Chapter Text
Benrey had always been a bit of a loner. Not exactly by his own choice, but simply because he was just too cool for most people to handle.
This was why Benrey was alone at the mall today. He definitely didn’t see couples, or groups of friends, or siblings hanging out. He definitely didn't let his eyes linger just a second too long. Hell, why would he? Benrey was perfectly fine roaming the mall by himself. Totally.
Benrey was perfectly fine hanging out by himself. How could he not be anything but great today? He was going to buy himself a new game, and visit his favorite game shop. Even though the mall was a bit out of the way from him, he loved the specific game store.
Benrey waltzed into the shop, always like he lived there. Like it was the place he really belonged. The door chimed- the only door in the whole mall that chimed . (Benrey loved to mimic the sound).
He walked past the front desk. He was expecting to see Tommy, a happy-go-lucky, overly friendly college student who was usually working. He worked most days, when he wasn’t at school. However, Benrey was met with a new face. This face stared back at him with tired, near dead eyes that were hidden behind thick, square glasses.
Benrey’s eye bogged out of his head for a second as he took in the view of the new clerk.
“Oh, hello.” The new guy said, and Benrey leaned on the counter to see the name tag. The man behind the counter--Gordon, as his name tag read, leaned back instinctively. “Dope name man.” Benrey complimented.
Benerey was just trying to be nice, but Gordon just gave him a sideways look. “Uh. Thanks?” Gordon asked, confused. He pushed his glasses back up, and peered at Benrey through them.
Benrey pat his hands rhythmically against the counter, keeping prolonged, awkward eye contact with Gordon. “Soo, you know if Tommy is in today?” He asked. Gordon bit his tongue. Was he even supposed to give that kind of information out?
“Come ooon man, we’re friends.” Benrey whined. Gordon blinked at the (weirdly-sort of sickly) pale man before him. “Uh, he called in sick.” He said to the stranger. The stranger's eyes went wide and he frowned. “Aw man that sucks.” He said, tossing the words out before tucking his hands into his pockets.
“Listen-” Gordon started but Benrey’s gasp cut him off. “Broo, do you play games?” He asked. Gordon’s shoulders tensed. “Y-yes. I work at a video game sto-”
“What’s your gamer tag bro?” Benrey chirped enthusiastically, cutting Gordon off again. Gordon cringed. “I… don’t remember.” he lied, drawing out the words. Benrey shrugged with a chuckle. “Haha, L. forgetful little, little gamer boyy.” He chimed. Gordon’s brows furrowed. “I-I’m not little.” He corrected. Benerey paused, and let his eyes flick up and down Gordon’s frame. No, he wasn’t little. In fact he was tall, with toned arms. Benrey blinked. “Wow, nice arms.” he said, leaning back on the balls of his feet.
Gordon ground his teeth together. “Thanks.” he said flatly.
“So, um, are you gonna shop, or something…?”