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#i mean I think they might have nicknames that are in jokes eventually (or Eddie does for Steve)
pizzaqueen · 1 year
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Steve and Eddie truly do feel like that “dude, but like romantically” post to me
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lovebugism · 3 months
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can I request [ MISTLETOE ] for sender and receiver to find themselves under the mistletoe. with steeb and shy!reader?! maybe they’ve both been crushing for a while and so it’s all fluffy??
ty for requesting :D happy xmas angel!! — you and steve have your very first kiss under the mistletoe (shy!fem!r, new relationship, fluff, 1.1k)
blurbcember ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆。˚
You’re pretty sure your friends are debating which Christmas song is better. You can’t be sure, though, because it all just sounds like static. Everything feels a little like static, too.  
You’re sitting on Steve’s couch, but it’s more like sitting on a cloud. He’s right next to you — arm lazy around your shoulders, fitting into your side like a puzzle piece — but you can’t really feel him, either.
Steve can tell how far away you’ve gone. You haven’t said a word to him in ages. He can’t be totally sure you’ve even blinked, either. He squeezes your shoulder with a gentle hand, one that you barely feel, to bring you back again.
You turn to him, sluggish and slow and softly smiling.
“Still good?” he wonders. His grin is barely there and slightly lopsided. His honey eyes sparkle with a subtle concern. He doesn’t know how to be anything but entirely tender with you.
You nod, though your eyes are still a little glassy.
Steve’s smile widens. His golden features drip with a fondness you don’t feel very deserving of.
He’s so close, you think he might kiss you. You can smell the hot chocolate and candy canes on his breath — a lethal concoction that makes you melt further into him. And truth be told, he wants to kiss you, but he’s terrified of being too forward.
You’re made of something delicate. Like flower petals or winter sunlight. He doesn’t want to be too rough with you.
“Wanna get out of here?” he asks.
Your chin jerks back a bit. The subtle meaning behind his words makes you flinch. “…What?”
His face falls in a gaping horror. “Wait— No— that’s not— That’s not what I meant,” he stammers quickly, an awkward laugh sputtering from his lips. “I was trying to ask if you wanted to get a drink before Eddie breaks out his metal version of Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer.”
His dumb joke makes you laugh. He’s grateful for it.
He walks with you towards the kitchen, guiding you with a warm hand on the small of your back. Robin gives him a not-so-subtle thumbs up when he passes her. “Real smooth,” she mouths. 
He flips her off but feels a little bad about it a second later. The mistletoe hanging in front of the sink was definitely her doing — and probably his only opportunity to kiss you tonight. He’ll thank her for it later, if everything goes to plan.
You stand across the room at the fridge, pouring him a glass of eggnog like the sweet thing you are. He doesn’t know how to get you over to him without being too obvious. So he just lingers in place, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest, and hopes you’ll eventually migrate towards him.
“Here you go, babe,” you murmur under your breath, not even looking his way as you sit the full glass to the side. 
Steve wonders if you noticed the nickname spilling from your mouth, or if it just came out without you realizing it. It makes his chest all warm and fuzzy either way. He wants to kiss you stupid about it, but he has to get you over here first.
“Uh, can you hand it to me, please?”
You look over your shoulder at him, expecting to find him busy in some way. He isn’t, though. He’s just kinda standing there. Like he’s waiting for something.
You’re confused, but you don’t press it. You go to hand it to him without complaint. Sweet thing, indeed.
You take a few steps towards him and reach out your arm, not quite under the half-hidden mistletoe yet. Steve grimaces slightly. “Little closer?” he pleads.
With furrowed brows, you take another step closer.
“Just a little bit more—”
Your golden laugh fills the kitchen. “What are you doing? Just take it, weirdo.”
Steve beams when you’re finally beneath it. His gasp is almost cartoonish, but it makes his eyes sparkle anyway. “Ah! Look at that! We’re under the mistletoe!”
Your eyes flit to the ceiling. The artificial plant is mostly hidden, strung up between hanging pots and pans. A smile tugs at your mouth — you wonder if he planned this or if the chance just fell into his lap.
You’re grateful for it, either way.
“What a coincidence, huh?” you murmur sheepishly, stomach so full of fluttering butterflies that it aches.
“Yeah. Not planned at all,” he beams, totally honest, as he takes a small step closer.
“Not even a little bit,” you tease.
His hands settle on your waist, warm with how clammy they’ve gone. His thumbs rub gently along your ribcage, over your reindeer-patterned Christmas sweater. His chest presses intently against yours, and you wonder if he can feel your racing heartbeat.
“Totally unintentional, actually. I think the universe willed it.”
“Totally.”
“Well,” Steve lilts with a quirked mouth and twinkling eyes. “Do you wanna?”
He won’t do anything you don’t want to do. He’d never force you to do a damn thing, but fuck, if he doesn’t want you to say yes more than he’s ever wanted anything in the whole world.
His heart nearly bursts out of his chest when you nod at him with your own quiet smile. 
When he leans in to kiss you, it feels like something out of a movie. There’s a swelling choir in the distance and snow falling all around you. It’s in black and white or technicolor, something so obviously old Hollywood, because only the golden age of film could capture these once-in-a-lifetime romantics.
And it’s weird, ‘cause it’s just one little peck.
His chiseled nose bumps once against the side of your own, scruffy chin scratching at your skin. His lips lock momentarily with yours with all their plush pink glory. It’s heaven — for a flash of a second — and gone way too soon.
Both of you are grinning like lovesick idiots when he pulls away.
His freshly kissed mouth opens to say something — to tell you that he’s head over heels for you or that you taste like hot cocoa, maybe — but nothing like that comes out.
Something metallic cracks in the distance, like a valuable thing broken, and all the loud voices in the living room suddenly go quiet.
“Little shits…” Steve mumbles in an annoyed sigh. His blatant irritation makes you laugh. The sound makes him smile all over again. “I should go make sure no one broke a limb or something.”
“That’s probably a good idea.”
His hands squeeze gently at your sides before he goes, grieved to leave you.
He barely gets five steps away before you’re calling him back again. 
“Wait! You forgot your drink.” 
When he walks back towards you again — nicely settled beneath the hanging mistletoe he’d already forgotten about — you sneak another kiss in. It’s quicker than you’d like, but more languid still. 
It takes his breath away all over again.
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stevesbipanic · 3 months
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@steddiemas Day 16: "Can you give me one more night, please?"
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Steve had done this song and dance before. Maybe not with another guy before, but plenty of girls. They'd smile at his flirty lines, curl their hair between their fingers, laugh at his dumb jokes. They'd say yes to a date, maybe even stay modest the first time. He'd buy them dinner, take them dancing, cuddle and watch a movie. Eventually they'd get what they were looking for, them in Steve's bed.
Only Nancy had ever stayed overnight. Most girls were out the door before Steve had even had his pants back on. To everyone they'd say how good of a lay he was, might even call him again for a round two. They didn't stay for him though, they stayed for Steve Harrington. Even after his fall from grace, they'd say with a sense of pride that they'd slept with him.
He had hoped Eddie would be different, and in some ways he was. Eddie would stay over sometimes, if they'd smoked too much before bed to drive home safely. He never spouted around town that he'd gotten Steve into bed, not that it would be safe to do so. He never let Steve pay when they went out, but he also never called them dates.
Steve knew where it was heading, where they all headed. But he couldn't help himself. He was falling in love with Eddie despite his knowledge that it'd end in heartbreak. Soon Eddie would grow tired of what Steve could give him and he'd see he was bullshit just like Nancy had. He'd just thought he'd have more time.
"I can't do this anymore."
Steve broke their kiss at his words, no, it couldn't be ending now, please.
"What?"
Eddie pushed Steve back slightly, Steve missed his warmth already.
"I can't keep doing this with you, Steve."
"But, but we're having fun right? You're still having fun right?"
Eddie shook his head and Steve could feel his heart breaking in two, he'd waited for this but it didn't hurt any less. He only hoped Eddie would be gentle, that they still be friends.
"No, Steve, it'll just end up hurting."
But it was already hurting, couldn't Eddie see that. Steve felt tears prickle in his eyes.
"Can you give me one more night please?"
Maybe just one more night to let Steve's heart say goodbye to the first love that had felt right in his life. One more night and Steve could try and learn to be ok without Eddie, a fact he knew would be impossible. Eddie's face was pinched in pain.
"Stevie."
The nickname felt like a dagger through Steve's heart, why did Eddie have to say it like it hurt him.
"Stevie, I can't just be the guy you call when you're feeling lonely, I deserve to have something real and so do you."
Wasn't what they had real, wasn't any of it real?
"You were the first thing I'd ever had that felt real, Eds."
The shock was clear on Eddie's face, that had not been the response he'd been expecting.
"What do you mean, Steve?"
What else could he mean, what he felt for Eddie was real even if Eddie just saw it as bullshit.
"I–."
The words get caught in his throat, but when would he ever get another chance to say them.
"I love you, Eddie, so much, and I know you don't feel the same way and you're going to leave like everyone else did but I need you to know I never thought what we had wasn't real."
Tears had begun to pool on the edge of Eddie's eyes as he slowly took Steve's face in his hands. Steve tried to commit the feeling to memory.
"Sweetheart, why didn't you tell me. I thought you were just, I don't know, waiting until something better came along."
Steve pushed his face into Eddie's hands and a smile began to creep onto his face.
"Oh, Eds, don't think anyone could be better than you."
The kiss Eddie gave him may have been the realest thing he'd ever felt and later, when he'd awake to Eddie still by his side, his warmth chasing away the winter air, well nothing felt better than that.
Ao3
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writer-in-theory · 8 months
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inspired by a conversation i had with @serenity-lattes over a fic i'm writing
--
"Hey, Steve, why didn't you tell us you had a brother?"
There were a lot of things that Steve still didn't know about his family. He didn't know his great-grandparents moved to the United States from Italy until he had to do an ancestry project his senior year, and he'd just learned last week that there were others on his mother's side with hearing loss like him. Still, Steve knew that despite all the secrecy, there was no way he had a secret brother.
"I don't have a brother," Steve told Robin as much, coming back into the living room to see Robin and Eddie huddled over something. "What makes you think that?"
"Harrington, I think dear ol' dad's lying to you," Eddie teased, handing over the paper they were staring at.
Birth Certificate
This is to certify that Robert Steven Harrington Jr weighing 8 lbs. 13 oz. was born on the 13th day of December to Robert and Theresa Harrington in the year of 1967.
"How the hell did you find my birth certificate?" Steve balked, watching his best friend and boyfriend stare at him like he had two heads.
"Your birth certificate?" Robin repeated, eyes drifting back down to stare at the paper in his hands.
"Who else's would it be? Am I missing something?" It wasn't too uncommon for Steve to miss the joke, especially with people as quick-witted as Robin and Eddie. Still, this one seemed particularly confusing to even the others, with all three of them staring at each other in complete cluelessness.
"No, no, no," Eddie spoke up then, snatching the certificate out of Steve's hands and holding it up to the light like that might make reading it easier. "There is no way I'm dating a Robert."
Wait...
"You thought my legal name was Steve?"
Was that all this was? Steve didn't fully understand the big deal, especially since he'd never once gone by his legal first name. Even as a kid his parents were calling him Steven, eventually caving and calling him Steve as he wished by the time he entered middle school. He thought everyone had known by now, what with Tommy choosing to call him 'Robert' whenever he was upset with Steve.
"Why would I think anything else? Steven Harrington, how could you not tell me!" Robin shouted, playfully hitting his shoulder when all he did was laugh.
"Robert Harrington," Eddie corrected, immediately pulling a groan from his boyfriend.
"Uh uh, you're not calling me that," Steve decided, taking the certificate back and tucking it away in the drawer where they'd found it. Tomorrow he'd have to dig through the house and hide anything else he didn't want them to see, including any pictures his mother might have left lying around.
"How about Junior?" Robin tried, bursting into laughter at Eddie's responsive cackle. "I mean, who knew someone would go by a nickname of their middle name?
"Are you two done yet?" Steve groaned, tipping his head back to look at the ceiling.
"Aw, c'mon, Robbie, you love us." That was Eddie judging by the arm quickly slung over Steve's shoulders and the kiss planted firmly on his cheek. "I just can't believe you didn't tell us that Stevie isn't your name."
"Stevie has never been my name," Steve laughed, stepping away from Eddie's hug and laughing when the man's arms reached out to hold onto him tighter. "I'll take it over Robert."
"I knew you loved it, baby," Eddie teased, laughing at Steve's expression.
Then Steve grinned, turning to face Eddie so he could lean in close. Right as Eddie licked his lips in anticipation of a kiss, Steve patted his cheek and said, "Baby, you didn't even know my name."
He and Robin laughed until they could hardly breathe, but Eddie was the one laughing when he had the entire Party calling Steve "Rob" the next morning.
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plussizefantasia · 6 months
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Eat, Sleep, and Breathe
Flufftober Day 9: Love Confession
Eddie Munson x f!reader
Word Count: 1.2k
AN: At the time that I am writing this, I have reached 100 FOLLOWERS!!! I am so incredibly grateful to all of you! I think that after Flufftober is over I'll do a belated celebration for us! if you have any ideas of something you might want to do let me know. As always, if you liked the story please reblog! I'll see you all tomorrow.
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divider credit @royallaesthetics
When you and Eddie became best friends he had never expected that you’d become such an ingrained part of his life. He’d never really had a best friend before, other than Gareth, and even then, their friendship was only because of DnD.
Eddie walked into the trailer he shared with his uncle after a long day of school followed by an even longer shift at the record store and saw you making dinner in his kitchen while joking around with Wayne. 
“Poor kid couldn’t even look at a banana for a month.” Wayne chuckled and your melodious laugh followed. 
“Now that you say something, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him eat a banana and I’ve known him for four years.” Eddie didn’t know if he liked the idea of the two of you ganging up on him like this. But he also couldn’t deny the warmth in his chest when he saw just how well the two most important people in his life got on.
He hadn’t said anything when he had entered the trailer but you had become so finely attuned to Eddie over the years that he didn’t need to. You always seemed to just know where he was and how he was feeling. It was almost spooky sometimes when he would get a call late at night when he couldn’t sleep because you’d felt that something was wrong and wanted to check in. 
“Hey Eds, how was work?” You didn’t even turn to look at him when you asked the question. That didn’t mean that Eddie couldn’t hear the smile in your voice or that he didn’t notice the way you stood up straighter when you turned back towards the stove.
He didn’t know what you were cooking, he usually didn’t until it was on a plate in front of him. But he trusted you with his life and you had started insisting that you cook for them given that you had seen the kind of food Eddie was capable of making.
“It was good, we got the new order in and the manager seems to have taken some of my suggestions about branching out in terms of genres in the store.”
“That’s great Hon! I’m glad he trusted you, you know what you’re talking about when it comes to good music.” You never stop focusing on what's simmering on the stove and Eddie thanks whatever higher being there is that you can’t see the deep flush covering his cheeks.
“Thanks, pretty girl,” it's a whispered appreciation that flows through the air and settles into your mind like a sweet flog. Eddie has always been flirty with you, you genuinely can’t remember the last time he called you by your actual name. It was always some sweet nickname, a compliment wrapped in endearment and tied with a bow of amusement. You had drawn the line when he had jokingly called you snookums last week. Since then pretty girl has been his go and you don’t think you’d be able to deal with it if he started calling you by your name again.
Eddie moves thoughtlessly throughout the trailer, changing out of his work clothes and into the well-loved Black Sabbath shirt you had gotten him for his birthday two years ago. He never stops listening to you and what you're doing. You’re not speaking or making any noise intentionally but your unconscious little humming is the song that calls to his soul and he looks forward to hearing it every time you come over.
Eventually, he returns to the little kitchenette that's somewhat separated from the rest of the trailer by a half-wall. Your call of “dinner’s done come and get it” spurs both himself and Wayne into movement. 
Wayne takes the packed dinner that you’ve already placed into a bag for him knowing that he was taking the evening shift that night. He says nothing but the small smile on his face and the shoulder pat he gives you is proof enough that he appreciates your thoughtfulness. Eddie does too.
Seriously he has no idea what he would do without you. Without you there to lift him when he just wants to stay down. Without you there to take care of the small things, making sure he has a pencil before he needs to take a test, or that time you pulled a brand new comb out of your bag for him in the middle of lunch because he couldn’t find his. 
Overwhelmed with the sudden feeling slushing through him and tipped over by the sugar-sweet smile you give him when you place his bowl into his hands, Eddie can’t hold back anymore. “God, I love you.”
Everything freezes. Eddie wants to crawl into a hole and berate himself for the rest of his life because of his lack of filter and your whole body just kind of stops.
Eddie doesn’t know if it’s because you're trying to figure out if this is actually one of those dreams that you have where he valiantly declares his love for you and the two of you ride off into the sunset forever happy, or if this actually just happened.
It isn’t until Eddie starts stuttering out nonsensical sounds and doing his best impression of a scratched record that you break out of your stupor.
“What did you say?” your question is soft and wondering, your eyes have almost doubled in size and Eddie really wishes that he was able to tell what was going on in your head before he responded so that he didn’t dig himself into a deeper hole.
“I said I love you.” His response is equally as quiet and if you hadn’t been waiting for those exact words you don’t think you would’ve really understood them with the way he rushed them together.
It only takes three seconds for you to move in front of Eddie, and then another two to put your lips on his. However, it takes Eddie a solid six seconds to catch up with reality and eagerly begin to respond. 
His hands land on your hips and he pulls your soft body into his. Your hand grips the back of his neck and starts to play with the small curls that are hidden behind the rest of the large mass. 
The two of you enter into something close to a dance, pulling and pushing and waiting for the other person to cue you. 
Eddie wishes more than anything that he didn’t need to breathe. That he didn't need to pull away from everything that was you just for something as ridiculous as oxygen. He would breathe you, he thinks. For the rest of his life, he would eat, sleep, and breathe you if he could.
When Eddie pulls away you’re not exactly sure what to do next. You want to kiss him again, want to go in for another taste of him but you know that eventually you’d need to talk. Eventually you; 'd need to reassure Eddie that his feelings are reciprocated. That you love him too, that you have for a very long time.
But for now, standing in his kitchen, just the two of you was enough. There would be time for talking later.
