Detective || Scream1996 x M!reader

Arcade shenanigans

The arcade lights flickered in that nostalgic way, filling the air with the sounds of digital beeps, the clatter of buttons, and Randy shouting something about how the Mortal Kombat machine was 'rigged.' You wandered around for a bit, trying out a few games, when your eyes landed on a claw machine off to the side.

But then you spotted it-a claw machine. And in the middle of all the cheap stuffed toys and neon-colored nonsense was a single, adorable shark plushie. It was practically calling your name.

Without hesitation, you walked up to the machine, popped in a few coins, and got to work.

After a few painstakingly close grabs, the claw frustratingly released the shark just before it could make its way to the prize chute. You let out a low groan. "This machine hates me im being scamed!"

"More of a skilk issue honestly, You suck at this," Stu teased from behind you, leaning over your shoulder.

"Thanks for the encouragement twink," you muttered, shooting him a glare.

Billy, who had been standing nearby watching the whole thing, stepped forward. "Move over," he said "Let me show you how it's done."

You raised an eyebrow, crossing your arms. "You think you're gonna get it on your first try?"

"Two tries," Billy said, deadpan, as if that was all the time he needed to conquer the damn machine.

"Alright, show me the magic, Billy."

Billy popped in a couple of coins, his focus sharper than you'd ever seen in a high-stakes arcade moment. You watched, somewhat skeptical, as the claw moved with precision.

He hit the button, and the claw descended, grabbing the shark plushie in a way that somehow seemed intentional. It lifted, and to your surprise (and mild disbelief), the plushie was delivered neatly into the prize chute.

"Holy shit," you muttered, blinking. "You actually fucking did it."

"I don't mess around," Billy said with a slight smirk, fishing out the shark and handing it to you.

You took it, eyes widening in appreciation. "Thanks, man," you said, and before you could stop yourself, you wrapped your arms around him in a quick, tight hug.

It wasn't anything major, but as you pulled back, you noticed Billy's expression had shifted, he looked...almost shy? A faint blush colored his cheeks, though he quickly tried to mask it with his usual calm demeanor.

"You're welcome," Billy said, quickly averting his gaze, clearing his throat.

Stu, of course, didn't let the moment pass without comment. "Awwww, look at you two. Are we having a bromance here? Should I give you guys a minute?"

"Shut up, Stu," you and Billy said in unison.

The four of you eventually left the arcade and made your way to a nearby diner to grab some food.

Sitting around the table, Stu and Randy were arguing over what movie to rent for the next movie night, Billy was staring intently at his burger, and you? Well, you were clutching your new shark plushie like it was the most valuable thing in the world.

As you sat there, clutching the shark plushie like it was your new emotional support, Randy glanced over and raised an eyebrow. "So, what're you gonna name the little guy?" he asked as he leaned back in his chair.

You looked down at the plush shark, running your thumb over its soft fabric. "Huh. Good question." You tilted your head, thinking. "I don't know...Stu?"

The table went dead silent for half a second before Stu's face lit up but not in a way you were expecting. "Really?! You're gonna name it after me?!" He practically bounced in his seat, looking way too excited for a grown man.

You gave him a long, unimpressed look, and then deadpanned, "Fuck no. I'm naming it Little Timmy."

Randy choked on his drink, Billy snorted, and Stu's face dropped faster than his GPA. (if we're gonna be honest here i think His gpa's probably average or pretty high) "Wait-what? Little Timmy? What the hell, man? I thought we had something special!

You shrugged "Yeah, well, Timmy doesn't talk as much as you do. Way quieter."

Stu dramatically placed a hand over his heart, pretending to be deeply wounded. "You wound me, y/n. First, you dangle the name 'Stu' in front of me like a steak, then you rip it away for some imaginary 'Little Timmy.' I don't know how I'll recover."

Billy, still half-focused on his burger, muttered, "Honestly, I'm more surprised you didn't name it something worse."

You grinned, giving the plushie a little pat. "What can I say? Little Timmy just fits."

"Name it something else, actually give us some options to choose" Billy suggested

You frowned, "Okay, okay, I'll think of something better. How about...'Chompy'?"

Randy snorted, almost choking on his drink. "Chompy? Dude, are you five?"

"Hey, it's a shark, alright? It's gotta have a tough name."

"How about something ironic, like 'Fluffy'?" Randy suggested

You looked down at the shark plushie, tilting your head in consideration. "Hmm... you know, that's not a bad idea." You rubbed your chin thoughtfully as if you were truly debating the weight of this very serious decision.

Stu immediately groaned, throwing his hands in the air. "What the hell, man?! Fluffy? Are you trying to insult the shark? It's a SHARK, not a poodle!"

You shrugged, smirking at him. "I like irony. Besides, what's scarier-naming a ferocious predator 'Fluffy' or naming it Stu?"

"Obviously Stu!" Stu shot back, pointing at himself with mock offense.

Randy chuckled, leaning in with a sly grin. "No, no. 'Fluffy' is peak horror-movie twist material. It's cute, it's unexpected, and then bam! Little Fluffy's ripping out your throat."

You gave a thoughtful nod. "Exactly. It's all about subverting expectations."

Billy smirked, shaking his head in disbelief. "Only this group could turn a plush shark into a horror movie villain."

You waved Fluffy in his direction. "Don't underestimate him. Fluffy's seen things."

Randy snickered, giving a dramatic nod of agreement. "Fluffy's got a dark past. Betrayal, heartache, maybe a little bit of existential dread."

Stu threw his arm around your shoulder and leaned in close, grinning. "Alright, fine. Fluffy or Little timmyit is. But just so you know, if this shark starts coming to life at night and stalking us, I'm blaming you, y/n"

You laughed, giving the plushie a little squeeze. "Don't worry, Stu. Fluffy's harmless... probably." You shot him a playful wink.

"'Probably'," Stu echoed, narrowing his eyes at you. "Yeah, I'll keep my eye on you and your Fluffy friend."

As you guys finally dug into your meals, the conversation shifted to random topics-movies, school drama, and of course, the latest rumors flying around the hallways. You were in the middle of making a sarcastic remark about the cafeteria food when Randy piped up.

"You know, I wouldn't be surprised if you were gay," he said with a teasing smirk, clearly trying to get a rise out of you.

"I'm straighter than the pole your mom dances on"