"This is..."
"Awkward," Boots' mumbled as he sat crammed next to Diane as Chris and Cathy sat on either side of them.
Wilbur looked back at the four as he drove and Elmer sat up front; basically on Bruno's lap but Elmer's the smallest one so they could share the front.
"Bruno what is this," Boots' spoke up.
"Whatcha mean, buddy?"
"It's a road trip to Toronto," Elmer smiled as he turned towards them.
"Cut back on the fidgeting, pal."
Elmer stopped moving completely, so he was half facing the back and mainly facing Wilbur,
"This isn't a safe position, if Wilbur were to slam on the breaks I'd be dead instantly. I just don't want to put you in an uncomfortable predicament, Bruno."
"Oh, shut up," Bruno laughed and glanced at Boots'. His friend stared at him with pleading blue eyes; he wished there was an explanation for the situation they're in.
Knowing Bruno, it would be a very Brunoish explanation in which he couldn't understand the reason for, so Boots' allowed for this to happen.
Bruno didn't account for the awkward drive in his operation. How the kids in on the scheme don't want to ruin it, how annoyed Cathy looked for still being roped into the scheme, how Diane nor Boots' had any idea as to what was happening and why they're the only ones dressed up.
Boots' started to distract himself during the drive fortunately. He watched as Bruno attempted to make light of the tense car; the way his eyes crinkled and his voice got a pitch higher with excitement as he made some jokes. The boys sent lighthearted chuckles while Cathy sent piercing daggers his way. Boots' was mesmerized by his friend and how perfect he looked when a not so perfect plan of his was being planned out. He found genuine enjoyment in his ideas and Boots' enjoyed trying to figure out Bruno's brain as they occurred. It was a complicated mess, it went a mile a minute and never fully plans out the next move but Boots' appreciates Bruno's compassion and dedication to his friends and the hall. Without Bruno, Boots' believes he wouldn't have as nearly as much fun in his life as he does with him.
Wow, he likes Bruno.
"You are looking paler than usual, buddy."
Boots' was startled back to socialization as Bruno slapped his knee; Elmer nearly falling into Wilbur at his lunging movement from the front seat.
"I bet you're hungry," Bruno continued, "nothing that Manny's kitchen can't fix."
"Oh shit, I live for his tacos," Boots' basically moaned; Wilbur sat up in his seat as he drove at the mention of food.
"You said Italian, Bruno."
"Yes I did Diane, but I also said I confused it with Mexican. Boots' here loves Mexican, being his friend means we compromise and get things that make the other happy. Manny makes spaghetti tacos."
"Ew."
"Thanks for the input, Cathy."
Cathy crossed her arms and eyed Diane; the fact that she's putting her girlfriend through this just to please Bruno, is beyond her. Yet, she's here and dreading every second of it. Diane sends Cathy a reassuring smile that eases Cathy's anger temporarily. Diane genuinely has no idea what is happening but she's going along with it because these are her friends. Elmer is all together uncomfortable and wants to just get there already.
Chris finished sketching the Toronto skyline and showed Boots' who smiled in appreciation,
"You never let us down with your surprises, Chris. If only we could expect some of Bruno's."
Bruno turned and laughed; it was a melodious sound in Boots' ears, "it wouldn't be much of a surprise then."
Boots' rolled his eyes with a smirk and watched Bruno for a moment before looking out the window. Bruno then directed his attention to Cathy,
"Thanks for coming."
Boots' noticed the change in Bruno's voice and looked back over at him. He was looking at Cathy with that smirk on his face. It's the smirk he uses to charm himself out of something. In this case, getting Cathy to forgive him for dragging her into this stupid operation. Boots' didn't know that was the reason; so the ping of jealously kept him feeling ill the rest of the trip.