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dented-nado · 3 years
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Well since you specifically asked: Twiddler
“Yah I like Eddie but he’s straight // BAD LUCK, HUH?”
“No he’s not”
“NO IM NOT??”
Shenanigans
I’m dying right now, the ol’ Harv(ey) stubbornly thinks that Edward fucking Nygma is s  t r a  I g ht love it.  Still one of my fave convos we’ve ever had.
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Eddie’s POV
 =====================
It had been about a year since he had joined the sort of halfway home that Bruce Wayne had opened up for Ex-Rogues. However Eddie was somewhat convinced the billionaire he now realized had been Batman the whole time (pfft, he totally could have figured that out… he just… hadn’t…) rather liked having he, Harley, and Harv(ey) as a sort of odd band of roommates. And well… a literal mansion wasn’t a bad place to stay in by any stretch of the imagination.
He certainly had expected (and been quietly and not so quietly jealous) that because Harv(ey) and Bruce had apparently been close as far back as when they were children, Wayne would certainly be ecstatic to have Two-Face hanging around. He still was a little bit taken a back that well… anyone would want him around.
But he really was trying to reform. Maybe part of it was because the routine had gotten boring and he’d started finding more quiet and less destructive games and puzzles more entertaining these days. Besides, he realized he could have more fun with such things when he wasn’t being hauled back to Arkham because he’d taken things a little too far so often.
That being said, he had a new focus, a new goal.
And that was the previously mentioned Harv(ey) Dent. The giant, the absolute unit that towered over him.
Two souls for the price of one. Harvey was quietly intelligent (though sometimes a little bit delightfully oblivious), kind, and soft. Then Harv, he was bold, had a wonderfully fun fashion sense, and had a gravelly voice that admittedly caused Eddie’s mind to pull a blank at times.
They were a man that could have half their face burned to a crisp with acid and still be the only man that had been in Arkham (in Edward’s opinion) that could really get it.
He still remembered the first time “two-face” had been escorted into Arkham, the sight of them had knocked the wind right out of him, completely stopped his plotting for his next attempt to outsmart Batman.
Sure, perhaps he had heard and sort of seen images of Harvey Dent, the famous distract attorney that had been nicknamed Gotham’s “white knight” on the tiny, crappy TV they were occasionally allowed to watch when they were let out of their cells. But that never did him justice.
Seeing him here? Up close?
What a man. A handsome man, carved by angels and blessed by the devil
Now if only he could get Harv(ey) Dent to notice him.
Since that day he’d tried time and time again under the hope that maybe just maybe… this giant of a man would consider a relationship of sorts.
He tried to impress them with his vast intellect, sitting close to him and going off about any fact or subject he happened to know. He then tried to drill Harvey about his knowledge as a lawyer (which he thought also might just be interesting to know). They were certainly a good listener… and Harvey warmed up to talking about legal jargon and the pains of law school with Eddie eventually.
He was able to talk to Harv about their mutual love of fun patterns and bright colors and agreed that anyone who dissed it just didn’t understand fashion. He also realized soon that Harv loved to talk when he was acknowledged, and Eddie was more than happy to encourage him to and lightly swoon at that voice.
However, they were still only on a ‘good pals’ basis.
Which maybe Eddie could have accepted, except he caught Harvey staring at him at times, smiling slightly whenever Eddie would talk about what interested him. And Harv, he had gotten Harv to laugh a few times.
There was something there, he knew it, but for some reason he couldn’t puzzle out, Dent wasn’t acting on it.
It continued to this day. Harley had suggested to Edward he simply outright tell Harv(ey) Dent he was interested in them. But that wasn’t fun or interesting, and certainly not as romantic as Eddie would like.
So, after years of frustration now, he decided he’d go to the one person who had known Harv(ey) Dent their whole life for advice.
 ============
Bruce’s POV
============
“So, that’s my dilemma.”  Edward finished, pushing up his glasses in a very matter-of-fact way.
Bruce sighed. The only person who had ever rivaled his own stubbornness and… stupidity when it came to others having an romantic interest in them, was in fact Harv(ey) Dent. This would no doubt be difficult.
He wasn’t even sure how he managed to get into a relationship with Clark and Diana, so he wasn’t sure how much of a help he’d be trying to get Harv(ey) and Eddie to pair up.
“I’m decently sure he’s interested in you.” He replied.
“I’m quite sure too, however nothing I do seems to get them to do anything.” Eddie expressed, looking completely exasperated.
“hrrn....” Bruce grumbled thoughtfully. “What have you tried so far?”
“Well… I’ve given them gifts, flowers seemed like a sure-fire method- yet he seemed to somehow take them as a platonic gift.”
Bruce stared at Eddie for a long moment. “Who gives flowers platonically?”
Eddie shrugged.
Bruce sighed. “Dammit Harvey… Harv…” He mumbled under his breath. “I could try talking to them, get some better idea of what’s going on their head, could be Harvey and Harv keep arguing on how they want to respond.” He suggested.
Eddie nodded thoughtfully. “That may be the case, that is a possibility I had not considered… thank you for your assistance batma….. ah… Bruce…” He corrected with a slight grin.
Bruce half smiled back.
Batman was on the case.
====
“So… Harv…. Harvey…” Bruce began wandering over to where they were sitting.
They were seemingly switching between drinking a hot coffee and a Frappuccino.
Harvey had complained more than once that because of their disagreements Harv ended up making them consume way too much sugar. Too much caffeine in this case it seemed.
Their eyes flicked over to him.
“Hi Bruce.”
“What’s up Pretty Boy?”
Bruce sat down across from them. “Eddie seems to be interested in you.”
Never hurt to be blunt with a lawyer.
Harvey snorted. “That’d be nice… he is really cute but…”
“I’m sure Eddie is straight, just our luck, right?”
Bruce had never been so shocked in all his life.
Straight?
Eddie…
Straight?! E d  d I  e.
Str a I ght, Edward Nygma E Nygam s t ra ight
The two concepts being put together caused a complete error in Bruce’s mind that was slowly beginning to fry.
Who could possibly conclude that Edward was s t r aight?
The riddler…. The riddler who for a while greeted Batman like he was lowkey interested in a literal love-hate relationship
Edward
Str a I ght.
“Are you… fucking kidding me?” Bruce ended up stammering before he even realized it. “He’s not… at all!”
Harvey blinked at him a few times in surprise.
“What do you mean?”
Bruce gaped at them. They couldn’t be serious.
“Harvey… I… Harv… he… he’s not exactly subtle about it. In fact he’s very open, very much out and proud, flaming even. I’m sure he’d agree.”
Harvey looked at Bruce through squinted eyes. “Are you sure Bruce?”
“Sure, maybe he’s a bit more flashy than your average guy, but that doesn’t mean gay.” Harv added with a shrug.
“He calls you handsome at least 3 times a day.” Bruce said still staring at Harv(ey) like they were absolutely insane.
“Lots of people do.”
“Have you ever seen him even flirt with any women??” Bruce asked in disbelief.
“No but… well there’s always been more men in Arkham, and when do you even have time for that?”
Bruce was somewhere in-between wanting to laugh at them and slap them.
“He’s given you flowers.”
“Pretty sure he’s just being friendly.”
“Friendly…” Bruce wheezed.
This conversation was taking years off his life at this point. He shook his head and texted Edward.
“Get in here (the living room downstairs) It’s important”
Edward slid in and sat peppily down on the couch with Bruce within a few minutes, causing Harv(ey) to look between Eddie and Bruce in confusion.
“You rang Mr. Wayne~?” Eddie asked with a cheeky grin as he leaned his head against his hand.
“You know what these men just said to me?” Bruce began folding his hands together.
“Bruce nooo…” Harvey pleaded.
“No no, I think he should know.” Bruce insisted.
Eddie raised his eyebrows comically high. “Well don’t keep me waiting, what’s the tea?”
Bruce cleared his throat. “They said… they’re sure you’re straight.”
Eddie stared at Bruce for a minute, eyes widening.
“Me?” He asked completely baffled.
Bruce nodded.
Eddie threw back his head and laughed until his face turned red and he had trouble breathing.
Harv(ey) looked on stiffly, feeling as if they had made a mistake somewhere as the dawning realization slapped them in the face.
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Harv(ey)’s POV
===================
It was bad enough they had put themselves in denial so far they had missed out starting something with the small bean-pole riddle-man much earlier…
But now because they had convinced themselves Eddie was straight and therefore could have no interest in them… Eddie and Bruce were refusing to let them live it down.
And Bruce seemed to have gotten literally everyone in on the joke. Anyone Bruce hadn’t told between his partners and his massive family, Eddie had told.
Harley had begun kissing Ivy in front of them while they both traded off saying “no homo tho” between kisses until Harv(ey) groaned and left the room in a huff, leaving them both laughing maniacally.
Eddie had begun dramatically entering a room with a flourish announcing “Ladies and Gentlemen, Guys, Gals, and Non-binary pals, the straightest man alive has arrived, you may all start the party.”
Even when they first slept together, Edward had started quietly laughing and mumbling about “how straight, and very much not gay at all this occurrence was.”
Bruce hadn’t been able to look at them in weeks without breaking out into a full on belly laugh at his expense, mumbling something along the lines of “The Riddler, st r a I ght, good lord...”
On one hand they were happy Bruce was laughing more but god dammit…
They felt a bit dumb about it to say the least.
“How did we ever think Eddie was straight?” Harvey thought to himself.
“I don’t fucking know. I really… really… don’t.”                                                                                          
Well… maybe giving everyone a little levity while still being able to date a cute red-head that seemed to know the strangest facts about almost everything that they could enjoy listening to him babble about for hours happily…. Was all worth it. Even if they were embarrassed by their comically stupid brand of denile.
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Text
a little jealous
A/N: this was requested by anon, I hope you enjoy, let me know what you think!
request: Could you write a fic post it chapter 2 where Richie and Eddie start dating, but then Richie starts to feel jealous of Eddie with an attractive coworker?
warnings: a few curse words, a very brief mention of homophobia, a bit of self doubt
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They’ve been officially dating for two months when Eddie invites Richie to join him on a work related business party. It’s not the first one Eddie has had to go to, but up until now he had always made up an excuse so that he only had to stay for about an hour, not nearly long enough for Richie to tag along to.
The difference between this one and the others he has already been too, is that this time he needs to stay to the end. Eddie might be up for a promotion if his boss takes a liken too him, which is why he is determined to make a good impression. If Eddie gets turned down, he’ll probably leave his job and search for another one, Richie thinks, since Eddie had been going on none stop about quitting.  
Richie has been to his office before, on more than one occasion, when Eddie was so stressed he forgot his lunch, so it’s not his first Rodeo. He knows a few people that will attend, like Anisa who is the secretary on the bottom floor, Emmet who is Eddie’s coworker and works in the office adjacent to his, and Karen who is about as much a pain in the ass as Eddie’s mom, but Richie loves to fuck with her.
Anisa is his best friend in the office, well of course besides Eds, but whenever he stops by, he always leaves some form of candy on her disk, a references to the first time the two met, when Richie accidentally dropped all the candy he was planning to surprise Eddie with. It had been Halloween, and even though Eddie didn’t celebrate it, none of the losers actually, Richie still felt the need to do something. They hit it off straight after, especially when Anisa confided in him that she had never seen Eddie smile as much as when he got together with him.
Emmet is a bit of a hardass, work till he drops, party till he drops kind off guy. Full-on in everything he does, which sometime is a little of putting, but it can also cause hilarious comedy gold moments, which Richie has used multiple times in his sketches.
He’s pretty sure his winning Karen over aswell, since he has even managed to get a small smile out of her, which is a hell of a lot more than he ever got from Sonia.
The others he knows only vaguely by the nicknames he gave them, ranging from boss man to toilet man, the latter spending all his time on the toilet if Eddie is anything to go by.
Still, Richie is very excited when he gets permission from Eddie to go with him, so much so that he’s practically bouncing on his foot whilst he gets ready. Eddie is less keen on going tonight, but that has nothing to do with the fact that Richie is going.
Ever since returning from Derry, the two of them don’t go out much. They meet up with the losers, but apart from that they usually spend their time inside of the confinements of their home, either fighting over he gets the remote, cooking, working or annoying the shit out of each other.
Neither of them want to either, they enjoy each other’s company, and those of the other members of the losers club. When they do go out, they always seem to run into someone they know giving them shit about being gay. ‘Oh Eddie, I thought you were still married to your wife?’ or ‘If it isn’t the trashmount with a boy. What happened couldn’t get enough girl anymore?’
Most of them don’t mean bad, and Eddie nor Richie are ashamed of their love, they’re just tired of having to explain over and over again, so they stay in.
Work parties are the worst for Eddie, who doesn’t even like most of his coworkers to begin with, but sometimes they are mandatory, and he has no choice but to drag his ass over there.
So Eddie grumbles his way through getting ready, shaving and brushing his teeth with a stern look on his face, picking out his and Richie’s cloths. ‘There’s no way I’m letting you dress yourself, you’ll look like a walking Christmas tree.’
They lose some time while they get ready because Richie tries to cheer Eddie up a bit, by threatening to dose him in cold water, welcoming the snappy warning Eddie sends his way.
By the time they make it to Eddie’s workplace, where the party is going to be held, it’s a quarter past nine, while they were supposed to be there at nine.
This does not do any wonders for Eddie’s mood, who’s scowl turns impossibly bigger. He almost trips over his own two feet in his haste to make it inside, but before they do, he tugs Richie aside by the hem of his sleeve.
‘Please act normal, I need this job alright?’
‘My Eds, you wound me. You think I would throw away your honor just for a few laughs from a couple of lads, I could never.’ Richie’s British voice thick his words with an accent, having the intended effect. A smile tugs up the sides of Eddie’s mouth, even when he desperately tries to hide it, rolling his eyes extravagantly.
‘See that’s what I mean dickhead, don’t do the fucking British guy or I’m dumping you.’
He’s clearly joking, so Richie doesn’t dignify it with a response, though he does snort a little in amusement. ‘Sir, yes sir.’ He calls out long after Eddie has turned his back, cackling when Eddie flips him the bird behind his back. Fondly, Richie follows him through the long corridors, first turning right, then left, left again to eventually enter a massive open space, not to far from the bathroom Richie always uses when he comes to visit.
‘Hey, if you want to get out of here, just use the word salmon for whatever, than we’ll skoot on right out of here, Eddie Spaghetti’, Richie whispers inconspicuously to Eddie, trying to avoid being heard by somebody else. He hopes he succeeded, but by the looks of it, he did.
Eddie shakes his head fondly, his hand interlocking with Richie’s with a warning squeeze.
‘Shut up you idiot’, he mumbles fondly, the look in his eyes radiating nothing but love for the man in next to him.  
They spot Anisa first, the sour look on her face melting away when she sees the two of them entering. She grabs two more drinks, balancing a total of three drinks in two hands, and offers it gracefully to them.
‘What took you guys so long?’ The voice of Bon Jovi booms through the room, originating from a djs-table in the left corner, making it hard to understand what she’s saying.
‘Mister clean over here had to be completely dosed up for this occasion, I think he changed cloths like three times, isn’t that right Eds?’ to be fair though, Eddie looks horrendously handsome, it’s almost criminal. His suit accentuates all the good features of his body, which is everything, his dress shoes make a squeaking noise every time they walk over the floor, and his hair is neatly combed back, making him look even more attractive than he already is daily.
A huff is forced out of him when he feels Eddie’s elbow dig slightly into his side. Eddie glare is turned up to a hundred.
‘Do you know how unsanitary it is to not wash every day? Do you know how many germs are transferred onto your hand by just touching a doorknob? If I didn’t wash up you know statistically speaking I have a 40% change of catching a disease? You know this asshole, why would you need to-‘
He’s intercepted by Anisa; ‘you two are so cute together’, and Richie couldn’t agree more. He takes a sip of his drink; which is champagne apparently, and is seconds away from asking Eddie who his boss is supposed to be, when a man Richie has never seen around the office makes an appearance, sliding in front Eddie’s left to give him a tight hug. By doing so, he breaks the link that Richie and Eddie hands still had, rudely shoving Richie slightly back.
He frowns, but does nothing as he waits for Eddie to introduce them. Anisa, who is still standing with them, looks to be as flabbergasted as he is.
‘Eddie, look at you. Handsome as always’, the man compliments while pulling back, his eyes shamelessly raking over Eddie’s form.
Eddie laughs politely, thanking him while reaching for Richie’s hand again. ‘Yeah, good to see you to Seth, this is my boyfriend Richie Tozier’, Eddie explains when the guy, Seth, makes no move to introduce himself.
Seth forces a curt nod towards Richie, not so much as a hello. It irks Richie to no end, but this might the one Eddie’s trying to impress, and Richie is not enough of an asshole to ruin Eddie’s chances because he’s annoyed.
‘I’m going to find Emmet, I’ll see you guys later’, Anisa tells them, as she turns around and walks off, something Richie would love to be doing now too.
He stays rooted to his spot though, trying to make himself as big as possible. It must look a bit ridiculous, but he can’t help it, there’s something about this guy.
‘So, have you managed to talk to the boss man yet? The guy really likes fresh workers.’ He tries to joke, but it falls flat, and Richie can’t help but feel smug and a little sympathetic towards the guy, so he laughs a bit awkwardly. It’s better than not responding at all, he argues, but then Seth levels him with such an annoyed look that Richie can’t help but feel a little intimidated by.
He hasn’t seen that sort of look since Sonya, and for all his joking about her, he really was terrified that she would manage to convince Eddie to stay away from for good. Uneasiness sweeps it’s way through Richie’s body, the only thing keeping him slightly calm and stable, is the hand he’s holding.
Richie tries to change the subject, to distract himself from how weird he finds the guy, by asking how he and Eddie know each other.
‘We collaborate on projects from time to time, Seth works for one of our client companies.’
‘Yeah, and we wouldn’t be coming back to the same firm if it wasn’t for Eddie over here,’ he gestures to Eddie as if Richie didn’t know who the fuck that was, ‘I’ve never had a more dedicated, ambitious, articulated, clever –‘
While he continues to dish out compliments, Richie reaches his arm over Eddie’s shoulders, pulling him flush to his side. Obviously it’s wonderful to hear compliments, and god knows Eddie deserves nothing but that, but it’s quite off putting that the same guy keeps praising him at every turn, and not even acknowledges his boyfriends presence instead being rude.
