#(dustin threads)

Dustin was curious why Steve was even hanging around.  The arcade didn’t seem like his scene what-so-ever.  Though Steve  had  been hovering a little since the The Gate.  It was nice,  in a weird way.  Dustin didn’t have any siblings and having someone like Steve as someone to look out for him was pretty damn cool.  Even if it was entirely unnecessary.  ❝Hey  -  you know you could have just dropped me off,  right?  I mean,  you don’t have to hang out with me.  Mike is coming later.❞

❝I’m serious.  We can’t meet at Lucas’ because Erica hates us and will sabotage everything that we do.  We can’t meet at Will’s, because he wants to get out of the house.  And we’re  not  hanging out at my place for a whole session of Dungeons and Dragons.❞  Dustin felt like he’d been the one explaining this every single time.  ❝We’ve been over this for the past three years.  Things just work better at your place.   So,  for everyone’s sake,  cut the shit.❞

❝I can explain ! ❞  Dustin couldn’t explain,  but he was pretty good at thinking on his feet  --  bullshitting,  if you will.  ❝I was looking for my dog.  He  --  he ran away,  and he can be really aggressive if he gets scared   --  or hungry.  I saw him go this way and I know it’s blocked off and we’re not supposed to go here,  but I’m really,  really,  really worried about him  . . .  ❞

Dustin’s got his hands on his knees,  and a long breath of relief came out.  Then a low whistle,  ❝Whew  -----   that was close.  Thanks for helping me out back there.❞   He straightened up as he spoke.  One hand came up to curl around the strap of his backpack.  ❝Cool hat.❞ 

❝Shit !  Sorry !  I wasn’t paying attention.  I’m a little distracted.  I was looking for  --  for a dog.  My dog.   Have you seen a dog?  He’s black and sleek and he bites.❞