Stay (REDDIE FANFIC)

Chapter 1

The nameplate is black, with white lettering. It's supposed to look nice and neat, but the paint is chipping and the letters are beginning to fade. For such a prestigious elementary school, it's a wonder why they won't look into getting nicer nameplates. Odd.

Principal Lawrence.

His first name is Matthew, and Richie thinks that he'll just refer to him as that from now on. 'Principal Lawrence' just sounds so old, and this man definitely isn't that old. If anything, Richie will be doing him a favor.

"So. Mr. Tozier," Matthew begins.

"Matthew," Richie replies. "Just Richie is fine with me, by the way. You know, I think we're definitely on that first name basis. I think we have a pretty solid relationship, don't you think?"

This is job interview number three in one day. Richie is in a suit and tie, a very rare outfit. He wants to stuff his hands in his pockets like he does with every single other outfit he puts together, but he knows that won't look exactly professional so he leaves his fingers carded together in his lap. Politely.

Matthew simply stares at him for a few moments, probably wondering if Richie is joking, but when Richie doesn't even crack a humorous grin, he lets out an awkward chuckle and rubs the back of his neck.

"Yes. Yes, of course. Well. Richie. Thank you for traveling out here for this interview. I know a Saturday isn't the most ideal day for an interview at an elementary school, so I appreciate your dedication," Matthew says.

There's an edge in his voice, though. Richie already knows where this is going.

"I have to say, your application is very impressive. You also come highly recommended from your college professors," Matthew says as he leans back in his chair and gives him that look. The look that Richie has already seen twice today, in his previous interviews.

He knows this interview has pretty much gone to shit, just like the others. He knew it was going to shit, pretty much five seconds into it starting.

"But?" Richie asks.

Matthew stares him in the eye for what feels like forever, before staring at the wall behind him and sighing deeply.

"As I'm sure you're aware of, our school prides ourselves on maintaining a level of diversity and acceptance among everyone. We want to thrive and grow, and we want  everyone to develop a sense of understanding and acceptance among many different lifestyles. No one is the same, and our goal here is to make sure everyone really understands just how...uh, diverse some people can be," Matthew finishes lamely.

Richie clears his throat and stares down at the floor. He knows what Matthew means. He didn't exactly make the best first impression when he first walked into the office. He's always had a bit of a big mouth, a loud mouth. And he's definitely got a sense of....vulgar humor. Very vulgar, sometimes. He should've realized that an elementary school principal wouldn't really want to hear those types of jokes.

"But?" Richie prompts again.

"We do have to maintain a certain level of professionalism," Matthew says. "While I'm sure you'd be a fantastic teacher, I'm not sure this is the school that may be the right fit for you. I'm sure you understand our dilemma."

Richie runs a hand through his wild curls, sighing slightly.

"Look," Richie reasons. "If you need the jokes to stop, they'll stop. Trust me, I'd never speak like that in front of the children. What kind of moron do you think I am? I mean, I am an idiot but not that much of an idiot," Richie jokes.

He earns no laugh in return. Matthew slides his application packet back across the desk, towards Richie.

This is about the twelfth time he's heard that type of reasoning for not getting a job this month. His personality is causing him to miss out on all these jobs. Every since he's gotten his teacher certification, he just can't seem to make amends with any school principals, which pisses him off to no end.