Eddie response by pressing a kiss to Richie’s cheek, which is a lot of PDA for him, maybe to sooth Richie, maybe because it was an automatic reflex, either way, Richie takes a deep breath and manages to hold his tongue till the guy is finished talking.
‘Yep, that’s my Eds, nothing but the best. I’m lucky to have him.’
He looks up from Eddie’s face to smile brightly in Seth’s vicinity, not even trying to compete with him, just being brutally honest.
‘He’s just as ambitious at home by the way, you should see the poses he can bend into when we’re-‘
‘Beep beep, Richie’, Eddie’s voice, sharp as the edge of a knife cuts in. ‘Don’t you dare finish that sentence you prick. And don’t call me that.’
Richie cackles, gripping his stomach with the one hand that isn’t occupied to stop himself from doubling over, Eddie’s angry face only making it worse.
‘Why do you call him Eds? He told you he doesn’t like that.’
Richie’s head snaps back up again, and this time, he feels actual anger. It’s one thing to flirt with Eddie in front of him, or be rude to him, Richie can deal with that, at least on the outside. But insulting their nicknames? He knows for a fact Eddie only tells him to stop calling him that out of habit, Eddie having admit to that himself, but this guy had no right commenting on it.
Eddie himself seems agitated now, in a truly fashion, one that he has never used to talk to Richie, but before he can say anything, another man steps their way, extending his hand and waiting for Eddie to shake it.
‘Mister Duke, how are you sir?’ Eddie asks a little nervously, and Richie lets his arm drop down. He refuses to let Eddie be denied this opportunity by homophobia, even if he isn’t sure that the man is homophobic, he’s not ready to take any changes.
With a gesture over his shoulder, Eddie follows who Richie presumes is his boss over to a table with man who looked like they stepped right out of the TV show suits, but Richie declines to walk with him.
Eddie needs a chance to prove himself, and Richie was just going to support him from where he was standing.
For a minute, he forgets Seth is still standing with him, until he opens his mouth again.
‘You know you’re only dragging him down right?’ He asks cruelly.
Richie frowns at him, his hands closed in fists, trying to lure himself away from his breaking point.
‘He would do much better with me. What do you have to offer? Money? I’ve got plenty of that, and at least I have status. Some small town comedian who flunked at his show that one time, and still hasn’t made a comeback yet. You look about as disheveled as a homeless men, and I can’t say I see much love between the two of you. You annoy him, and you might find it funny, respectable people don’t. Leave him before you ruin him like you ruined yourself. I could take better care of him than you ever could.’
After his monologue, he stares Richie down with a cocky expression, seemingly daring Richie to respond. When he doesn’t get one in ten seconds, he trudges on, probably to on to the next person to bother.
Richie feels like all the bones in his body have turned to liquid as he struggles to stay upright. For a moment he gazes around the room in shame, because it seems like a scene from a movie where everyone looks on to the bully annihilating some nerd, as that is the exact same emotion Richie comprehends, before he realizes that everyone is caught up in their own conversation, and he too walks off, going to the bathroom.
He knows Eddie will search for him when he’s done with his conversation, but for a moment that thought is put on the back-burner as he starts to get a little faint. It takes longer than it usually does to reach the toilet door, in the meanwhile he’s had to shrug Emmet of and ignore Anisa’s callout, but none of that matters when he finally gets there.
As soon as the door closes behind him, a loud sob leaves his throat. Only one sob is allowed to leave his lips, he argues with himself, so he resumes to silent tears only after that.
Overreactor, his traitorous mind hisses at him, and he knows it’s right, but he can’t help how he feels. He survived a fucking clown alien attacking him, and even that didn’t make him cry until he thought Eddie might have died.
However, he knows that Seth had a point, Richie is really not good enough for Eddie. And maybe Seth could be, at the very least, he did have a stable job, and he thinks highly of Eddie, maybe he was right, and he should leave Eddie so he can grow to his full potential.
Some times goes by while he’s thinking it over, and in the meanwhile he has moved to wash his face by the washing bins, scrubbing the area around his eyes to make it appear like he wasn’t crying. As he’s doing this, he hears Eddie call out to him. ‘Hey dickhead, you in here?’
The door whips open, clashing against the wall with a loud bang so hard that Richie flinches for a moment. A worried looking Eddie is standing in the door opening, his tie undone atop his blazer, and his frantic eyes searching the door, calming down slightly when he sees Richie.
‘Hey, why are you taking so long, you fall in the toilet or something?’ Eddie tries, a futile attempt at ignorance, Richie can clearly see how perturbed he is, but he’s kind enough to let Richie come to him.
Instead of telling Eddie the things that are on his mind, Richie tries to force a way around the topic, by using humor and creating a joke. ‘Well Eds, I was just about to call your mom, to declare my love for her.’
‘Richie’, Eddie sighs, running a hand over his face like he’s trying to mentally prepare himself? By the tone of his voice, Richie understands that Eddie is asking him to tell the truth, to speak what’s on his mind, but that can be so hard sometimes, so in lieu of having a conversation with Eddie, Richie starts to cry.
A hand pushes it’s way up to his mouth, trying to desperately to muffle the cries of despair, shame was again white hot present in his mind. Eddie looks shocked for about a second flat, before rushing over to Richie, grabbing his neck and pushing his head against the crook of his shoulder, rubbing his own hand up and down Richie’s back, and the other one through his hair.  
‘Rich, it’s okay. You can talk to me dumbass, that’s what boyfriends are supposed to do.’
There’s nothing but silence for a few minutes, which Eddie grants Richie, just trying to get him to calm down.
‘do you ever doubt our relationship?’ Richie finally asks, feeling the way Eddie’s entire body freezes up as if he was told Pennywise was back.
Richie hurries to continue. ‘I mean, if I’d had to choose between me and Seth, I’d pick Seth too. He has a good job and I might be out of one after waiting so long to go on stage again, and I look ridicules, and I push your buttons,’ Richie takes a break to gulp in a large gush of air. ’I’m just saying, I’d get if you would want to break up with me.’
Yet, when Eddie pulls back slightly, Richie panics before letting him get too far. Eddie laughs again, still close enough that their noses are pressed together with Richie bend down the way he is.
‘Hey Rich, you’re really fucking stupid you know that?’ Eddie says with a voice so incredibly soft and fond, Richie nearly melts to a puddle. He’s still stroking curl after curl on Richie’s head, comforting him best he can when they’re in a public bathroom.
‘You’ll have a job. You’re so good at being funny Richie. Even if I don’t say that enough. Besides, let’s say you don’t, you will but just hypothetically, I don’t care about that. I only want to spend time with you. You dress like a toddler, but I like that, it makes you look goofy, just like your personality.’
With a smile that’s showing his teeth, Eddie presses a quick kiss on Richie’s mouth, pulling back fast and firing two more in rapid succession.
‘I love you Rich. Not fucking Seth, Fuck that guy. I could never want to be with him, ever. I mean it when I say I love you dickwad, despite my questionable decision, I choose you.’
Richie giggles, hearty when Eddie stands on his tippy toes to kiss his forehead, and for a moment he feels like he’s five years old. He’s glad to have Eddie, and he’s even more satisfied that Eddie wants him back. Not amnesia could stand in their way, he’s so idiotic to believe a guy from Eddie’s fucking job could.
‘Now, come on. First I have to kick Seth’s ass for making my boyfriend cry. I have to set an example here. Then we’ll go home and cuddle okay? We'll clean the salmon or whatever the fuck sentence I'm supposed to make with that and skoot on home’
Richie shakes his head negatively, ‘what about your job promotion?’
As if suddenly remembering so, Eddie grins like a cat that go the cream.
‘Don’t worry about that, I got the job.’
When they cuddle at night in their bad, after a heavy make out session, and a small skype party with the losers in honor of Eddie’s promotion, Richie falls asleep, safely knowing that Eddie was with him, and he no matter what, he wasn’t leaving.  
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bapydemonprincess · 3 years
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1 to 5 for all your OCs cause I can't tell what all your ocs are and too lazy to look it all up, sryy :P BUT I do like what you have made that i saw!!! jsyn
Well, I’ll see what I can do!! It’s.. all under a cut becayse god it got long. 🙈🙈🙈
Aarushi:
1. What is their gender? Nonbinary.
2. What is their sexuality? Asexual.
3. What is the meaning behind their name? Do they have any nicknames?Aarushi is Sanskrit for the first rays of the sun. Which makes so much sense as they are a baby created between Agni and female Sebastian :’) And it’s most likely Agni came up with the name mainly and Sebastian totally loved it immediately. 🖤 In most cases, people seem to like calling Aarushi Aaru for short, so there’s that, and I also headcanoned myself Agni calls his child tiger cub (there was Bengali for it but I can’t find it 🙈) Lastly, Sebastian calls both Aarushi and Ambrose their “kittens” and that sticks too. 🥰 (much to Ambrose’s dismay) 
4. Do they have any siblings? How many? Are they older or younger?  Which sibling are they the closest with? As stated above, Ambrose is Aarushi’s only other sibling. In general it was a miracle Seb and Agni were able to have another child after the first, considering the difficulties they endured the first time around, but definitely didn’t regret it! So Aarushi was much older by the time Ambrose was born, and had also likely come and gone to go explore the world on their own and make contracts (they need to eat souls like mama). As for closeness, Aarushi and Ambrose’s relationship is a mixed bag of love/hate. Aka, Aarushi adored their baby brother, no matter what, but Ambrose is always going to feel a bitterness deep down involving his older sibling, considering compared to him, Aarushi has LOTS of power inherited from both Sebastian and Agni’s hand of Kali, and yet.. they really are a peaceful sort and nothing like a demon of Hell themselves!
5. What’s their relationship with their parents like? What about other relatives?
Aarush loves both Agni and Sebastian and has a strong bond with both parents. The only thing they ever disagree on is Mama’s idea of eating souls and such. Aarushi is a pacifist through and through, much like Agni, and though this worries Sebastian because they do need to eat souls to survive, Sebastian cannot fault their beloved kitten for how they think of things. As for other relatives, Aarushi considers Grelle Sutcliff and Hannah Annafellows, who are most definitely together and (possibly..?) happily married their aunts, especially since Hannah helped Sebastian through the whole pregnancy in the first place.
Ambrose:
1. What is their gender? Male.
2. What is their sexuality? Bisexual.
3. What is the meaning behind their name? Do they have any nicknames?
The name “Ambrose” is Greek, and means “Immortal” ..(I am so so sorry I cannot for the life of me remember why that was picked it was something to do with how ironically his life WAS almost snuffed out, or he was meant to be a powerful demon but didn’t/couldn’t become one.. I dunno! 🙈) And again, Sebastian calls him “kitten” and Aunt Hannah, Grelle and his father Agni call him a little raven or corvus. :3 Meanwhile his now boyfriend calls him “Rosie” as they can shorten his name to that 🖤
4. Do they have any siblings? How many? Are they older or younger?  Which sibling are they the closest with?
I think it’s basically the same answer as above :P
5. What’s their relationship with their parents like? What about other relatives?
Like the polar opposite of his elder sibling, Ambrose doesn’t get along very well with family. Especially Mum. Mainly due to Sebastian being the one he was meant to be given powers from but couldn’t handle it. Not to mention, with how independent Ambrose is, Sebastian’s motherly attitude constantly gets on his nerves from early on and many times he’d tried even running away from home out of frustration, wanting to be “free”, and of course rebellion in general. For some reason, though, when it comes to Aunt Hannah, Ambrose doesn’t mind her much.. She was the one to save the boy from death by Sebastian’s demonic essence tearing his soul asunder, and that involved her taking away most of the demonic parts of him.. But instead of also targeting her with his rage, Ambrose respects and admires her a little. She is a quiet, calm, knowing comfort. As if she too understands the urge for isolation and independence. 💜 And finally, as for Aunt Grelle, well.. as Hannah’s wife is a bit more hands-on, Ambrose isn’t that fond of her.. but despite that he does respect her fighting skills, as growing up, Ambrose had learned to fight with weapons with her, as well as her junior, Ronald Knox (who loves goading the half-demon on out of spite because he’ll never be a fan of Sebastian, of course.)
Ulva Gelzer-Michaelis:
1. What is their gender? Female.
2. What is their sexuality? Lesbian.
3. What is the meaning behind their name? Do they have any nicknames?
Without even needing to look it up again, I know for certain Ulva means She Wolf in old German! uwu As for nick names, obviously most call her pup or little pup, especially her Dad and Mama!!
4. Do they have any siblings? How many? Are they older or younger? Which sibling are they the closest with?
Ulva is an only child, as it was a miracle that Sebastian (while female of course) and Wolfram managed to have this little one by herself! However, since Wolfram considers Sieglinde Sullivan like a daughter as well, Ulva has come to know the young lady as like an older sister!
5. What’s their relationship with their parents like? What about other relatives?
Both Sebastian and Wolfram undeniably adore their only daughter, though the hyperactive little puppy girl does always give them a run for their money, and the demon’s Mother Hen instincts are very high where she is concerned, as Ulva always finds herself getting into things one way or another that she might regret.. other than that and perhaps the older servants of Phantomhive at that time and maybe the Earl too if still alive, no other relatives really.
Eddie the Demon
1. What is their gender? He/them for the most part.
2. What is their sexuality? Demisexual.
3. What is the meaning behind their name? Do they have any nicknames?
As most demons under contracts allow their current masters to give them names instead of freely giving out their true name or, in this case, not even having a true name, Eddie let Ambrose decide on that, and thus the boy was like “Hm.. well... with that spooky Victorian Author look I’d say Edgar, y’know, like uh Edgar Allen Poe? But eh.. You don’t look serious enough or old enough to be an Edgar, so how ‘bout Eddie!”
Of course, Ambrose loves calling his imp turned lover plenty of nick names ;), including Ed, sugar, baby, babe, sweetheart...
4. Do they have any siblings? How many? Are they older or younger? Which sibling are they the closest with?
Well, being a very young imp of Hell, it is unlikely Eddie has any siblings, or even knows about any :P (And the likelihood that any siblings they do have if any would come to kill them for the sake of getting more power and recognition is very high..)
5. What’s their relationship with their parents like? What about other relatives?
Like many, many demons of Hell, Eddie likely has no clue at all who exactly created them. :/ It may be unfortunate to us humans to be left like that, but demons really don’t care, especially after a few centuries of adapting to fend for themselves!
Aidan Astre Sutcliff-Michaelis
1. What is their gender? Male.
2. What is their sexuality? n/a as he was last seen/known as merely a toddler so I and @grelleswife would rather let that be until we eventually write something new in that verse where he’s grown older. :3
3. What is the meaning behind their name? Do they have any nicknames?
Aidan is a Gaelic/Irish name for “Little fire” and was thought of, of course, by his mother Grelle Sutcliff :3 And obviously both other parents Mey and Sebastian were in agreement. He is a little spark; a little flame they’d all brought to life with their love. 🔥 Besides that, Aidan is still called “baby” by his mama Mey, “kitten” by his papa Sebastian, and “little chap” from his mummy Grelle! 
4. Do they have any siblings? How many? Are they older or younger? Which sibling are they the closest with?
He is currently an only child! However at the end of our Sebagrellerin rp, he did confess to wanting a sibling, sooo who knows ;3
5. What’s their relationship with their parents like? What about other relatives?
Aidan is very close with everyone, and not only his three original parents, but also now Miss Hannah Annafellows who kinda in a way has become a third mother too. >w< 💜
Amy Michaelis
1. What is their gender? Genderfluid, but usually favoring female.
2. What is their sexuality? Pansexual
3. What is the meaning behind their name? Do they have any nicknames?
I don’t believe it is possible to derive a nickname from the name Amy, but I think it’s important to note in her original story in That Butler Big Brother, Bard likes calling her “Madam President” in a tender/joking way. >w< (And i personally think after that, back in Hell, Amy INSISTS her subordinates call her Madam President TOO. (though they all find the extra madam part confusing..))
In the original article of Amy the Demon, their other names/other version of their name is Amii or Auns, Hanar, Hanni.
4. Do they have any siblings? How many? Are they older or younger? Which sibling are they the closest with?
In every verse of this character, the one thing I think that will always be the same is she has an elder sibling named Naberius, who is the fourth Marquis of Hell in the Lesser Key of Solomon, and is who we headcanon Sebastian Michaelis as. Who knows if these two have any other siblings, but I personally like the idea of these two, being the weirdo outcast demons they are, are a rare breed on their own. While other demons in Hell would likely either immediately kill and/or leave any blood related demons to be forgotten, these two stuck together for some strange reason, and our best guess on the why is that as Naberius was much older, nearly an adult by the time Amy came into being, and something instinctively drove the crow demon to stay by her side, and raise her, despite.. the animosity they sometimes share towards each other...
5. What’s their relationship with their parents like? What about other relatives?
Neither Amy nor Naberius know or remember for certain who or what their parents are. Amy most definitely recalls absolutely nothing, while her older sibling only vaguely recalls someone very, very old holding them as a youngling close, and between soft, soft soft so soft.. black wings.... But that’s all.
Adam Borders
1. What is their gender? Transexual ftm
2. What is their sexuality? I am not completely certain if he is Bisexual or something else at this time, as all I know is story wise he fell hard for Amy, so he is attracted to her but I cannot jump to the conclusion just yet as to what that means.
3. What is the meaning behind their name? Do they have any nicknames?
Adam chose his name when he fully accepted himself as a transexual man, not only just because he liked it, but because of the Biblical humor only he’d understand behind it considering his dead name was Evelynn, similar to “Eve”. It is understandable that many wish to completely forget their dead name, but Adam liked doing this, as he has a rather dark, bitter sense of humor, especially regarding himself. 
As for nicknames, his current Senpai Grelle calls him “Handsome” or “Charming” like Prince Charming, and Amy herself just calls him Boy or “dear boy”. Amy also likes resorting to Ancient Greek or Latin with her terms as it gives her confused flustered looks. >;3
4. Do they have any siblings? How many? Are they older or younger? Which sibling are they the closest with?
Most of Adam’s life before becoming a reaper is very sad and a bit left unsaid.. but I think he had an elder sister, who like most of the rest of the family, reacted very badly to uncovering what happened to their deceased relative and the why of it. :( So Adam would likely never bring up his older sister again.. except maybe briefly, but only maybe after learning of Amy’s relationship to the other demon Adam meets eventually, Sebastian Michaelis, who is her older brother basically.
