red | gordie lachance ✅

four

Red's feet scrap across the concrete to create a horrendous sound, it making him cringe internally. However, he's so drained, it's not like he cares. He does care though when some guy from school knocks into him.

" Watch where you're going, Fire-Crotch."

" Has your head always been up your ass?" Red wonders, walking backwards to see the reaction. He gets a glare, making him grin mischievously, turning around.

Soon his footsteps stop, finding himself in front of his favorite diner. He hadn't been there since he was a kid, but never knew why they stopped going.

Digging into his pockets, he finds enough for a drink and maybe some fries, making him give a small smile, before walking in.

The bell rings loudly, making curious people look up. Young ones look away in fear, as adults look with disgust. Robert ignores both, sitting at the booth in the corner of the diner.

His nail hits the wood repetitively, the tone creating an odd demeanor. A waitress was up slowly, noticing the boy looking out the window, head leaned up against it.

" My name is Olivia. Would you like to start with a drink?"

" Get us three cokes and some fries." Red looks over, finding his brother Chris ordering. Olivia nods slowly, before speed walking away. As Chris' blue eyes land on Robert, the older sighs, letting his head hit the seat behind him. " You find your check?"

" Yeah, and Ace's blade nearly going into my stomach," Robert sighs again, looking around the diner before staring at his brother. " Why'd you need the check last week?"

" Field trip," Chris shrugs, before his expression changes with guilt. " I didn't think Dad would-"

" Just tell me next time so I can take another night shift." Chris still keeps the guilty look on his face, hating it when Robert just blows it off. Red sees his expression stay, making him exhale heavily.

The waitress cuts the awkward tension, placing the bottles of coke, fries, and check on the table before leaving as quick as she came.

" Hit it," Robert orders, placing his hand in the air.

" Dude-"

" New slate. We forget about it okay. I'm okay, I don't have any scars. Hit it."

" But you have a black eye," Chris points out, making Robert deadpan.

" Motherfu-" Red begins, only to stop as Chris laughs. It forms a barely noticeable smile on Robert's lips, the corners twitching upwards.

" Okay. New slate."

" New slate," Robert repeats, the two doing their handshake.