>> [richie was never one to turn down a challenge!– bill probably was plenty aware of that. so it probably wasn’t much of a surprise when richie got that smile on his face. he digs around in his pockets for a moment, but gets impatient quickly, so he just flips his pockets inside-out instead, causing a few dollars and a couple of random coins to fall to the carpet.]
>> [which, he of course leans down to scoop up.]
" well, i see your bet, big bill, and i raise you ..!!– “ [he stands up, money now in hand.] ” –that you’re gonna regret that bet !! “
>> [his attention had been pulled away from an already ongoing game of his, or well, it was, until the screen suddenly flashed white, with a pained groan overlayed.]
>> [a big ’ game over! popping up in pixel-y text in it’s place. richie’s eyes widened a bit, and he’s quick to turn back to the machine, the reset button being hit. a slightly embarrassed laugh bubbles up as the game starts up again, his voice quieter then it had been before.]
” –aaaafter this round! “
>> [he stops talking for a moment (a miracle, i know), attempting to refocus on the game at hand, head absentmindedly tipping.]
” but, uh !!– wwwe should play that– it’s called like, turbo.. turbo something ?? the racing one! ya’ know which one i’m talking about? “
” the.. one that like, just got plugged in last week, or whatever? “
BILL , PERSONALLY , ISN’T MUCH OF A GAMER. sure , he’s played his fair share of the easier things ( take pac-man for instance - the more popular of them all ) , but in no way , shape , or form is he anywhere near richie’s level. but maybe this is a plan to somehow drag richie’s attention away from the screen for a minute ; maybe it’s a way to get richie to realize he isn’t alone in this place. it’s sad to think about , really , but bill can’t help it.
he’s smiling , a soft , half-smile that tugs at the right corner of his mouth. the crumpled dollar in his hand - having been freshly pulled from his pocket - is tough to smooth out but his fingers work at it nonetheless. his attention snaps back , brows furrowing and eyes turning to glance along the names plastered above each game lining the walls. bill finally spots it - that . . . turbo - whatever - and he gives a nod.
“ suh-sounds good. yuh-y-you got enough c-c. . . cash , rich ? ”