resilient

“c’mon eddie! it would be like having a secret handshake except way cooler and i can do a great impression of a parrot.” of course, richie would make it as embarrassing as possible and he knows that he has no chance of convincing eddie but that isn’t going to stop him from trying to make it happen. he let’s his hand get swatted away with another laugh. “you secretly love it, you just don’t want to admit it. that’s okay.”

“yeah, thanks.” the normal lightness is gone from his tone as he takes a sip from the hot cocoa, eye slightly unfocused. “i always feel a little off on wednesdays.” the days when he had to go talk to the therapist. he didn’t understand what the point of it was. his therapist was nice enough but josh didn’t really want the help. “thanks for letting me come hang out.” this time he forces some lightness into his tone and he’s quick to flash a grin

“yeah?” bram releases a quiet laugh as he lowers his own hands. “sorry, i forgot that my boyfriend tries to be a cynic when it comes to love.” the words are clearly teasing as he says them.

“you can’t really blame them, i guess. chanting isn’t something people normally do. they probably think you’re a street performer.” newt himself was very curious about the entire thing but he doubted asking would make her happier about the situation.

josh snorts, “bored of this place maybe but you should totally see this video. it’s hilarious.”  the mention of friends has him making a face before he smiles again. it would probably be good for him to at least attempt it and this male - chris - was the first person to really continue trying to talk to josh after seeing his face and his parents would be relieved if he actually spent time with someone, probably. “i’m always ready to make friends, dude. i’m josh.”

“good, you just need to make bird noises. i think that will definitely get my attention.” richie is doing his best not to laugh as he says it, eyes crinkling with amusement. though he bursts into laughter when eddie continues, “that is technically a variation of my name so you aren’t wrong, eds!” there’s not hesitation as he reaches out to playfully pinch at his cheek.

bram can’t help it as he laughs, “we might need to work on the phrasing a bit but that’s a good start.” there’s a small shrug of his shoulders. “karaoke is always fun, people just need to learn that. garrett wanted me to take guitar lessons with him when we were younger but i was never interested, really.”

josh returns the gesture without a second thought, his good eye is shows clear amusement as he does his best not to laugh. “you’ll laugh first, clary.”

“if you throw water on me you will be immediately disowned as my best friend!” richie threatens with a slight laugh, raising his head from his pillow to point a finger at her dramatically. “how about a kiss?” richie teases playfully, making kissy noises before grinning. “in all seriousness though, coffee would be incredible.” not that richie ever really needed caffeine.

bram wheezes slightly when the girl collides with him, hands immediately raising to grab her shoulders and steady her. “you okay?” the words are still slightly breathy as he catches his breath but there’s still concern in his expression.

her reaction earns a puzzled expression from josh and he offers her a small smile. “i could keep you company for a bit, if you’d like. nothing better to do around here then try to make friends.”

“what better things are there to think about?” richie questions, it’s an attempt to lighten the mood and also a way to try and deflect the words. not liking the accusation at all. richie knew he had a lot of faults but he had never considered himself a selfish person. 

bram froze in spot immediately, ready to take a step back. “do you want me to move out of the way?” he had no intention of ruining a picture for the woman.

“good.” not that josh could say the same, he wished that he could but telling the truth was something that didn’t always come easily to him. hell, he hadn’t even told chris everything about himself yet, not that the other seemed to mind. “i think so. i’m just waiting for someone to approach you while we’re out in public and then i’ll have to be the third wheel.” not that josh would ever willingly be the third wheel in any situation. “i’m sorry,” his expression is genuinely apologetic as he finally starts putting all of chris’ stuff back. “i didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

newt doesn’t put up much of a fight as he lets clary drag him away, though he can’t help but frown slightly. “you do realize that i was working, right?” there’s a sigh and then he focuses his gaze on her, expression softening, “did you need help with something?”

he immediately feels guilty as he watches her expression change and he’s quick to start shaking his head. “no, of course not, i just think that we’re looking in the wrong place.” not that he knew of anywhere better to look but they hadn’t found anything here yet.

newt grimaced slightly and although he hadn’t been the one to hit the book, he still bends down to straighten it for her. “people can be terribly rude around here, if this is something important i would suggest doing it somewhere less public.”