5. What’s their relationship with their parents like? What about other relatives?
Again, most of that is very depressing and dismal, as they never would have accepted Adam for who he truly was, and had tried forcing him to live a certain way he did not want to. :(
And so... that’s most of my OCs!! XDD @grelleswife and I have something else in the works involving our current RP, but i can’t spoil it right here so that’s all left out! And the only others were tiny characters like Sylvia the Angel from the RP, and my self insert that I don’t think i need to put down here. 🙈 Thank you though for sendig me this!!
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“Look, man. You can’t give toothbrushes to kids on Halloween.”? 💕
“Look, man. You can’t give toothbrushes to kids on Halloween.”?
“Thanks again Eddie, for coming out with Zack and I,” Bill smiled as they walked down the sidewalk of their small town. Zack, Bill and Audra’s five year old son, skipped a little bit in front of them, pumpkin bag swinging as he moved. Since Audra was working late, Eddie had offered his assistance to his best friend in taking Zack out trick or treating.
Eddie just shook his head, waving him off. “It’s not a big deal, Bill,” he smiled, keeping his eye on Zack who was still a short distance ahead of them. The neighbourhood where Bill and Audra lived was full of people taking their kids out trick or treating. It was a very family friendly place to live and most of the houses were decked out to the nines in spooky decorations.
Since he was a little boy, Eddie absolutely adored Halloween. He loved it when his dad would custom make his costume and they’d go out trick or treating until it was time for bed. The only person who wasn’t so keen on Halloween in his family was his mother. She detested Halloween, and all the spookiness that came with it. Now that he was finally able to celebrate it without any drama, Eddie was living the dream.
“Zack,” Bill called over to his son and the boy turned around with a questioning expression. He was dressed up as a zombie, topped with the fake blood and everything. Eddie had to admit that Audra did a really good job on the costume, just like she did every year. “This is the last house bud, then we can head home and go through all the candy, okay?”
Zack pouted a little about his evening of fun coming to an end, but he nodded his head and pointed to the last house he wanted to go to. The steps up to the house were well decorated, looking like a haunted graveyard. Zack rushed up the steps, giggling at the skeletons that popped out from behind the fake gravestones, and rang the doorbell.
Eddie and Bill stepped up behind him, waiting for the door to open. It finally did and it was a man dressed in a Frankenstein’s Monster outfit, with dark curly hair and glasses. Eddie froze as he took in the man, his eyes widening a little as he tried to think of who he might be under the costume. It wasn’t that intense that it hid the man’s features, so Eddie was perplexed as he hadn’t seen this man around the neighbourhood before, and no-one new had moved in recently.
“Well hello there you spooky zombie!” The man greeted Zack who giggled and held out his pumpkin bag with a yell of ‘Trick or Treat’. “You have a really sweet costume there dude, and I’m really sorry to burst your bubble, but I don’t have any candy…”
That caught Eddie’s attention and he raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean you don’t have any candy? If you’ve run out, normal people turn off the porch light so the kids don’t keep coming up.” He placed a hand on Zack’s shoulder. “Come on buddy, we can go to one more house since this one was a bust.”
Before they even made it back down the steps, the man jumped forward, shaking his head. “Hang on, wait. I don’t have candy, but I do have these.” With a grin, the guy held up his hand in which he was clasping onto toothbrushes. The sight made a disbelieving laugh bubble out of Eddie’s lips.
“Look man, you can’t give out toothbrushes to kids on Halloween.” Eddie shook his head. “It’s the one time of the year that they expect candy and really don’t care about their teeth.” He looked past the man and into the house, still trying to figure out who this guy was. “Are you a newbie?” He asked. “I mean, did you just move here?”
Bill tapped Eddie on the shoulder and he thumbed a motion that he was taking Zack to the next house over. Eddie nodded his head, not following them though, as he was intrigued by the man and he wanted to know more. The guy laughed, running a hand over the back of his neck, “I’m not- I’m house sitting. My best friend Bev, and her husband Ben live here but they had to go to New York for the week. I promised to look after their house and do Halloween.”
Eddie raised an eyebrow, “By handing out toothbrushes? I’m sure they’ll be so proud of you.”
“Okay, listen,” The guy held up his hands. “First things first. My name is Richie, just so you know. Second, it’s a joke, because my dad is a dentist and you know, healthy teeth and all that stuff. You get it?”
Richie. The name kind of suit him.
Eddie pursed his lips for a moment before he smiled, “I’m Eddie,” he eventually settled on. “Funny joke, but sadly, I don’t think the kids will appreciate it as much as you and I do.”
Richie grinned back at Eddie and sat the toothbrushes back down before reaching for a bowl of candy that was just hidden from view. “You want some? Just between you and me?” He asked and Eddie laughed but nodded, taking a piece of candy and popping it into his mouth.
“How long are you here for?” Eddie asked. “House-sitting I mean?”
With a raise of his eyebrows and a grin, “Why, you wanting to get to know me better Eds?”
Eddie blinked, not expecting the nickname and he shook his head, “Forget I even said anything. I need to catch up with Bill and Zack. Nice meeting you, Richie.” With another shake of his head, Eddie made a move to walk down the steps once again but Richie reached out to stop him, wrapping a hand around his wrist.
“Wait- I’m sorry. Sometimes I can’t help but make a joke,” Richie apologised. “If you- if you want to get to know me...outwith the costumes and Halloween craziness I would love it.” He smiled. “Can I have your number?”
Eddie paused and nodded his head, dipping a hand into his fanny pack and pulling out a marker pen, scribbling his number onto Richie’s hand before winking. “Call me sometime, Frankenstien.” With that he stepped down and finally headed to the gate, grinning at himself at Richie’s response.
“I’m Frankenstien’s Monster!”
* * * * * 
@richietoaster @tozier-boy @eds-trashmouth @bitchbrak @sloppybitchreddie @its-stranger-than-you-think @maximusfraker @jem-carstairs-is-perfection @thejadeazalea @halfway-happy353 @tinyarmedtrex @inthebreadbinwrites @kat-ships-everything @takeourpure @lo-v-ers @that-weird-girls-blog @studpuffin @s-s-georgie @reddie-for-anything @trashmouthtozierr @richietoizer @girasol-eddie @bi-bi-richie @honeybeehanlon @mars-14 @reddiesetandgo @marsisaplanetyall @xandertheundead @sedanleystanley @hawkinsbabe @beepbeeprichiellc @stellarbisexual @oldguybones @thundercatseddie @eduardoandale  @purplepoisonedgem @reddie-to-cryy @pink-psychic @violetreddie @deadlighten @queen-sock @appojoos @moonlightrichie @rreddies @disneyfan567 @annxmatron @lifesucksheres20bucks @anellope @roobarrtrashmouth @are-you-reddie-for-it @callmechee @nancynwheeler @reddieforlove @twoidiotsinl0ve @madi-artist @tozierking @s-onora @atownofeggs  @wilding-throught-thehallways @no-she-wasnt-reddie 
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Reddie going to on a date to the fair...only if you want💗
YES I LOVE THIS CONCEPT
*i took me so long to write this, there might be some errors sorry*
- def like last summer of them all being in derry
-their 18 and richie is moving to LA and eddie is going to NY
-richie knows his time with eds is running out and hes been a lot more clingy than usual
-eddie knows it too and hes been spendig a lot more alone time with his favorite trashmouth
-eddie HATES change so he has regular panic attack just thinking of being away from the losers (especially richie) 
when he gets the panic attacks he usually just throws himself onto richie and starts playing with his shirt
richie started seeing a pattern and lets him calm down, he tries rubbing his back or making him laugh
when eddie isnt with richie when he has one (which tends to only happen at night) he will sneak out of his house and go to richies (richie now leaves his window open for eddie bc of it )
the losers part ways in about 3 weeks 
so for the past week eddie has been sleeping at richies everynight, he waits for his mom to go to sleep and goes directly to richies house
they usually just lie in bed somewhat cuddling 
they both know theres this unspoken thing between them but no one acts on it
the second to last week of  August theres the annual Derry summer fair. The losers have been going there since forever and its like the best part of the summer for them
they usually all go together for a whole day and stay to watch the fireworks then head to mikes farm for a sleepover/bonfire 
one day richie cant take it anymore and calls bev, he just kinda blurs out that he loves eddie and bev starts laughing 
“yeah we all figured you guys love eachother”
“wait you guys? you think eddie loves me too?”
“well none of us spend every night cuddling, and holding hands and sitting on each others laps” 
“you guys noticed that huh”
“omg you’re such a idiot sometimes rich”
“idk what to do though, how am i going to live without eddie”
“you guys will see each other, dont worry, we promised each other annual trips and we all come back to derry for the summers right? You guys will see each other eventually”
“but i can barely stand being without him for a day. You remember last month when his mother didnt let him leave the house bc he coughed? I was freaking miserable that day and i made everyone else miserable too.”
“well rich, i dont know what to tell you, youre going to have to find a way to survive without him, you guys can still call each other when your in school. Its a temporary move, you guys can live together or whatever after college”
“i need to tell him how i feel, i cant just leave without telling him”
“I think thats a good idea, let me know how it goes”
the next day the losers go to the fair, end up causing too much trouble (like always) and then went back to mikes farm. they all got drunk and very emotional, lots of crying bc they were all moving. some promises were made about calling each other at least once a week and plans were made about visiting each other during the thanksgiving holiday and taking a spring break trip together. (their all going to NYC for thanksgiving to see the christmas tree and probably going to LA for spring break)
during the sleepover richie and eddie and sleeping next to each other, richie reaches out to see if eddie is awake and as soon as richies hand is on eddie back, eddie turns around and puts his head on richies chest. 
“eddie do you want to go back to the fair with me tomorrow?”
“yeah we can go back , i think mike would like that bc he was totally smitten with that gir-
“no i mean just you and me”
“just you and me....uhh um okay that sounds like fun”
THE NEXT DAY
after eating breakfast at the farm they make up some weird excuse to why they couldnt hang out with the other losers and both leave (richie somehow said he needed to buy a cat)
-once they get to the fair theres this kinda awkward silence between them. Richie tries to make stupid jokes but all hes getting from eddie is nervous laughter
“hey eds whats wrong” richie says as he grads eddies hand
“i just, idk what are we doing?”
“well were at the fair, its this big fun thing we do every year”
“i know what a fair is you idiot, i mean why did you only want to come with me”
“bc i wanted to spend the day with my little eds!” (richie def pinches his cheek)
“dont call me that! god im so not going to miss that nickname when college starts”
“stop lying to yourself  my little spaghetti, youre going to miss not hearing it everyday”
they end up walking around trying some of the games.
eddie spotted a Koala that he really wanted and richie set out a mission to win it
he ended up spending like 20 dollars on tickets bc he kept losing the game. but when he finally got it, the look on eddies face made it all worthwhile
eddie decided to name the koala trashmouth for his knight in shining armour that got him in the first place
richie melts
eddie also named him that bc richie TOTALLY loves to koala hug eddie (and thats also why he wanted the koala in the first place bc he thought of richie when he saw it)
eddie gets them both candied apples
richie drops his after two bites
so they end up sharing eddies
at the end of the day richie insists on going to the ferris wheel
so they go and they sit right next to each other, eddie head on richies shoulder and finger intertwined 
they stop at the top and richie thinks its now or never
“hey eds, i need to tell you something and i dont want you to say anything, just let me finish”
“hm okay”
“you know how a couple of years ago you told me you loved coming to the fair because being here with your friends made you so happy. And that you absolutely loved coming on the Ferris wheel because being so high up and seeing the beautiful view of the town at sunset made you feel at peace and so whole...”
“yeah i remember that”
“well thats how you make me feel”
richie is playing with the hem of his shirt and every second that eddie doesnt say anything he starts shaking more and more
eddie sits quietly, in shock, and finally starts to process what richie says. he is quickly distracted by a tapping noise coming form richie
he looks at richie and sadness overcomes him, hes never seen richie look so nervous and scared in his life. the only thing he wants to do is hold him tight and thats exactly what the does
the second eddie takes richie into his arms richie just starts sobbing. the relief of the secret and the reality or their situation was just too much for him to handle
“shh shh ‘chee its okay, please dont cry baby”
“ i just, i dont know how im going to survive without you, youre my bestest friend eds and i love you so much..”
“i love you too richie, so much, why do you think i always sneak into your bedroom? all the panic attacks? its all because i keep thinking of college without you”
“why did we wait so long? i should have told you when i was 14, fucking hell Tozier always says stupid shit but never the right shit”
“richie stop youre not stupid, I should have told you, i just didnt know how. I know we waited too long but im so happy it happened this way. I dont think it would have worked out if we had told eachother sooner, we were so young. Now that were moving out of this shit hole we get to be ourselves and we can make this work” 
“but youre going to be so far away...”
“ill come visit you and i you can come see me, ill call you every night, this is going to work, i know it is bc its us and i know were meant to be together” 
“promise you wont forget me when im in LA”
“how can I ‘chee, you’re literally all i think about”
“wow okay this is getting really cheesy so can i just add a bit more cheesiness and kiss you at the top of the Ferris wheel?”
“ ugh okay but only since were already here and i dont think i can wait a minute longer”
richie cups eddies face and kisses him passionately 
(ITS A SHITTY ENDING I KNOW I DIDNT KNOW HOW TO END IT IM SORRY IM REALLY NOT MADE FOR WRITING)
this is definitely a story they will share with their kids in the future ❤️ 
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theaceace · 4 years
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because I can’t seem to make my words do the writey thing, here’s a bulletpoint fic of IT chapter 2 fix-it that I will never ever finish
the losers start to thin out of Derry as teenagers - Bev leaves first to live with her aunt, then Ben when his dad’s job relocates them, then Bill when it becomes clear that his parents are trying to escape Georgie’s memory, then Eddie when his mother decides that Derry just isn’t a safe enough place to be raising a teenager anymore, leaving just Stan, Richie, and Mike in town
at first they could write off the others losing touch - Bev wrote a couple of times, but none of them blamed her for throwing herself into her new life. Ben moved around a lot with his dad’s job, they were bound to lose touch at some point right? But then Bill and Eddie, who have been Losers as long as they can remember don’t write, or call. Mike and Stan figure out pretty quickly that there’s something Going On, and Richie gets on board once he’s through being dramatic (and genuinely hurt) about it
so Stan and Richie know that something happens when people leave Derry. Mike is already planning to stay behind, ostensibly to look after the farm when his grandfather eventually passes away, but they all know it’s really to keep an eye out for It. Naturally Richie, who had been taunted with missing posters of himself, is terrified of being forgotten, but also
he remembers the way Stan had screamed when they saved him from the woman, screamed that they had left him, that they weren’t his friends, and like fuck is he going to let Stan feel like that again
Richie follows Stan to college, and although they quickly forget any actual details of their childhood/how they met/any other friends, they’ve managed to cling to each other tight enough to know that they’re best friends
(should best friends have funny stories and inside jokes, and actually know how long they’ve been friends? yes probably. does this matter to either of them? absolutely fuckin’ not)
so they relearn their friendship from the ground up, including Richie giving a different and increasingly ridiculous version of how they met everytime someone asks, finding nicknames that they don’t remember but are so familiar they must be old, just generally supporting and loving each other
and yes, Richie absolutely comes out to Stan, both as a teenager and again as an adult because he doesn’t remember doing it the first time (I lean towards gay Richie as opposed to bi, just because I’ve only watched the films and not read the book, and that was more the way I interpreted it)
Richie drops out of college fairly early on - he’s intelligent, but he struggles with the way college is structured, and can’t focus well enough on the taught subjects or complete assignments to save his live (me, projecting? I don’t know what you mean) and works part time at a radio station, part time at a bar, as well as doing open-mic stand up
Patty 100% comes to one of Richie’s shows and heckles the ever loving fuck out of him, and he immediately is like ‘I must introduce her to Stan’. They (Richie and Patty) get on like a house on fire, and he is very insistent that Stan has to marry her, because she’s perfect but Richie is tragically Too Gay, and you’re bi so take one for the team Stan the Man!
Stan is infuriated when he realises Richie’s best man speech will effectively be him patting himself on the back
all this love and support results in Richie coming out earlier than in canon, because whatever else happens he knows Stan and Patty are there for him. It goes better than expected, and Richie is free to write at least some of his own jokes, even if he still has weird bursts of panic over it from time to time
(on a related note - for added angst, Richie has occasional flashes of things that might be memories or dreams, but are traumatising either way. the main one being a boy with unclear features but wild, terrified eyes screaming at Richie not to fucking touch him. no context, so yeah that didn’t help with the internalised homophobia)
what this is all building to is that Stan and Patty are at Richie’s show when Mike calls. Stan remembers the most, but Richie catches up a lot faster than in canon when Stan is there panicking 
Patty, who is a certified bamf in this verse, flat-out lies to Richie’s manager as she hustles them both outta there because something is very clearly wrong. They’re clinging to each other and won’t even let go long enough to get in on opposite sides of the car. She eventually manages to drag the truth (or some of it anyway) out of them, and although not a single one of them actually wants to go to Derry, they all pack up and leave together because like fuck would Richie let Stan out of his sight after his panicked mutterings of ‘taking himself off the board’
Patty doesn’t go along to the restaurant to meet up, because it seems like a bit of an exclusive thing, and they don’t bump into anyone at the townhouse before going, 
(at least one of the Losers, preferably Eddie, assumes that Richie and Stan are married, which Richie thinks is the funniest thing ever and immediately texts Patty because she will agree it’s hilarious. Stan makes a face like he’s just bitten a lemon, but it absolutely becomes A Thing)
most of the events occur as in the film, but with 300% more common sense because Stan is there as well as Patty, who - though not a Loser - is an absolute blessing
yes this fic would definitely pass the bechdel test Patty and Bev would click
Pennywise would have to find some new material to taunt Richie with, because that ‘dirty little secret’ thing? Not gonna work so well this time pal
beyond that, my notes for this fic are effectively ‘nobody is cishet, Patty is a Loser now, everyone lives (except Georgie RIP) no gays are buried and Eddie and Richie actually get together like they fuckin’ deserve’
Thank u for coming to my TED talk
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andaleduardo · 5 years
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Rooftop N.13
Ao3   N.12 
Tumblr media
Read on ao3
Preview:   “Do you regret what you did?”
