A Player's First Choice // Stenbrough

027 / Mad

"You've kissed him like ten different times, Stan. It should mean something." "No, it doesn't. I could go up to him right now and kiss him and it wouldn't mean anything."

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"Richie I literally can't reach anymore." I struggle to keep my head above water. I expect Richie to grab me but instead, someone else does.

The bruise on their side looking a lot better.

"Your cast won't get wet Eds. Promise." He wraps his pinky finger with Eddie's.

I climb onto Bill's back, resting my head on his. "You know. Patrick was the one who tried to kick my ass." "For real? He seems nice." "Not really." "Is your eye okay?" He looks up at me.

A dark spot underneath his eye. "It'll get better in a week maybe." "Hopefully." he sighs gently.

"I uh...I'm sorry for being an ass the other day," I mumble staring into his green eyes. "It's fine." He looks away.

"What happened at lunch?" He hesitates for a couple of seconds before answering. I climb around him where I can see his face. My legs wrap around his waist.

"Nothing." "We both know that's a lie Bill." He looks away before answering.

"I uh...I said I would beat his ass if he would mess with you- I mean you guys ever again. Plus some other stuff I would rather not say..." he looks me in the eyes, waiting for a reaction.

"Oh..." "I know it was harsh...I didn't-" "Thanks." I hug him gently, finally resting my cheek against his.

"Okay." He whispers the flats of his palms on my bare ribs.

—

"You've kissed him like ten different times, Stan. It should mean something." "No, it doesn't. I could go up to him right now and kiss him and it wouldn't mean anything."

"Then do it." I glare at Mike. "No." "Why not, are you chicken?" I advert my eyes to Ben. The dim lamppost being the only thing that's helping us see in the park.

"No. I just don't wanna." "Alright then. Go kiss Bill." I freeze up slightly. "No." "It won't mean anything." Ben mocks me.

"I really don't like either of you right now." I cross my arms, sitting on a bench.

"If it doesn't mean anything then why won't you go over there and do it?" "Because...." "Give me at least two reasons. If you can't...then- oh okay."

I walk over kissing Richie gently. "What was that for?" I glance back at Ben and Mike who's mouths are wide open. "Mhmm. It's either because you like kissing me or it was a dare." I furrow my brows as his hands wrap around my waist.

His lips touch mine again. "I'm gonna say it's the first one." He grins. "No-" "Its the first one I know. No need to argue." He covers my mouth with his hand.

"You suck." My voice muffled by his hand. "You love me though." He smiles gently before letting me go.

"The more you do that the madder he'll get you know," Eddie whispers into my ear, looking back Bill watches every step I take.