Lauters. But if she makes you happy?" He smiled. "You kids want some snacks to help you focus?"

He barely has time to brace himself before Richie gives him a friendly shake, making Pete stumble a step back with a surprised laugh. He blinks, trying to steady himself, then frowns as the teasing sets in.

“Okay, first of all, I’m not trying to impress anyone,” he says, holding up both hands like he's under interrogation. “Second, Stephanie Lauter and I are not dating. We just hang out sometimes, alright? Like... normal people. Who hang out, casually. Not everything has to be some big thing.”

Pete sighs, realizing that trying to defend himself might just be fueling the fire. He shrugs in mild defeat.

“But uh... thanks for the congratulations, I guess?” He says it more like a question, as if he's still not sure what exactly he’s being congratulated for.

“Wait, snacks?” Pete perks up a bit at the topic of snacks. “Okay, now we’re talking. What kind of snacks are there?"

“Pete. You are not normal. Let’s be honest here.” He began. “You are trying to impress Stephanie Lauter, just admit it! Where’s your suspenders and bowtie, otherwise? I miss those.” He would have appreciated if Pete had informed him, the morning the other decided to change his outfit so much. He’s still attempting to get used to the sweater and the lack of a bow tie. He lightly stuck his tongue out to his friend.

“I don’t see why you insist it being something casual. You keep inviting her to the library study sessions! It’s kind of annoying. Then you just stare into her eyes most of the time and it’s— Disgustingly in love. So why deny it?” Irritation, genuine irritation, is beginning to seep into his tone. He did think it was good, Pete having someone. But was it really the best time? In the midst of Exam season and throwing in even more change? At least he could stop denying it, that would be nice.

He seemed to settle down, briefly, with the mention of snacks. His eyes light up, turning his head towards Paul. “Please. If that’s okay?” His voice has softened up now.

Given what Richie had mentioned his and Peter's relationship was like, which Paul did not plan on letting on that Richie told him, he wasn't surprised that Richie was so concerned with the sudden turn in Pete's social life, and apparently his outfit as well. Did Pete have a bowtie when he last saw him...? Yes... Paul vaguely remembered thinking that one of the kids was running around dressed smarter than he was.

"Why don't you all study together?" Paul suggested. He wasn't sure what the social ramifications of such a thing would be for the high schoolers, but maybe such a thing would help Richie get used to the change. And maybe it would help him make friends with this girl! If his best friend liked her, then she was probably nice enough. "You can even do it here if you're struggling to focus at the library. I promise I won't be intimidated by the daughter of the mayor seeing my apartment." He said the last part mostly as a joke to lighten the mood. Would it probably be more people at his place than he'd ever had at one time before? Yes, but if it was just the kids then he could distance himself and leave them to it, so he figured he would be able to manage.

Paul smiled at the kids' sudden eagerness for snacks, and nodded. "Yep. I went by the Asian grocery store on my way home from work yesterday and picked up some stuff I thought you might like." As well as some study staples. He shot Richie a smile "I'll grab them. Back in a second."

Then, shifting slightly where he stood, Pete’s voice got a bit quieter, though he was more just thinking on his friend's words. “I’d say I’m pretty normal,” He said. “At least compared to a few people at school.” He tugged at the sleeve of his sweater as if to defend it. “I’m not trying to impress anyone, alright? This is just one of Ted’s old sweaters. He lets me take the ones he doesn’t want anymore, something from his college days I think? It’s comfortable. That’s all.”

He looked down for a moment, brushing his hand over the fabric, then added, “It’s not like I’ve gone through a full or anything. I still wear the suspenders underneath the sweater. I just stopped wearing the bowtie. Didn’t feel like it anymore.” His voice was defensive, like someone trying to explain themselves without really knowing why they needed to.

Pete glances at Paul. “Steph is one of the popular ones.” He hesitated, then said with a small sigh, “I mean, sure, it’d be great to have her study here with the rest of us. But let’s be real, people talk. And if she’s seen hanging out with, well… us…” He waved a vague hand in the air. “It’d stir up all sorts of drama. Especially with how Max is.”

He shrugged, the motion small but sincere. “It’s not about being cool. I just don’t want to make it harder for anyone than it already is.”

- @bunsen-burnout

@bunsen-burnout @overactive-sweat-glands

Paul was surprised to admit to himself that he was actually a little nervous. He may not have cared about what Pete himself thought of him, but what he did care about was Richie's wellbeing and happiness. While he didn't want to interfere with that and was sure Richie didn't need his help with Pete, he didn't want to embarrass his nephew... When Richie said okay to his offer to let he and his friends study at Paul's apartment while Richie was staying over, he was a little surprised, but happy to oblige.

"Ted's best friend..." Paul repeated, making an effort as he realised he had spoken in surprise, to not make it sound like a question. That was how Ted had spoken about him to his little brother? Paul always got the idea that Ted didn't like him. Well, to be honest he was rude to everyone in the office, and possibly the least to Paul, so maybe that made sense? Still, he tried not to put across the suggestion to Pete that his brother's 'best friend' was surprised by that notion. "Uh, yeah, that's right." He smiled, and shook Pete's hand. "Don't worry. It's been a long time so I don't mind if you don't. Call me Paul, good to see you again too."

Their interactions made Paul continue to smile. Until Richie turned to him, spouting something about a girl he didn't know. The mayor's daughter. Did he vote for Mayer Lauter? Paul couldn't remember. He got a weird vibe from the guy so maybe he hadn't. But he was thankful for the explanation, or the conversation would have meant nothing to Paul, despite Richie acting like it was a massive deal. High-school politics he guessed. "Congratulations?" He offered to Pete with a small chuckle. He let Richie latch onto his arm, smiling and gently patting his shoulder. "I admit I've never met the Lauters. But if she makes you happy?" He smiled. "You kids want some snacks to help you focus?"