Does he?
No, Eddie didn’t regret pulling Richie back in. He regretted giving in to his overwhelming fear, pushing him away and telling him to leave.
  Saturday 29.05.1993
  Richie took a look around the small balcony in the back of Mike’s barn while Eddie finished climbing the last steps of the unstable ladder. He was tempted to bend down and touch the floor just to make sure it wasn’t shaking, that it was only himself who was. But instead, he took a deep breath and turned around just in time to see Eddie bang his head on the wooden frame of the passage way.
Richie gasped in shock while Eddie cursed under his breath and lifted both hands to his forehead. Once Richie saw that no damage was done, he had to bite down on his lip to keep himself from laughing.
“Shit. You okay?” He decided against coming closer.
“I’m fine.” Eddie dropped his hands and avoided eye contact while folding both arms around his mid-section. “I’m sure you want to joke about all of this, anyway.” He nodded towards the space.
“Not at all.” In a regular situation, he supposed he would have teased Eddie for going through the trouble of being alone with him up here, where the air felt colder yet welcoming and the noise from the party diminished slightly. But nothing about this situation seemed common, so Richie shot him a quick, reassuring smile and offered a shrug. “I suppose… we’re here to talk?” He cursed the wavering tone of his voice.
It sounded like a question but it wasn’t one, Eddie noticed. He shivered at the thought of actually trying to explain himself. In his head, he had played around with the possibility of a pre-made speech, but he figured that this was the only time in his life where he might want to be as see-through as possible, and that meant being unprepared. So, here he was, unsure of what to do next.
With a helpless sigh, Eddie ducked his head down in defeat.
For a brief moment, Richie watched him study his shoes and play with his sweaty hands. He still wanted to hold them tightly, especially now. Watching Eddie struggle was painful and Richie wanted to end his friend’s embarrassment, he just didn’t know how. At last, he thought he should look away and give Eddie some space. He didn’t want to seem demanding or expectant, so he sat down at the edge of balcony and let his legs hang in the air.
Eddie stared at the back of Richie’s head. Once more, Richie just proved himself to be a great friend. Eddie could only think of how much he deserved to know that. But things worked differently for Eddie Kaspbrak: he had an infinity of things to tell people, yet, he bottled them down, one after another. Inevitably, he would explode one day and say horrible things to the people he loved most. That’s what his life is about, a constant cycle of repressed emotions, thoughts and energy.
It was in that instant that some courage grew inside him. If he couldn’t talk about the things he wanted, maybe he could try and explain that as a starting point.
With one last deep breath, Eddie let his arms drop to his sides and started to talk to the back of Richie’s head. “That’s the thing-” He cut his line of thought, deciding to first sit down by Richie’s side, leaving a small distance between them. Then, he kept going.
“I have a lot of things to talk about, but I… never do.” Richie’s attentive gaze burned holes on the side of his face, making his cheeks burn up from the attention. He had to push through.
“And I want to, like, a lot. I think I’d feel a lot better if I just, said things… But no matter how much I try, the only audience I get is myself.” Without realizing, Eddie tossed his head back to stare up at the dark sky. “And I’m so sick of hearing it. Hearing all the things I have to say, Rich. I say them constantly, you know? I scream them all the time, I obsess over every little thing I need to say to someone, but nothing ever goes further than my skull. I go crazy with it, too. I can pretend nothing’s there if I’m busy, if I’m with you guys, or so. But all the things are still there, as if they could hide from everyone except me.”
Once he finished, Eddie sighed shakily and looked down to his lap.
It was a lot to take in. Richie couldn’t properly make out what to say, which was a lot on its own. A lot of different responses crossed his mind, but in the end, he empathized with what Eddie said, a whole lot. So, his words filled the silence in a soft, caring way.
“I think I know what you mean.”
To his surprise, Eddie shrugged. As if he didn’t quite believe him but, at the same time, that didn’t affect him. It was, in fact, upsetting. But it’s not like he could expect anyone to get it, not even the person he wished would get it the most.
“No, really.” Richie insisted. “Okay, I know I talk a lot, believe me. But I only ever say the wrong things, you know?” And to prove his point, Richie wasn’t sure if he said something he shouldn’t, but he didn’t fail to see Eddie’s expression fall.
“Did you say the wrong thing on Monday?” The words escaped Eddie’s lips before he had a chance to think them through. Clearly, a mistake that had him flinching in shame.
“It’s okay, you can ask me anything.” Richie’s spoke carefully, voice coated in lightness. They cut right through Eddie’s self-doubt, making the boy shyly nod in acceptance. Richie took some time to ponder his answer.
“I didn’t say a single thing I had planned.” Richie ended up explaining, eyes fixed on his knees. “Everything sort of went the wrong way, I regret not telling you what I had to tell.”
Eddie stayed quiet; brave enough to look at Richie, who copied his actions on instinct. They found themselves staring into each other’s eyes for the first time since they were alone. Eddie’s breath faltered at the same time as Richie’s eyelids trembled, and the moment felt so right that Eddie didn’t hesitate speaking the words that were begging to drip from his lips.
“Do you regret what you did?”
Richie seemed instantly taken aback, shaking his head as soon as he processed the question. “Nuh uh.” He stated, licking his lips anxiously. “Do you…?”
Does he?
No, Eddie didn’t regret pulling Richie back in. He regretted giving in to his overwhelming fear, pushing him away and telling him to leave.
Eddie broke eye contact. At this moment, he couldn’t speak, he couldn’t say anything, he could only choke on the hope of being able to do so. His skin boiled with shy heat and his cheeks were so warm that they could melt right off. He knew he must look beat red, but he still shook his head as an answer and kicked his embarrassment in the butt.
Richie was glad Eddie wasn’t looking at him because he did the worst job at hiding his smile, even wiping the corners of his mouth down and clicking his tongue. To top it off, his voice sounded hyper and weird like it usually does when he talks through a crooked grin. “So, what was your dinner yesterday?”
Eddie snapped his head up and stared at Richie with big, questioning eyes. “What?” He chuckled.
Richie smiled, shrugged. “Let’s make this easier. We ask each other questions, that way we give answers, not explanations.”
Eventually, Eddie understood and shook his head weakly. “You really don’t have to…”
“Oh but I wanna.” Richie clapped his hands together. “C’mon don’t keep me on the edge of my seat, Eds. I’m dying to know what your momma cooked for you last night.”
Eddie bit his lip reluctantly while searching Richie’s face for a sign that would tell him this was just a joke to him, but he found none. “You know…just cardboard meals. Also, don’t call me that.”
“Ah, yes. The delightfulness of premade mashed potatoes and frozen hamburgers,” The playfulness in Richie’s tone brought Eddie some sense of reality. No matter what, their friendship is real. “It’s your turn, Spaghetti. Do your worst, I can take it.”
Cursing the dumb nickname under his breath, Eddie got to thinking. He knew that things would escalate from then on, so he opted for light hearted questions as a start in hopes that the tension between them (or just in him) would subdue.
“Alright, uh,” Eddie looked mindlessly around until his eyes landed on Richie’s slim ankles covered by the fabric of his jeans. “What’s the colour of your socks?” He expected an immediate laugh from Richie’s part, however, the boy looked like he was ready to answer his question as if they were talking business.
“Oh you ain’t ready for this, mister.” Richie placed both hands over his kneecaps and raised both feet higher in the air. Abruptly, he buried all fingers on his jeans and pulled the fabric up. It only went as far as two inches, but Eddie was greeted with mismatched colours and patterns. One sock was purple plaid, the other was solid dark red.
“That’s dangerous.” Eddie stated with a smirk.
“You know me.” With a chuckle, Richie bent to fix the cuffs of his jeans. “My turn now.”
They went off like this for some time, asking each other stupid, pointless questions and snickering answers back. They were having fun, even though Eddie’s stomach leaped every time it was Richie’s turn. He kept expecting real questions, the ones that mattered, but each time he was delivered something light and funny. After some time, Eddie began to realise that Richie was waiting for him to ask something deeper first, he was waiting for the green light from Eddie’s part. He just had to figure out the best way to make the transition from careless to serious in their friendly interaction, but it seemed like there wasn’t any good way to do that.
That’s why, after ten minutes of swinging legs and voice impressions, Eddie introduced a short silence that made Richie’s legs stop and all laughter die down.
“Hm… Please don’t be offended,” Eddie’s voice felt weak coming out of his mouth, but in the moment, it was simultaneously deafening. “I just need to know if you drank tonight.”
Richie shook his head, hair bouncing. “Only the cheap tutti frutti juice.”
Eddie nodded. “Me too.” Then, he couldn’t help but chuckle. “Not that I usually drink but... forget it.” He stopped talking when it seemed like Richie found something to say.
“I’ve asked you this before.” Richie licked his lips and studied his knuckles. “About when you get all dizzy and stuff. You said you didn’t know what it is but-”
“It’s about anxiety.” Eddie gushed out. Richie waited for him to continue. “Uh, it happens if I’ve been extra antsy for like days or weeks. I suppose it’s because I don’t sleep too well those nights, and it’s like I’m physically and emotionally tired all the time.” The words rushed out of him in a big continuous wave. “It probably doesn’t make sense.”
He expected a bigger reaction than what he got, probably with another string of questions attached, but all Richie said was
“Alright.” With a nod, and then “Your turn.”
It surprised him at first that he didn’t want to push the subject further, but it made him grateful for it at the same time. Richie could have gone for worse questions, but he gave him an easier start with something they had talked about before. Just like that, Eddie got to thinking about a good question when a sudden memory of a recent event was enough to captivate his attention. He couldn’t help it, he had to ask it.
“Remember when we played that game at Bill’s house? Last month?”
“Paranoia?” Richie wondered out loud. A second later he seemed to understand where this was going, but he acted nonchalant. “Sure, why?”
“Well,” Eddie begun. “What was the question that Bev had for you?”
“She had a lot of questions for me that day.”
“You know which one. Don’t play dumb.” Eddie pushed weekly on Richie’s shoulder with his fingers.
“Alright, alright. But just so you know,” Richie lifted both hands in surrender. “I wanted to mess with you, I would answer your name no matter what she asked me that turn.”
Taken aback by the sincerity, Eddie didn’t say anything, curious and a little angry that Richie implied it was nothing but a joke.
“But she did, in fact, ask me who I’d rather see in fishnets and I mean, I guess I didn’t lie-” Before Richie could finish, Eddie was smacking his shoulder again in the same spot, with a greater amount of force.
“You’re such an idiot, Richie, I swear. Why would you even do that just to mess with me?”
“I thought it was obvious by now.” Richie said, helpless. One of Eddie’s eyebrows shot up. “I wanted you to read into it, I dunno, think about it after…” With that statement, Eddie’s cheeks turned crimson with the thought of what he did as soon as he got home after the game that day. “And something tells me it worked.” This time, Richie’s own eyebrows danced up and down.
“Fuck off, you wish.” Eddie huffed back angrily. “And go on, it’s your turn.”
“Okay,” Richie recovered easily. “Did it work? Did you think about it later?”
“Are you fucking serious?” Eddie groaned and fought against a smile at the same time. “You seem pretty eager to know that.”
“You can’t embarrass me by that, Eds. We both know that I am.”
“Okay, so, maybe it worked. Happy?”
“Very much so.” Richie said with a teasing smirk.
The lightweight energy that took over the moment settled on a weirdly serious silence that Eddie had to break, eventually.
“I don’t know what else to ask you.” He admitted, all the fire gone from his voice. “I messed up. I should be the one talking but I’m scared.”
Bending his neck down a little, Richie inquired softly. “Yeah?” Eddie nodded. “Of what?”
“I don’t know.” He ended up spitting out, restless. “I don’t fucking know, I’m such a coward.” As soon as the words left his mouth, Richie’s face turned sour. When he was about to protest, Eddie stopped him with an avalanche of bravery, mostly exhaustion.
“ You know what? I’m going to ramble and start by saying that I’m sorry, I really am. I never let you speak and I made us fight ‘cause I was so scared that you were going to ask me for space, that we’re too close. I mean I wouldn’t blame you, I kept embarrassing myself in front of you and made everything awkward so, like, I’d totally understand if you wanted me to back off.
“And I would! I swear I would but I didn’t want to lose you so I tried my best to keep you quiet that night but then everything went wrong and then you- you,”
“I kissed you?” Richie offered, dumbfounded by everything Eddie was saying.
“Yeah!, you did that.. And for a moment I thought, shit what have I been scared about, you know? But then you start crying and I felt like the worst person in the world, making my best friend cry and screaming at him. So, I had to show you that I care about you, Richie. I do, so much and I forgot for a moment that I never kissed anyone so I didn’t even know what to do but in that moment I just wanted to get you closer.
“I’m sorry if I sucked at it.., but in that moment I thought that we were fine, everything would be okay.” Pausing abruptly to catch his breath, Eddie noticed that his eyes were cloudy with tears, but he couldn’t bring himself to fight them away.
Meanwhile, Richie watched him, troubled, worried and fascinated at the same time. When he parted his lips to gently tell Eddie to breathe and calm down for a little, Eddie lifted up both hands and begged him
“Please let me do this before I start regretting it.” And all Richie did was nod frenetically. So, Eddie started off again, and this time his voice came out ragged from the knot in his throat. Despite that, Richie sat still and watched as some lonely tears rolled down Eddie’s cheeks.
“I saw the leper, Richie.” He combusted.
All the air left Richie’s lungs, as if his chest had just gotten punched.
“I heard It, too.” Eddie kept going. “I felt It touch me on the back of my neck while It said those horrible, sick things that It did when I first saw It. I hadn’t thought about that gross, decayed thing in years, Richie, years. And you know what’s fucked up? I couldn’t remember anything afterwards.” At this point, Eddie’s body was facing Richie’s. His face closer, damp, scared and begging for understanding in Richie’s caring eyes.
“I couldn’t remember it…” Eddie shook his head in disbelief as if he was talking to himself only. “Its face, its words… how can someone forget that?” Richie’s eyes lingered on Eddie’s throat as the boy gulped down on nothing. “All I knew is that I felt sick, my skin was wrong and I wanted to tear it off because the only thing that never left me was its touch. Something terribly wrong touched me, or so I believed, that’s why I had to push you away, Richie. I had.”
Richie took notice that his own vision was watery. He blinked repeatedly and opened up his arms to a devastated Eddie, just to show him that he would hold him if he let him. Not a second after, Eddie gave in, hitting Richie’s chest as he fell on the welcoming embrace. Not a second later, he heard Richie’s unused voice whispering
“I understand, Eds. It’s okay.”
The tears had stopped but Eddie’s frame insisted on trembling. After finally being able to say some of the things he wanted, his ribcage seemed big, free and so light that he would have said it was empty if it weren’t for his quick heartbeat. “I’m so sorry.” He added.
“I’m sorry, too. That you had to deal with this alone.” They drowned in the quiet (white noise from the party aside) until Eddie got his breathing back under control. Then, Richie cut in with a new observation. “Being alone on top of buildings seems to be our thing.”
Richie couldn’t see Eddie’s smile from their position, but he felt him nod. Not a second later, Eddie’s body started shaking uncontrollably and Richie’s first thought was that he was sobbing. But then, he giggled. Eddie was laughing.
“What’s so funny, mister?” He asked, surprised. Eddie tried to contain his chuckles, rolling away from Richie’s grasp with a fake serious expression.
“Nothing.” He shook his head just before breaking into a smile. “It’s just that you’re a cliché douchebag, you know that?”
“I’m a what?” Richie’s eyes turned big under his glasses, he sported a confused little smile on his lips.
“You heard me.” Eddie said enthusiastically, his eyelashes still glued together. He lifted up one hand to count the examples with his fingers. “You runaway at night to come in through my window. Stargazing. Song writing. Getting a band together. Throwing high school parties and playing. You get high, that’s bad boy cliché, too.”
Richie chuckled along with Eddie’s list, but with the next and last item, he grew conflicted.
Eddie held up one last finger “And then you give me that ‘Find yourself, speech.’” And lowered his hand to his lap.
 “I don’t even know what I meant by that.” Richie admitted.
“If you don’t know, I for sure don’t, either…But I’m glad you said it, I tried my best.”
Richie looked at him fondly. “Wanna share?”
A very blushy Eddie looked back into Richie’s eyes and wiped his nose with the back of his hand. “Ah, well… i-it was just a stupid, long week until I could admit that I-” He stopped abruptly, once again reminded that there were people close by. People with hearing capacities. In an act of weakness, he looked around to study the distance between them and everyone out on Mike’s lawn. He grew angrier with himself just as fast. Eddie couldn’t give three steps backwards again, no way. So, he turned to face Richie and whispered.
“I’m gay.” And just like that he was powerless, imagining all the horrible reactions Richie would, certainly, have. How grossed out he obviously would be.
But this was Richie. The Richie that broke into a huge, toothy grin and got pink painted freckled cheeks instantly. The Richie that stage whispered through a genuine smile. “I’m proud.” And the Richie that leaned forward and hugged Eddie with all the strength in the world; the Richie that spoke directly into his ear, making him shiver. “Of you.”
The butterflies in Eddie’s stomach made him vibrate with adrenaline as he hugged Richie back, letting go of all the air trapped in his lungs and feeling his eyes sting. A smile took over his face as he proved his point one more time. “Cliché.” Then, surprising even himself, he burst out in laughs again.
Much to Eddie’s dislike, Richie pulled away and elbowed his side. “Sure, make fun of me as much as you want, but you still fell for me so how cliché does that make you?”
Eddie stopped laughing immediately and dragged both hands over his heated face. “God, Richie. Shut up.” The words came out hushed through his palms.
In a string of ‘Cute, cute, cute’s’, Richie tackled Eddie until both of them were laying down on the old, chipping wood. Richie’s arms circled the smaller boy’s waist, his face hidden under Eddie’s chin. “Fuck. You’re so cute.” He groaned.
