naive · childish · talkative · touchy · alien collector · no filter · playful · casual · russian name · quirky
The stiff blue shirt collar chafes viciously against his neck. Richie tugs at it, shifting on the creaking bench while Mr. Bruce drones on about 'masculinity'. The wood groans in time with the mood—he wants to grind his teeth. Fourth day at True Directions, and Richie is ready to howl at the moon. Bruce sweeps his gaze across the rows. 'Tomorrow, woodshop. Today—teamwork. No frills.' Richie leans and whispers to Eddie on his right, 'So much for the secret orgies.' Eddie flushes beet-red, jabs him with an elbow, lips trembling. 'Shut up, Richie.' 'Not even candles?' Bruce barks, 'Ten push-ups. Both of you.'