Living

Chapter 9: Tips and Tricks

On Friday, Romeo stood outside of Davey's apartment with a skateboard in hand. He knocked three times, watching as the door opened.

"Hey, Les!" Romeo smiled, seeing the kid trying his hardest not be confused. "I'm Romeo. We ain't formally met before."

"Um, Les", he replies pulling on his shoes and grabbing his board from the wall. He walked out of the apartment and closed the door, locking it. "But you already knew that."

"Cool. We just have to pick up Boots, Snipe, and Books", Romeo looked around the neighborhood, seeing how different it was from his own. "Nice place."

"Thanks", Les smiles, looking forward. He didn't feel like doing much talking today.

Romeo respected that.

They eventually got to Specs' house, where Boots currently was. Sometimes, he stayed with Specs' in the guest bedroom. He was there so often, he had clothes, shoes, and pictures decorating the wall. He even had his own alarm clock.

Romeo got a key out of his pocket and opened the door, walking in to see Boots on the couch watching TV as Specs was in the kitchen, cooking.

"How's it goin', Boots?" The younger looked over and saw Romeo, getting up and walking over.

"Fine", Boots responds, nodding at Les. "Hey, Les."

Les nodded back, looking around the room. He could smell the food from the kitchen, it hitting him from all directions as he looked away and at Boots' skateboard.

He sat down on the couch, waiting for Romeo, who went to greet his boyfriend. He heard them talking about some competition, but eventually tuned them out.

Boots followed him and sat on the couch, continuing to watch his show. He looked over at Les, who was nearly asleep.

"Are you okay?" Boots chuckled when Les was startled awake. "You look real tired."

"Yeah", Les agreed, rubbing his eyes. "I was up late doin' homework."

Boots chuckled, remembering that morning. "And you still had some to do during Science class."

"Thank God for Mr. Prieto and his lack of homework", Les chuckled, closing his eyes. "I'll just take a nap."

"Sure", Boots agreed, turning back to the TV.

Romeo was watching Specs cook, smiling at his boyfriend's concentrated face. "You's hot."

Specs chuckled, flipping pancakes. "I know."

"No, I meant you were sweating", Romeo says, smirking. "But you's also physically attractive."

Specs shook his head, glancing up at Romeo. "You ain't gonna make me blush, Ruben."

Romeo rolled his eyes and pouted. "Whatever. What are you makin'?"

"Pancakes, sausage, and eggs."

"Can I be your taste tester?"

"I don't really need a taste tester for this, Rome", Specs chuckled, shaking his head. "But you can get first serve."

Romeo nodded, quickly grabbing a plate and rushing to the table. He heard the front door open, Race, Snipeshooter, and Books following after.

"Hey, guys!" Snipe sat down on the couch with his friends, waking Les up. "Why is you sleepin'?"

"Why else do people sleep?" Les mumbled, closing his eyes again. Snipe put his hands up in surrender.

Books stood at the door for a while, eventually following Race and Snipeshooter inside, heading straight for the kitchen.

Specs smiled, serving Romeo food. "Hey, Books. How are you?"