“If I get splinters all over my hair I’m going to strangle y-”
“I’m in love with you, you know?” Eddie’s breath hitched. He craned his neck and found Richie looking up at him. “That’s what I was going to tell you that night. Not that I wanted space. Not that you needed to back away.” Eddie’s big, nervous eyes stared back at him. “You don’t need to say anything.”
Eddie let his head fall down to the wood and stared at the dark sky. He felt Richie tuck his head under his chin again, messy curls tickling his neck. He didn’t know what to say or do, so he settled for wrapping both arms around Richie, squeezing him tight in a nervous act. “I’ve never done any of this before.” He heard an unfamiliar voice coming out of his mouth, breaking every two words and making him sound just as embarrassing as he felt. “It’s stupid, but I’m worried that anything I do or say will be wrong and you’ll see that I’m really bad at this.”
“You think too much.” Richie said. “I’m not here to judge you, Eds. And who says I’m any better at this than you are?”
“You’ve had girlfriends.” Eddie offered.
“I did?” He chuckled. “I’ve kissed a few mouths, made out here and there. That doesn’t make me better than you.”
“It makes you better at it than me.” Sighing loudly, Eddie tried to explain himself. “I told you, I know it’s stupid, but that’s how my logic goes.”
“Okay. Maybe that’s true, but it doesn’t mean I’ll be sitting there rating your kisses from 1 to 10 while you drool all over my chin.” He got a slap on the arm for that one.
“Why do you have to make everything gross?” But then, “Shit, will that happen? Oh my god, it will totally happen! If I spit all over your face how can I even keep living with myse-” Richie’s hand came down onto his mouth, sealing it shut and interrupting the nervous talk.
After that, there was nothing left for Eddie to do than to relax under the half of Richie’s body that was laying on him. He was positive that his eyes were heart-shaped in that moment, but so were Richie’s, for what he could tell. One of his hands came up to rest gently on top of Richie’s, still covering his mouth and he tried his best to say coherent words. “I’m nwuv w’dyou, too.”
First, he saw Richie squinting, as if that would help him make sense of what he heard. Secondly, he thought Richie had deciphered it, if the way he beamed meant anything. But lastly, Richie didn’t say anything, so Eddie figured there was a chance he didn’t understand, after all. That’s why he began to carefully peel Richie’s hand away from his mouth, so he could say it again even if he’d rather not, honestly. He had accomplished a lot tonight, but saying ‘I’m in love with you, too’ twice might be stretching it a little.
Luckily, he didn’t need to repeat himself.
“I heard you.” Richie squeaked. “You mean it?”
Eddie nodded. “I do.”
He was transparently overwhelmed and insecure, thus Richie attempted to remind him that they weren’t about to become strangers after this. “You know,” Their hands were still touching, so he took the opportunity to intertwine their fingers. “You’ll never get rid of me now, I’m your personal koala.”
Eddie giggled, some tension waving off of him. “A koala? Is that all you’ll be?” Definitely a brave statement that Richie didn’t see coming.
“I can be more.”
“More is good.” Eddie murmured quietly, carefully. He observed Richie’s hair move with the night’s breeze, hypnotized by the way certain strands would always bounce back into place. When he casted his eyes lower he realized Richie was looking directly at his mouth, which made his heart skip a beat and his blood way too hot. “Maybe, uh, maybe we could go somewhere else?” He offered, already pushing Richie away from him gently and sitting up. “Somewhere less crowded.”
 They ignored the pointed stares of their friends when they made their way back inside the barn, or at least Eddie did, with that cute frown and blush on his face. Richie, otherwise, locked eyes with Bev and made a show of grabbing his chest as if he’d been hit, his face mimicking someone thanking the skies above. From her corner near the snacks’ table, she started bouncing up and down on her feet from excitement, mouthing ‘Shut the fuck up, really?!’ to which Richie responded with his own little enthusiastic jump, almost bumping into Eddie’s back. Could you blame him for wanting to share the best news of his life with the only person he confined this secret with? Right before passing through the entryway, he shot Bev finger guns and a wink.
Eddie walked a little ahead of him, Richie didn’t blame him for it. They ended up walking side by side as soon as they were at a good distance from the farm, now making their way to Richie’s house.
Eddie took that time to ask Richie about tonight’s songs and his music in general. He listened, affectionately, as he went on and on about the band’s decision to use his originals. How stressing it was, mainly because Eddie and him weren’t on talking terms while he sat for hours on end at home rewriting old stuff and horrible feelings down on paper. Eddie apologized, hating the idea of Richie isolating himself for a week because of their confrontation. But Richie brushed it off, saying the loneliness had always been his muse, it helped with creativity. He was joking, but Eddie hated that they both knew it was true.
They went on with that topic for the twenty minutes it took to see Richie’s house up ahead. In their defence, it was a slow walk. As they made their way inside, Eddie zooned out with the worry of being alone with Richie, despite having been the one to suggest it. He didn’t understand why he was suddenly so nervous about it if they had done things before. His heartbeat fastened at the memory of the two of them up in Eddie’s bedroom, Eddie’s mouth attached to Richie’s neck. He hadn’t known where the courage came from that night, but maybe it was because they were still friends, and Eddie knew how to be friends with someone. However, he did not know how to be more with someone, more with Richie, even if he acted that way before at least twice.
They’ve already kissed, that much was established. The moment hadn’t been planned, perhaps that was the secret. This time, Eddie sort of knew what to expect coming to Richie’s house after confessing feelings for each other. So, now he was aware of what they could do alone, and that automatically made him believe he would make a fool of himself and fail at being what Richie saw him as: an example.
When Eddie came back to himself from all the useless worries, he was already sitting on Richie’s bed by his side, legs touching. Richie cleared his throat to bring his attention back.
“Do you wanna stay the night?”
“Yeah. My mom thinks I’m staying over at Mike’s so… it’s fine.”
“Okay.” Richie nodded, avoiding eye contact.
At that, Eddie’s brows furrowed. For the first time that night he realized that he might not be the only one second guessing what to do and feeling self-conscious.
“Are you nervous?” Eddie tried. “I can leave if you want, that’s alright.” He still placed a hand on Richie’s bouncing knee. It was funny how he got over his own self-doubt once he knew Richie was struggling, himself.
Glancing at the hand on his knee, Richie hurried to answer. “No. Don’t go, please. I am nervous, you’re right.”
Sympathetically, Eddie nodded. “What do you have to be nervous about, Rich?”
“Are you kidding?” Richie looked up at him with big eyes. “I’ve lost count of how long I’ve been waiting for this, Eddie. I’ve wanted you for so long, I’ve thought about this moment a million times before and I just want it to be as perfect as it always is in my head. But the truth is… I don’t know what it’s like to actually have you.” He ended with a frustrated sigh.
It filled Eddie’s chest with pride to have that kind of effect on the boy in front of him. “I thought about you, us, a lot too. Of course I thought I was a horrible person for doing that but you helped me accept my feelings, you see? I also don’t know what’s it like to have you… but I’d love to figure that out, together. That’s what we’re here for.”
A shaky breath exhaled from Richie’s body as he put one hand over Eddie’s, still on his knee. “You should kiss me right now.” He whispered kindly, non-demanding in any way. It was an open invitation, he knew that Eddie was afraid to mess it up, he could see it in him right now. “You’ve done it before, just go with your instinct.”
And sure, it sounded easy, but it was still new. A second, better kiss. It’s okay, Eddie reminded himself as he moved his head forward an inch. It’s okay, because this was Richie, and if he had to be honest, Eddie was kind of used to being and feeling and doing everything with him. This was just one of the many new things he would add to that list, and he would welcome all of those firsts into his life with open arms.
The distance between their bodies was none and soon Eddie’s face was standing mere inches apart from Richie’s. Close enough to be cross eyed and feel each other’s breathing, Richie wetted his lips and let his eyes close. Eddie observed him for a moment, taking in the beautiful, vulnerable features illuminated by the moonlight coming in through the window. It was mesmerizing.
At last, Eddie closed the space between them, making their lips collide in a soft peck at the same time as his eyes closed involuntarily. He could feel Richie shifting closer, a light, eager pressure on his lips and a shaky exhale tickling his skin with warm air. After five seconds, Eddie pulled away, surprised by the sound that filled the room when their lips separated.
Both of them opened their eyes to find matching shy smiles. Richie placed his free hand over Eddie’s jaw, fingers curled around the side of his neck. Mirroring his actions, Eddie guided his own hand to sit over Richie’s hip. With a little more confidence, Eddie leaned back in to capture Richie’s mouth again only to be interrupted midway by the boy himself.
“I give that one a solid 10/10.”
Confused, Eddie blinked twice. “Did you just- Are you actually rating me right now when I was trying to kiss you ag- Why are you laughing, you dipshit?” With Richie’s parents asleep in the house, Eddie had to show his annoyance through gritted teeth and stage whispers.
Richie kept giggling light-heartedly, hand still covering Eddie’s jaw until he felt the smaller boy start to move away from him. Then it wasn’t funny anymore. “No no no, don’t go, I’m sorry Eds. Come back.” Richie pulled him back by the arms, but instead of keeping them seated, he lowered his body down until his back hit the mattress. Eddie followed, helplessly being pulled along until he was laying on top of the lanky boy, slightly uncomfortable to apply all his weight on Richie. “Kiss me again.” Richie pouted, their faces now lined up.
“Then stop rating me, or I’ll drool on you on purpose.” That made the boy laugh again, but he quickly recovered. Eddie sighed, finally giving in and awkwardly bending his head to the right so that their noses wouldn’t bump. He wanted to do something instead of keeping their mouths still, but now that he was thinking about that, it would become a harder task to follow.
It turned out that Richie began to move first, mouth parting and moving thoughtfully. Eddie felt the care Richie put into it, as if he had to make sure Eddie would be okay with it and be able to follow. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt that way. It awoke something deep within Eddie’s core, overwhelmed by all of his senses. The slick sounds, the heat from their bodies touching, the taste of Richie’s mouth and the scent of him, too. All of it turned his blood into fire, burning up is insides and leaving behind a blissful numbness.
It was the best thing he ever experienced.
When he felt Richie’s tongue swiping over his, Eddie couldn’t help the sound that escaped him, surprised and excited at the same time. They got lost in each other, tangled together and unaware of time passing while their curious hands grasped at hairs, roamed over sides and backs and went back up to rest lovingly on the other’s cheeks. The leper didn’t cross Eddie’s mind, not for a single second.
Once they finally pulled apart, now resting on their sides with intertwined legs, their foreheads touched while they attempted to catch their breaths. Richie’s glasses had been placed aside a while back, the frame kept digging into Eddie’s nose and cheeks.
After some time, Eddie cleared his throat and did his best to keep a straight face. “I’d give that a 7, to be honest.”
Richie lifted his head to look down at him. He seemed conflicted, trying to understand if Eddie was serious or not, but then a smile cracked through Eddie’s lips. “You’re a prick, Eddie Kaspbrak.” He dived in to Eddie’s neck, attach himself around the boy like a leech and loudly blow raspberries on his skin, for once not caring about waking up his parents.
Eddie squirmed under the touch and his happy giggles filled up the room. Everything was in the right place right then, he was happy, finally lighter from coming clean about so many long held secrets. Maybe that was the true meaning behind Richie’s words.
Finding himself. Eddie thought this was the closest he would be to achieve that.
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jade4813 · 5 years
Text
Sparks Fly, Chapter 2
Title: Sparks Fly
Rating: NC-17
Synopsis: Everybody knows sparks fly whenever Barry Allen and Iris West are together. Their mutual animosity is legendary. But when Iris returns to Central City to investigate recent sightings of a mysterious red streak, she discovers a hero she just can’t resist…and Barry struggles to hide the unrequited feelings he can’t deny.
Chapters: 2/?
Chapter 1
Barry could barely believe his eyes when he looked up and saw Iris on the other side of the yellow tape. They hadn’t seen each other in years. He had almost forgotten how the sight of her took his breath away. His heart started to race, just as it had the night they’d first met, when he’d reluctantly allowed himself to be dragged to a Phi Delta Epsilon party. He’d walked in and seen her across the room, and when their eyes met, for just a moment, time itself seemed to stop. He still remembered the way the rest of the world seemed to disappear when she walked towards him. When she asked him to dance and took his hand, he felt like his entire life had been building to that moment. And when she stepped into his arms, her breathy laugh in his ear sending a shiver of desire down his spine, he still remembered the thought that came unbidden to mind – I’m going to marry this girl someday.
Of course, that was before the two of them realized they couldn’t stand each other. But that had never stopped his body from reacting to her every time she was near.
Distracted by the memories – and trying to slow his racing heart – his voice was subdued as he stepped towards her. He wished he could see her eyes, but they were hidden by the sunglasses she wore. “Yeah, it has. Been a long time, I mean. Uh – I didn’t know you were in Central City.”
He watched as she sucked her lower lip between her teeth and lifted one shoulder in an awkward shrug. “Yeah, I just got back. I work for the CCPD now. Um, I’m a reporter.”
Barry opened his mouth to congratulate her on the new job, but what came out instead was, “You look amazing.” He hoped her tinted lenses hid his blush as he tried to recover, stammering, “I-I mean, it’s g-good to see you.” He lifted a hand to run it through his hair in an unconscious betrayal of nerves and grimaced when he realized he was still wearing latex gloves. The sight reminded him of what he was supposed to be doing. “You here on a story?”
Iris cleared her throat and tilted her face away, scanning the area behind him instead. “Uh, yeah, actually. Lieu – sorry, Captain Singh said I could talk to his CSI, but I didn’t – I didn’t realize it was you.” He watched her shift her weight from one foot to the other as she clutched the strap of her bag and wondered what she was thinking.
He wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so he stayed silent for several seconds, until it was clear she wasn’t going to say anything more. “Oh. Well. Is there something I can help you with?” he prompted.
He could swear he could feel the assessing weight of her gaze as she returned her attention to his face. After a moment, her mouth twisted, and he knew what she was going to say before she even shook her head. Still, he scowled in irritation when she took a step back, silently conveying her eagerness to leave, and replied, “No, I don’t think so. Could you give Julian Albert my card?” Digging into her purse, she pulled out a crisp business card. Barry slipped it into his pocket without thinking. “If he could give me a call and let me when it’s convenient to come by, I can talk to him then.”
Annoyed – if unsurprised – that nothing appeared to have changed since college, his voice was acerbic as he shot back, “I hate to tell you this, West, but if you want to meet with Julian, you’re going to need to go to the airport and not the police station. If you head out now, you can probably catch the last flight out.” He actually had no idea when flights to London would run, but it drove him crazy that his body couldn’t help but respond every time she was nearby while she seemed completely immune to him. There was something satisfying about seeing that he could get a reaction from her, even if only irritation – a muscle jumping in her jaw as she clenched her teeth. Still, she didn’t ask him what he meant. She probably didn’t want to give him the satisfaction. So into the silence that fell between them, he explained, “Julian went back to England.”
“Oh, really? When I talked with someone at the precinct and they gave me his name, they didn’t say anything about him planning to leave. What happened? Did you join the force and he decided he’d rather flee the country than put up with you for any longer than he had to? Can’t say I blame him,” she asked with an overly sweet smile.
Barry glowered at her. “No, I’ve actually worked for the CCPD for a few years, now. But I was out for a while, and he was just a temporary replacement until I got back.”
“Pulling your usual disappearing act, Houdini?”
He bristled at the familiar nickname she’d given him a decade earlier. “Actually, I was in an accident. I spent a few months in the hospital. In a coma. Thanks for asking.”
He expected her to make some sort of joke about him sleeping on the job, but she didn’t. Instead, she stepped forward and reached over the yellow tape to grab his wrist, wincing slightly when a spark of static electricity arced between them. But her voice was soft when she asked, “Really? Oh, god, Barry, that sounds terrible. I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” As though wanting to see for herself that he was unharmed, she pulled off her sunglasses and swept her gaze over his body, looking for any sign of injury.
When their eyes met, he felt like the ground fell out from under his feet, leaving him freefalling. Suddenly ashamed of his behavior, he flushed. “I’m…better,” he replied, his voice thick.
He couldn’t move, couldn’t look away, until she blushed and released her hold on his wrist. “I’m…I’m glad,” she admitted in a soft voice. “Anyway, I should let you get back to work.”
As she turned to leave, he blurted, “Wait. Are you sure you don’t want my help? It’s been a long time. People can change, you know.”
She seemed to consider his question for a moment, but finally she gave him a firm nod. “I’m sure. People can change, but the truth is, they usually don’t.” 
Unable to think of words to convince her to stay – and uncertain why he even wanted to – he could only watch as she walked away. Out of his life. Again.
EXPLOSION AT S.T.A.R. LABS KILLS FIVE, INJURES DOZENS. Iris barely noticed the headline as she scrolled through the pages of the online newspaper. For the last few hours, she’d tried to put her unexpected encounter with Barry Allen out of her mind – with absolutely zero success. She finally convinced herself that she was just curious to know what had happened to put him in the hospital, and so she’d searched the online archives for his name. Finally, at the bottom of page three, she found the article. CCPD OFFICER HOSPITALIZED AFTER LIGHTNING STRIKE.
It sounded horrible, and her heart twisted at the headline. She’d just begun to skim the article when her phone rang. When she saw the name that flashed on her screen, Iris smiled and leaned back in her chair, stretching a few kinks from her back as she answered the call.
“Tell me you are not still at work,” the woman on the other end of the line chastised her before she could even finish her greeting.
Iris glanced at the time and grimaced and hit the button to turn off her monitor. Bending, she grabbed her purse out of her drawer. “What? I don’t know what you mean. I submitted my story hours ago,” she prevaricated as she moved hastily towards the exit.
“Which doesn’t mean you’re not still at work,” Linda pointed out. Iris stifled a sigh. That was the problem with being friends with someone long enough that they could tell when you were splitting hairs. “You really do have to get a life eventually, you know.”
“I will!” she cried defensively. “I mean, I do! I totally have a life! I’m just…still getting settled in, is all.”
To her relief, her friend let that one pass without comment. “So, how was your first day as an official part of CCPN? I’m sorry I couldn’t be there, you know. Stupid last-minute assignments. But we’re totally going to celebrate when I get back.”