He barely has time to brace himself before Richie gives him a friendly shake, making Pete stumble a step back with a surprised laugh. He blinks, trying to steady himself, then frowns as the teasing sets in.

“Okay, first of all, I’m not trying to impress anyone,” he says, holding up both hands like he's under interrogation. “Second, Stephanie Lauter and I are not dating. We just hang out sometimes, alright? Like... normal people. Who hang out, casually. Not everything has to be some big thing.”

Pete sighs, realizing that trying to defend himself might just be fueling the fire. He shrugs in mild defeat.

“But uh... thanks for the congratulations, I guess?” He says it more like a question, as if he's still not sure what exactly he’s being congratulated for.

“Wait, snacks?” Pete perks up a bit at the topic of snacks. “Okay, now we’re talking. What kind of snacks are there?"

- @bunsen-burnout

@bunsen-burnout @overactive-sweat-glands

Paul was surprised to admit to himself that he was actually a little nervous. He may not have cared about what Pete himself thought of him, but what he did care about was Richie's wellbeing and happiness. While he didn't want to interfere with that and was sure Richie didn't need his help with Pete, he didn't want to embarrass his nephew... When Richie said okay to his offer to let he and his friends study at Paul's apartment while Richie was staying over, he was a little surprised, but happy to oblige.

His eyes flicked around the space as he entered, trying not to look like he was judging, though the place definitely was certainly something. Pete wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, but he kept his mouth shut, lips pressed in a polite line.

“Thanks,” he said quietly, nodding once more before glancing back at Paul. Then, without needing further prompting, he headed off in what he hoped was the direction of the living room.

His fingers tapped idly at a coffee table, exam examples and study material strewn across a few surfaces. He’s been at it for a few hours already, or what felt like a few hours. Hair sticking up in all directions, worst then usual. A slight sheen to his face, indicative of sweat. His eyes were down at the papers, one pencil being chewed away in his mouth as another was tapping against the coffee table.

At the sound of voices, his eyes break away from the countless papers and glancing over. He saw Pete first walk in, then Paul trailing behind. Attention zeroed onto Pete, scrambling to get up and be beside him. “You made it! Good to see you.” He grinned.

“Your shoelace is untied, your hair looks uncombed and that new sweater still looks weird.” He immediately commented afterwards. It’s his odd way of showing love to his friends. “But, we’ve got plenty of snacks and drinks.”

He glanced to Paul. “Thanks for letting him come over. Sorry about the mess in here.” Richie gave an awkward grin, gesturing vaguely to the papers in the living room.

He smiled at Pete, then at Richie too as he scrambled up to meet Pete. He couldn't help but grinnat their interaction. It was nice to see Richie so energetic and friendly.

"Hah, its fine, don't worry," Paul waved. "You've got a lot to think about. Leave tidying up to me for now." He hesitated, glancing at Pete. "Sorry, I probably shouldn't assume you remember who I am, should I? I'm Paul; Richie's my nephew." Richie had probably already explained the situation to him, but Richie's explosive greeting reminded Paul that he should probably be polite.

The greeting wasn’t exactly warm. It wasn’t rude either it was just… Richie. Pete was used to that kind of sharp-edged welcome from him, and he knew it came from a good place, in Richie’s own weird way.

“I think the new sweater is nice,” Pete said, brushing off Richie’s words with a small shrug. That was all he really offered about the comments, but he meant it. The sweater was soft and kind of cozy, even if it was different to what he has worn over the years.

“And of course I’d make it today,” he added, a bit more confidently. “It’s prime study season, yeah, but I wouldn't miss one of our hangouts. Not for anything.”

Then he glanced at Paul. Pete quickly shifted a bit to face him properly. His mom always said that was the polite thing to do, face people when you talk to them, show them you’re present in the conversation.

“You’re my brother’s best friend, right? At least, that’s what he always says,” Pete began, his voice a touch uncertain. “I think I remember you... a little bit?” It came out more like a question, and he laughed quietly, mostly at himself, before holding out a hand. “But it’s nice to meet you again, Mr. Matthews?”

- @bunsen-burnout

@bunsen-burnout @overactive-sweat-glands

Paul was surprised to admit to himself that he was actually a little nervous. He may not have cared about what Pete himself thought of him, but what he did care about was Richie's wellbeing and happiness. While he didn't want to interfere with that and was sure Richie didn't need his help with Pete, he didn't want to embarrass his nephew... When Richie said okay to his offer to let he and his friends study at Paul's apartment while Richie was staying over, he was a little surprised, but happy to oblige.

His eyes flicked around the space as he entered, trying not to look like he was judging, though the place definitely was certainly something. Pete wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, but he kept his mouth shut, lips pressed in a polite line.

“Thanks,” he said quietly, nodding once more before glancing back at Paul. Then, without needing further prompting, he headed off in what he hoped was the direction of the living room.

[ @thelord-ingr33n ]

Oh no.

Have we met properly before? I'm sorry if we have, my brain's kind of everywhere right now.

-🗣️ of @youngvoice-and-gameplayer

Have we met properly before? I'm sorry if we have, my brain's kind of everywhere right now.

-🗣️ of @youngvoice-and-gameplayer

Have we met properly before? I'm sorry if we have, my brain's kind of everywhere right now.

-🗣️ of @youngvoice-and-gameplayer