“It’s all right, I understand. And it was great!” Walking towards her car, she said, “You’ll never believe who I ran into today. Barry Allen,” she supplied before Linda could guess. A long moment of silence greeted that revelation, so she pressed, “Linda, why didn’t you tell me he’d been in an accident? It sounds pretty serious.”
She heard the heavy sigh on the other end of the line. “Honestly? I wasn’t sure that you’d want to know.” At Iris’s offended gasp, she exclaimed, “I didn’t mean it like that! But it’s just…look, everybody knows how to two of you are. You’ve never gotten along. And you had a lot going on. Your engagement with Eddie had just ended, and you were…well, I just figured you had enough to worry about that a freak accident involving some guy you couldn’t stand in college probably wouldn’t be your primary concern.”
Iris understood where Linda was coming from, but somehow the words still hurt. “I wouldn’t say I couldn’t stand him. I mean, okay, we were never friends.” She felt a slight twinge of guilt as she said the words, telling herself it was just a little white lie. They never had been friends…exactly. If she told Linda now that there had been a couple times they might have become something more, she’d never live it down. Ignoring the memories, she continued, “But that doesn’t mean I hated him. I mean, he wasn’t just some guy. He was your friend. He was part of the group. If I’d known he’d been in an accident, I would have come by. I always assumed the two of you stayed in touch after college.”
“We have,” Linda admitted. “I don’t see him as often as Caitlin does, but we grab lunch together once a month or so. Listen, I’m sorry, Iris. If I’d known that you’d want to be there, I would have told you. I mean that. I just assumed that you…you know…”
“That I wouldn’t care,” she finished with a sigh. It still hurt a little, but she could hardly blame her friend. Her friends, really. Her fights with Barry had been practically legendary back in the day. She supposed in their shoes, she’d have assumed the same thing. “So, how long was he in a coma?”
There was another long silence before Linda admitted in a reluctant voice, “Um…about…nine months.”
“Nine months??” she practically shrieked in shock. “Jesus, Linda!”
“But he’s okay now! I mean, you obviously know that if you saw him today. He was in a coma for a while, and the doctors weren’t sure if he would come out of it. Then one day he just…did. It was…amazing, if you want to know the truth. So, are you working with him on a story, then?”
Iris snorted. “Hardly. I mean, I’m glad he’s okay, but you know what it’s like when two of us are together. We’ve always been like oil and water. Toothpaste and orange juice.”
“Gasoline on a fire?”
Iris grinned. “More like cyanide and…well, pretty much anything, I guess.”
“So, which of you is the cyanide?” Linda asked with a laugh. 
Feigning offense, Iris tried not to laugh in return as she retorted, “I’m going to pretend that you didn’t even have to ask.”
Barry leaned back in his chair and sighed, staring at the small scrap of cardstock on the desk in front of him. The edges were no longer crisp; though new, the card already looked slightly worn from being handled so often over the last few days. 
He tried to turn his attention to the stack of cases by his elbow, but his attention was drawn once more to the card’s lettering.
Iris West Central City Picture News
Her e-mail address and phone number were emblazoned below, and Barry stared at the string of digits. He could call her and apologize. They’d never gotten along, but that didn’t stop him from feeling guilty over his behavior. He’d given in to his frustration that she didn’t want anything to do with him. Just like he always did. But if she was working the crime beat for CCPN – as seemed likely, given her appearance at one of his crime scenes – then their paths were bound to cross again. They didn’t have to like each other, but surely they could be professional.
That decided it. He would call her and suggest a truce. It was time to put the past behind them. Before he could lose his nerve, he picked up the phone and dialed the number on the bottom. It was only when the phone started to ring that he glanced at the clock and realized it was after nine. There was no way Iris would be working so late. Well, he could leave a message, he decided. Then the ball would be in her court, at least.
However, much to his surprise, Iris answered the phone after the third ring. Her voice was a little higher than usual as she answered. “Hello?”
“It’s Barry. Um…Barry Allen.” He grimaced, realizing how lame he sounded, but he’d called her on impulse, before taking the time to think through what he would actually say. “I was calling about the other day. I wanted to apologize–”
“What? Barry? I appreciate that, but this really isn’t a good time.” He straightened abruptly in his chair, hearing the tension in her voice.
“Iris? Where are you? Are you okay?”
Lowering her voice, Iris murmured quickly, “Listen, I need you to call Singh right now. Tell him if he wants to know who’s running the operation to smuggle in the drugs that have been flooding into the city lately, he should send a squad to Cavendish Tower. Eighteenth floor. Tell him – hold on.”
He heard Iris move, and then silence for a long moment. Finally, he heard her yelp as a muffled voice on the other end of the line said, “Well, well, well. What do we have here? Someone poking their nose where it doesn’t belong?”
Another voice replied, “Get rid of her. No, not the gun. Do you want the police crawling around this place? Make it look like an accident, stupid.”
Barry was moving before the sentence was finished. Luckily, he’d stored a spare suit nearby, because he doubted he would have bothered to take the time to change, otherwise. Even though his speed let him change into his suit in a fraction of a second.
Though he’d spent endless hours in training in the last few months, trying to test the limit of his speed, he had no doubt he ran faster than he ever had before as he raced to the Cavendish Building. On the other end of the line, he heard the unmistakable sounds of a scuffle, followed by a man cursing. Then his heart stopped as he heard glass break.
“Throw her out!” one of the men yelled.
Barry was still a block away when he saw a large figure toss Iris through the open window, her petite body falling towards the ground below. Although he hadn’t yet tested whether he could move fast enough to run up the side of a building, he didn’t have time to doubt himself or second-guess his plan of action.
Pushing himself even harder, Barry ran as fast as he could. His eyes locked on Iris, he barely noticed that his plan was working. He was actually running up the side of a building. Instead, he focused on her angle of descent, realizing only a second before he reached her that she was falling too far away from the building. If he wanted to catch her, he would have to jump.
Although part of him was scared that it would cause him to lose just enough momentum that the two of them would go hurtling towards the ground, he didn’t hesitate. When he was a few feet away from her, he crouched quickly and leaped into the air as high as he could, swallowing a silent prayer that it would be enough.
Barry almost sobbed in relief when she landed hard against him, but he knew he couldn’t stop yet or they would die. Straining to pick up the speed he’d lost in the jump, Barry turned and ran back down the building. Once back on the ground, however, he wasn’t sure what to do. Even with his mask, he was afraid she would recognize him if she got a good look at his face, and he wasn’t sure he should risk it. But he didn’t want to just leave her without asking if she was okay.
Acting on impulse, Barry ran a few blocks away and carried Iris up the side of a coffee shop that was closed for the evening. The roof was dark, too high for the dim glow of the street lights below to reach. It was only then that he stopped and held her close, savoring the feel of her in his arms. But he knew he couldn’t hold onto her forever. Breathing heavily – more from lingering fear than exertion – Barry slowly, reluctantly, put her back on her feet though he still held her tight against him. Standing like this, it was easy to forget the animosity that they’d shared over the years as he remembered the first time he’d held her in his arms. Like it had then, his body ached with the desire not to let her go.
“Phi Delta Epsilon? Really?” he asked, his voice filled with dread as they walked towards the front steps.
Cisco laughed. “It’s a party, not an execution. Come on! It’ll be fun!”
Barry snorted. “I’ve heard about their parties. I’m not entirely sure they aren’t the same thing.”
“Yeah, I probably wouldn’t have come either, except…if you saw the girl who invited me…trust me; it’s worth it.” Stifling a chuckle, Barry rolled his eyes and followed his friend inside. “I’m going to see if I can find her. Try to have fun, okay?”
As Cisco walked away, Barry stifled a sigh and scanned the room, hoping to see someone he knew to talk to. That was when he saw her, standing across the room. In her bright red dress, she had drawn a crowd of men to her like moths to a flame, but she looked like she wanted to escape. Then their eyes met, and he found himself unable to draw breath.
She murmured something to the man who was trying unsuccessfully to convince her to accept the drink he offered. Then she stepped forward, weaving her way through the crowd. Barry’s heart started to pound as she approached. Even in heels, she was tiny; he had to bow his head so she could murmur in his ear. “You look like you’re as happy to be here as I am,” she said, her voice lightly teasing.
“My friend wanted to come, so he dragged me along,” he admitted.
She nodded, as though he had only confirmed something she’d suspected. Wrapping her hand around his wrist, she gave it a tug. “Dance with me?”
“Are you sure? I’m not a great dancer,” he admitted, though he followed her readily enough.
The stranger wrapping her arms around his neck and started to move to the music, silently encouraging him to move with her. “Even better,” she replied, laughing in his ear.
“Just follow my lead,” she directed. She was intoxicating. He’d follow her anywhere. I’m going to marry this girl someday. The words came with an almost bone-deep conviction.
Oblivious to his thoughts, she turned, pressing against him as she lifted one arm to curl around his neck to run her fingers through his hair. Grabbing his hand, she brought it to her stomach, holding it in place. He moved his other hand to her hip, stroking the soft fabric of her dress.
I’m going to marry this girl someday.
Iris started to pull away to look up at him, and he sped behind her before she could get a good look at his face. “I-” He caught himself just in time. Using his speed to vibrate his vocal cords and face, he asked, “Miss West? Are you okay?” Iris froze as he stepped behind her until he repeated his question. “Are you okay?”
She turned slowly and stared at him with wide eyes. “Oh, my god. It’s you. It’s really you.”
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lavenderek · 6 years
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Will you write more Luke/Elliot fic? Pleaseeee? You could write about them having to sing Mary had a little lamb to a baby? XD
“I'm sorry—can you hold him for a minute, please?” and the baby is in Elliot’s arms before he can summon a response. “Thank you.” The baby’s mother immediately hurries away.
“Absolutely,” he says to no one, staring at the thing. “Thank you for this opportunity, I am the man for the job!”
The baby regards Elliot with an expression Elliot chooses to interpret as deep offence, maybe some light loathing. It doesn’t cry yet, however: it contents itself with a whine. Then it looks at Elliot, and Elliot looks back.
According to Elliot’s sources, the baby is named Edwin. Edwin is nine months old. Edwin has a runny nose and is wearing pajamas with feet on them, from Elliot’s world. Edwin is clean—for now.
People keep referring to Edwin as “little Eddie,” or “little angel,” but Elliot only just met the guy, and he doesn’t feel like he and Edwin are on intimate enough terms yet for Elliot to be calling him by diminutive nicknames. And whether or not he is an angel remains to be seen.
He is little, however, compared to other humans. Elliot’s hand can span Edwin’s back. Elliot could probably throw him if he wanted. About the size of a small Christmas goose. Not that Elliot’s ever had a goose for Christmas. Eventually everyone else around him goes in the way of Edwin’s mother and Elliot is alone in the clearing with this baby.
Edwin’s hair is in directionless tufts. He is quiet, pensive, and, Elliot suspects, judgmental. “You don’t trust me,” Elliot tells Edwin, “and I don’t trust you.” Just to get that out of the way. Hopefully Edwin will find Elliot’s frankness refreshing.
Edwin fists his tiny, sticky hands in Elliot’s shirt and whimpers, looking distressed. It becomes clear after some time that Elliot may be in possession of this infant for longer than “a minute,” so he cannot stand there indefinitely. He chooses to sit with him instead.
“Okay,” Elliot tells the baby, settling uncomfortably under a nearby tree. “You probably won’t be kidnapped,” he says. He is trying to explain the status quo and align Edwin’s expectations. Edwin doesn’t seem comforted by this, but Elliot hasn’t finished yet. “You probably won’t go on fire or be robbed,” he continues. “If we are set upon by a warg I cannot help you.”
Edwin squirms, twisting like he is trying to escape from Elliot and crawl into the woods to die.
“Better not go over there,” says Elliot, adjusting Edwin so he’s a little more trapped against Elliot’s person. Edwin finally makes an unhappy sound. “Me too,” Elliot says. “But you can’t. You’ve been placed in my temporary custody, and if you disappear, I’ll be held personally—and probably financially—responsible. And that warg is probably just waiting for my supervision to lapse.”
Edwin says a nonsense sound.
“I know,” Elliot says. “You are a baby.”
The baby locates Elliot’s pen in his shirt pocket and brandishes it with a deliberate movement. “Oh,” he says.
“Yes,” Elliot answers. “Pen. You’ll only find these with me and Luke. Because I gave some to Luke.” Edwin coos, which Elliot decides is probably a reaction to Luke’s name. He wouldn’t be the first to have an irrationally positive response to the concept of Luke Sunborn. “I know,” Elliot commiserates. “Only he doesn’t use them, he just has them because they’re mine. Oh please don’t eat that.”
The baby disregards Elliot’s directive and puts the pen in his mouth.
“I don’t like that,” Elliot decides. “I want this to stop.”
The baby carefully places the pen, slick with spit, on Elliot’s collarbone.
“I am in hell,” Elliot says, wincing. “I’m in baby hell.”
Then Edwin touches Elliot’s face. He gropes Elliot’s chin, prods at his mouth, takes gentle hold of his nose.
“Er,” says Elliot.
Nonplussed and placid, Elliot settles and stares while the baby examines him, squeezes his cheekbone, tries to poke out his eye. This is rude. Elliot nudges with his fingertips at the baby’s face too, just to give him a taste of his own medicine.
Edwin grunts, winces, and then laughs. Baby laughs are messy, like Edwin hasn’t quite worked out how to do it yet. Like it sort of popped out of him for lack of a better exit strategy. “See how you like it,” says Elliot, nudging harder. The baby takes hold of several of Elliot’s fingers and urges the hand away. “All right,” Elliot concedes. “You win. This time.”
Edwin gets bored with Elliot’s face and begins examining his clothing.
“I’m sure she will be coming back,” Elliot tells him. Edwin’s downy baby hair has drooped down his little forehead, so Elliot tries to brush it carefully to one side. “You’re not like me,” he adds. The baby turns his head to avoid the grooming and begins messing around with the strings on Elliot’s hoodie. “I think I am an outlier,” Elliot continues. “She will come back to collect you and things will be right again…”
“Hum,” the baby says, and reaches up. For a second Elliot thinks he’s going to start messing around with Elliot’s face again, but instead he cranes up and pats Elliot’s hair.
“Ah… yes,” Elliot agrees. The baby pushes at it, and then tugs softly. “No,” Elliot decides. Edwin takes a fistful. “No,” says Elliot again, “I don’t think—ow. Ow—”
Edwin starts to complain when Elliot pries his hand out of his hair. He comes away with his face screwed up in dismay and his little sticky hand clutching several curly, ginger hairs.
“I hated that,” Elliot tells him. Edwin sobs. “I get that. You are a baby and you reach for large, brightly coloured objects.” Edwin is still fussing. “But listen to me, baby: it hurt! Where is your sense of empathy? Where is your respect? Where is your mother?” He looks helplessly around. They are still alone, and Edwin is still beginning to cry. “I don’t know what to do. What am I supposed to do if you’re angry with me? I—” The baby pauses to rub ineptly at his face with the backs of his fat little wrists. “Are you… tired?” tries Elliot. “You are frustrated. I don’t know what to do about this. Are you—ummm…” Edwin is beginning to cry again, outright, so Elliot chooses a different tactic. He thinks back to the last time he got upset in front of Luke. It’s generally a good policy when dealing with other people: What Would Luke Do? Elliot hugs the baby. Maybe if he is squeezing him, he won’t be able to get in a deep enough breath to really start wailing. Then he rubs his back awkwardly. “I, um… understand your concerns,” he offers. “I, too, have been tired. And enjoyed hair pulling. And, um… been left behind by a mother. But… yours will come back! Probably.”
Edwin wails anyway, but it’s only a couple times, and then, to Elliot’s complete shock, he throws his head down and mashes his face against Elliot’s chest. Drool and snot seep into his t-shirt. And then Edwin hits him. One flimsy, pointless baby palm connecting with his chest. It is very rude.
“Baby hell,” Elliot says again, looking up at the trees.
Edwin gets over the heartbreak of being disallowed from rendering Elliot bald comparatively quickly. Elliot does not remember what, if anything, authority figures did to entertain him when he was an infant; however, the opposite of crying is laughter, and Elliot does not want a reprisal of the crying. If Edwin’s mother returned and found Elliot having upset Edwin, what would she think? What would she do? And it might reflect poorly on Luke. Not that the idiot needs any help with his reputation.
Elliot tries to tell Edwin a joke. “Knock knock,” he says. Edwin makes a strange noise and hits Elliot again. He’s no longer angry, which means he’s just abusing Elliot because he knows he is allowed to. Or maybe it hasn’t occurred to him that hitting Elliot means Elliot is being hit. “Why did the chicken cross over to hit Elliot?” Elliot asks him. Edwin flops over, once again trying to run away with a warg circus.
Elliot hauls Edwin back upright in his lap. But Edwin tries to leave again. Elliot lifts Edwin and uncrosses his legs, which were falling asleep anyway. He leans back against the tree trunk, crooks his knees, and sits Edwin on his stomach, hanging on to his little forearms.
This seems to reset the interaction. Edwin stays. Elliot has clearly underestimated this baby. In a moment of directionless inspiration, he claps Edwin’s hands together. At least if Edwin is clapping he cannot beat the shit out of Elliot or abandon civilization.
After a little of this, Edwin begins to smile a little. He looks back and forth between their hands and Elliot’s face with growing delight. “Hey hey, we’re the Monkees,” Elliot sings uncomfortably, making Edwin clap along, and feeling very stupid. But, laughing excitedly, Edwin finally gets with the program and yanks his hands free. He begins clapping, stiff-fingered, of his own volition. He has no rhythm whatsoever.
“By George,” Elliot says, and then quietly claps his own hands. Occasionally Edwin slaps his hands against Elliot’s stomach, and Elliot gently slaps Edwin’s shoulders, and Edwin shrieks with excitement and returns to clapping. It is a terrible game, one with no rules, and Elliot thinks Edwin is cheating; but Elliot decides there are worse ways he could be spending his time, and they clap together for long enough that Edwin’s tears dry and he does not try to escape again.
.
Elliot does not remember falling asleep. But he wakes to the baby being pulled from him, and instinctively, he jolts and clutches protectively at him. “Hey,” says the kidnapper, amused, “it’s all right.”
Elliot blinks, perplexed, around. Warm, blond, handsome, stupid. It’s Luke. “Oh,” says Elliot, much more stupidly. After a moment of staring at Luke, a longer moment than is reasonable, Elliot lets him lift the baby from his arms. Elliot realizes Edwin was fast asleep, there on his chest, when he grunts unhappily and lays his head on Luke’s shoulder.
“Sorry,” Luke says to Elliot. “I didn’t mean to, um… startle you.”
Why is he looking at Elliot like that? That stupid smile on his face? After all this time, can he not stop making fun of Elliot for two seconds? Elliot is not unaware that Edwin has left him a snotty, drooly mess that is squinting with sleep. He grimaces and pulls his damp shirt away from his chest. “Is, um… where's… is his mother?”
“She’s fine,” Luke says, still smiling. “She’ll be over soon, I think.”
“Wh’s the time?”
“Not late. It’s only been an hour or so.” The baby is now lifting its head, also grimacing. He is upright in Luke’s arms, looking around. His head is fluffed up weird on one side.
“Oh,” sighs Elliot, touching it pointlessly. “I tried,” he explains to Luke. “I really did. I tried to keep it smoothed. Will she be angry?”
“That her child’s hair got messy sleeping in your arms?” Luke asks, entertained. He absently rubs Edwin's back. “I think she’ll get over it.”
“Okay, ha ha,” grouches Elliot, sitting up and stretching. “Elliot’s a drowsy moron with spit all over him. Get it out of your system.”
“Elliot,” says Luke pityingly. Edwin is starting to fuss, and Luke bounces him gently in his arms. “Hey,” Luke says to him, soft and sweet. “Hey, Eddie. You quite sleepy?” Edwin looks miserably at Luke, and then touches his face. Then he braces his little palms on Luke’s chest and twists around to look at Elliot, confused and gloating, probably.
“I know,” Elliot says to him. “What a complex day for Edwin. But congratulations.” He honestly doesn’t blame him. Luke is warm and he smells good. Elliot likes to be held by him also. This is a relatable situation. Both Edwin and Luke are looking at him now, and he begins to feel inexplicably nervous. “What?” he demands indignantly.
“Nothing,” says Luke, bouncing Edwin again.
Edwin flops dangerously over in Luke’s arms, then, making a terrible noise and reaching out to Elliot. His hands clench and unclench in the air. Elliot stares, and his heart thumps hard. He looks up at Luke, and Luke just looks even more pleased. Then he hands the baby back over to Elliot.
Elliot clumsily accepts him, dismayed. “Are you sure?” he asks Edwin. Stood on Elliot’s stomach—it is not comfortable—Edwin continues fussing for a moment, and then accustoms himself to having, for the millionth time in his short life, gotten what he wanted. “I mean—are you absolutely positive?” But he looks at Elliot, and then claps one tiny hand onto his face. “Ah!”
Luke laughs outright.
“Are you sure?” Elliot asks Luke. Edwin touches his forehead. “What is going on? Is this a test?” Luke just laughs some more, and then drops down beside him, resting one shoulder against the tree. “I don’t know about this,” Elliot continues to protest, and he is affirmed when Edwin tugs at Elliot’s ear and begins to slowly lift one leg, as if trying to climb him. “No, I know about that and it’s bad.” He readjusts the baby, who complains about it, and Luke just laughs and laughs and sighs happily.
If this is all it takes to brighten Luke’s mood, then Elliot will hold all the confusing children in the country. He will look absurd deliberately and be soaked through with spit every day for Luke. How vile. “Elliot,” Luke says incandescently. “You have thoroughly charmed this baby.”
“Yes, he wants to scalp me,” says Elliot, hauling Edwin away from his hair.
“I mean you’re really good with him.”
Elliot is offended by the inaccuracy of this statement. He tries to get Luke to understand exactly how wrong he is. “He tried to get away from me and be raised by wargs,” he tells Luke. “He cried and only stopped when I made him clap to a Monkees song.”
“You sang him a song?” Luke is utterly thrilled. “About monkeys?”
“No. A song by the Monkees. The satirical but accidentally successful band?” They’ve been over this. Elliot’s Monkees t-shirt is Luke’s second least favourite.
“And you played patty cake with him?” Luke only seems to become happier as he processes this information. Elliot is perplexed, but Edwin responds to Luke’s joy and twists around to plop onto his behind on Elliot’s stomach. Sitting there sideways, he can absorb the sight of Luke in all his striking, winged glory. Luke takes Edwin’s hands, and Edwin worms them free. Then he reaches for Luke’s hand again.
“What is—oh! Patty cake!” Elliot just feels like a moron now. “I forgot about patty cake. Why didn’t I start with rhymes? I forgot they existed…”
“Patty cake, patty cake,” Luke says, clapping with the baby, “bake all night.” Elliot narrows his eyes. “Baking us cakes until daylight—”
“I don’t think those are the words,” Elliot interrupts. “No, that’s wrong. It goes baker’s man…”
Luke continues clapping with Edwin, despite no longer performing the poem. “Who is the baker’s man? Is the baker married?”
“Well, I certainly don’t know.” Elliot seems to be asked to interpret poetry for Luke a lot. He should stop reading him poetry. He won’t, though. “I didn’t write it! You’ll have to take it up with Mother Goose.”
“Mother who?” Luke exclaims, eyes wide and eyebrows up. Elliot just buries his face in his hands for a moment. He can’t do that for long, however, because he wants to hold Edwin in place. Edwin is warm and heavy and Elliot has grown to enjoy it; and besides, his draw to the wargs seemed strong. When it becomes clear Elliot won’t elaborate, Luke says, “You now,” indicating by raising his chin toward Elliot that it is Elliot’s turn.
Elliot feels quite put on the spot. “Oh, no,” he says. “You don’t want me reciting children’s rhymes. I don't want me reciting children's rhymes. And Edwin deserves better!"
“I want to hear the rest,” Luke says. They are still clapping, and the baby is starting to laugh in short, excited exhales.
Elliot bites his lips together. Then he says, “Roll it.” Edwin looks up at him. “Pat it. Mark it with an E…” Luke looks like this is his favourite day. Twenty years of blessed Sunborn life has led to this moment. “Put it in the oven for Edwin and me.”
Edwin kicks his feet and rocks like a desk toy and beams at Elliot, all gums and no comprehension. Clearly this is the version with which he is familiarized. He hits Elliot again, twice, this time with his left hand.
“Oh,” Elliot says, grabbing at it. “He’s ambidextrous as well as violent.”
And Luke looks at Elliot with a thrill and intensity that Elliot still isn’t used to.
They sit there for a while longer, Elliot trying to recall nursery rhymes and Luke watching him and the baby like he never wants to stop. The amount of pure bliss Luke derives from the experience is enough to make Elliot a little more relaxed, and he transitions into a few of the songs.
They’re just in the middle of comparing their differing lyrics to Baa Baa Black Sheep (Luke's version is largely centered on complimenting the sheep) when Edwin’s mother returns. “I’m sorry,” she says, plucking Edwin gently from Elliot’s arms. Elliot is astonished by how chilly and empty he feels. “For leaving him with you.”
“It’s all right,” Luke says when Elliot just stares, still confused.
“Was he very bad?” she asks, putting Edwin on her hip. She doesn't seem fazed by his sticking-out hair.
“No,” says Elliot, frowning.
She looks surprised. “Really? You’re sure?” Elliot nods. “Usually when I leave him with somebody he cries the whole time. He takes their things and throws them. He’s broken my sister’s glasses a couple times, he's quite high maintenance...”
Elliot just shakes his head, mystified. “No, he was lovely,” Luke says contentedly. “Elliot sang to him.” Elliot scowls at him. Smirking back, Luke adds, “I think he did pull Elliot’s hair once.”
“Only once?” she says. “Hm… Maybe…” She brightens a little. “Er… I think we will be here for a few more days... And we may visit the Sunborns again. Would it be all right if you minded him again sometime?”
“All right,” says Elliot. There is too much information being thrown at him, both externally and internally. “I could try.”
She smiles at him. Elliot, surprised by an encouraging interaction, smiles back. “Um, thank you!” And she goes away, Edwin peering with some concern over her shoulder at Elliot. Elliot stares back until Edwin and his mother disappear into the house and Elliot cannot see them anymore.
Then he looks back at Luke, to find Luke already looking at him. “Who knew?” Luke asks.
Elliot glares suspiciously. “Who knew what?”
“That you have such a knack for babies,” shrugs Luke.
“I don’t,” insists Elliot. “I have no knack. There is no knack! He was just tired, that’s all.”
“Usually tired babies get grouchy, I think,” Luke says.
“Do they?”
“Yes. I used to watch my little second cousins. They scream about it. It’s a whole big mess.”
“Well,” says Elliot. “I got lucky.”
Luke does not accept this version of events. “He loved you,” he says.
“He loved making a mockery of me.”
“I love you.”
“You love watching me be made a mockery of. Me. Of—by—” Then Elliot stops. “Wait. What?” Luke just looks at him like he feels sorry for Elliot. “You—seriously?”
“I liked seeing you with him,” Luke says, looking down at his lap, where he is fidgeting with a leaf. “It was… sweet.”
Elliot is speechless. He can’t believe how often Luke renders him speechless. Of course, Elliot seems to often bring about the crabby, sarcastic, scholarly side of Luke no one else believes exists, so maybe they match each other. He clears his throat. “Um, I can’t bear your children, Luke.”
“Really?” asks Luke flatly. “I'm beside myself. Whyever not?”
“Only making sure you knew that,” says Elliot, flushing. “No matter how much I love you, it is not physically possible. And I’m too young! And I will have to insist that I only got lucky. I—I simply don’t have the temperament.” Elliot doesn’t know the first thing about parenting. He did not once see an example of it until he met Rachel Sunborn; and even then, he doesn’t see her very often. Michael Sunborn appreciates Elliot, but thinks he makes no sense, both as a person and as a fixture in Luke’s life. Elliot would need extensive training and direct supervision. And maybe, he thinks, for all his stress and good intentions, it won’t be possible. What are the odds of two people so unsuited to parenthood reproducing? Surely genetics aren't avoidable. Perhaps he was doomed by design, damned from the start, and it's inevitable that he will turn out like his parents no matter what. That thought frightens him and he does not want to confront it.
But of course Luke has not considered the idea of Elliot being remotely like his parents or to blame for their choices. He doesn't delve into Elliot's dark history or speculate about a troubling future. Luke only sees Elliot as he is now. Elliot wants to be seen. Luke chuckles softly and hands Elliot his leaf. It’s not a good leaf. It’s not crackly enough to be fun to smash, just enough that it drops bits of rubbish-leaf on Elliot’s shirt. But he accepts it all the same; and he accepts Luke’s hand when Luke reaches for Elliot’s. “I don’t think it’s about temperament,” Luke tells him thoughtfully. “I think it’s about choosing. Isn’t that what you told me? Possibilities.”
Elliot hangs on to Luke’s hand like Luke alone could keep him anchored to the surface of the earth. “Yes,” he says. “But I can do a career. And I can do loving someone… I don’t think I could—”
“A kid is a someone,” says Luke. Elliot had, idiotically, never thought of it that way. Like choosing someone, and loving someone, could overcome being a bad person. It seems overly simplistic, and Elliot does not trust things which are overly simplistic.
Elliot ruminates on this however. They sit there in silence, contemplating the holding of violent babies and the exchange of subpar leaves. “I think I liked him,” Elliot finally admits, very quietly. Quiet enough that it’s illegal to acknowledge out loud.
And Luke is nothing if not obedient of the law.
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reddieaddict · 6 years
Text
You’re Gonna Live Forever In Me (Part 3/4)
Prequel to Richie’s Eulogy
Official Cast
Part 1 Part 2
A/N: This chapter is when we finally get to see Richie in all his hispanic glory! Haha I hope you all like how I characterized the Losers. I know it’s kinda different than how other people do, but I wanted to spice things up. Bill’s parents are nicer in my fic than in Canon, but I liked to imagine eventually they help and became nicer. Whatever though. I also added a lot more humor into this chapter. I fucking love doing dialogue and really hope you all find it funny. Enjoy. 
Pairings: Reddie with a slutty side of Stenbrough and some implied Benverly 
Summary: It’s senior year and Eddie has began to notice Richie exhibiting strange behavior. He is worried he might be hiding something, but doesn’t know how to confront Richie about it without setting him off and making matters worse.
December 1994
It was Christmas in Derry, Maine, and just as it’s been since the conception of the club, all seven losers found themselves in the Denbrough’s household, preparing for their annual holiday dinner. Eddie, Mike, Ben, and Bev’s parents preferred to celebrate Christmas Eve as a family, which, coincidentally (and conveniently), allowed the Losers to spend actual Christmas Day with each other. Stan was Jewish as fuck, so he could do whatever the hell he wanted on the Christmas; and Richie’s parents didn’t care what he did any other day of the year, so why would Christmas be any different? For some of the Losers, this was rather poetic; since their friends were more of a family to them than anything their parents could hope or care to be.
  Despite having become accustomed to his parent’s active indifference, the holiday season was still an agonizingly difficult time for Richie. This was the time of year when the world seemingly would mock and torture him with imagery of happy families, as if to say “You see this? You will never have this!”  Of course, this wasn’t really the case, but it sure felt like it was to Richie.  Seeing all these families on TV, in advertisements, and even around town indulging in their pseudo-domestic bliss that came with the yuletide had Richie’s heart set ablaze with jealousy. “How can people be so happy? Why couldn’t he have that? Why did his parents have to be so awful?” These questions loomed over Richie, taunting him.
  Unable to make the pessimistic voices in his head dissipate, he figured if he spoke louder and didn’t stop, he could drown them out enough to make the season tolerable. Unfortunately this made him especially intolerable to everyone, except the Losers. Richie has always liked to crack inappropriate jokes and be the center of attention, but this was taking it to a whole new level. Anything and everything out of his trashmouth was either a crass joke or an obscenity, making his nickname even more fitting. The Losers weren’t thrilled about this, but, being aware of his situation, had developed more patience for him throughout the years. This didn’t mean that there weren’t times when Richie crossed thresholds and sent them into a fury.
“GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME, ASSHOLE!” Having Richie pestering him all day, had Eddie fed up. “I don’t care if there is a mistletoe under every fucking doorframe, I am not making out with you!”  
“Baby, don’t be such a prude! Es Navidad! Dame un besito! Andale mi nino lindo! Presioso!” Eddie hated PDA and refused to kiss Richie outside of the privacy of their rooms, but it was their first Christmas as a couple and Richie wanted to make it special. So, he decided to bring out the big guns: talking in Spanish. Whenever Richie spoke in his native language, Eddie would melt and Richie could get him to do almost anything. 
Eddie froze in place as fire spread across his cheeks, giving away just how effective his boyfriend’s tactic had been.  “Umm. . . uh. . . ahem! NO! Stop it! I know what you’re doing and that is not going to work this time! I have to get back into the kitchen to help Mrs.Denbrough with dinner! You’ve already distracted me long enough!”
“Bebe, no seas asi! Amorsito! Nene!” Richie cooed as he wrapped himself around Eddie’s shoulders. “Solo un besito chiquito! Aaaandaleeee!”
“Fuck off.” Eddie pushed him away and began to make his way back into the kitchen. “If you keep annoying me, I won’t kiss you for the rest of the week.”
“Hijo de tu puta madre!” Richie mumbled under his breath, crossing his arms over his chest, and a child-like pout settling on his rosy lips.
“I KNOW WHAT THE FUCKING MEANS, DUMBASS!” Eddie retorted as he disappeared behind the kitchen door.
“Oh shit. . .” This is when Richie knew he fucked up.
“So, what happened? Did you get Eddie to kiss you or what?” Stan smirked as he continued to set the table. All of the Losers had been setting up for dinner, while Richie was on his quest for affection.
  “Of course he didn’t! Why do you even bother asking, knowing how Eddie is?” Mike answered, beating Richie to the punch. 
“Because then he has to admit to us that he didn’t, making his failure humiliating as well as disappointing.” Stan looked directly into Richie’s eyes with a condescending self-satisfaction. 
“Wow! You’re evil. . . and I think it’s making fall in love with you all over again.” Bill placed a delicate kiss onto his boyfriend’s temple as he passed by him with a stack of plates in his hands. Through years of speech therapy his stutter had pretty much disappeared, except in the instances when he found himself inebriated. 
Richie was none too pleased with getting ambushed by the people who he was starting to regret calling his friends. “Honestly, I don’t get what you’re being so smug about, Staniel. My Eddie is a classy lady with decorum, which more than I can say for you. Don’t think any of us have forgotten about catching you bobbing for Bill’s apple last Halloween!” 
“CAN YOU NOT!?” Bev interjected, disgusted with the memory of Bill and Stan mid-blowjob being forced back into her mind. “How are any of SUPPOSED to forget about it if you keep bringing it up, Richie!?”
“Yeah, and my mom is in the next room, idiot!” Bill’s parents were aware and supportive of his son’s relationship, but that didn’t mean they were interested in knowing the details, especially such graphic ones. 
“Buscame y me vas a encontrar! That means come for me and you shall find me, Big Bill. I wouldn’t have to put you on blast like that, if you kept your bitch in check.” 
“RICHIE!” Ben was fed up with the conversation. He knew there was no real malice behind any of their words, but this was hardly appropriate banter for Christmas dinner with Bill parents. The Denbroughs knew the Losers had quite the potty mouths, but expected them to cut that shit out on Christmas. “Why don’t you help us finish setting up the table, instead of arguing? Dinner is ready and we need to have everything set up, before Eddie and Mrs.Denbrough bring in the serving dishes!”
“Yeah, I think that is a good idea. God knows the last thing I want to think about during dinner is blowjobs.” Mike was by no means a prude, but was not eager to picture his friends getting it on, either. 
“Agreed.” Bev stated as she finished placing the utensils on the table.
They finished setting up and took their seats just as Eddie entered the dinning room with the first platter.  He placed it in the open space at the center of the table and took his seat beside his boyfriend. “Hola, mi amor!” he said completely butchering the usually romantic Spanish language, with the thickest accent anyone had ever heard, but Richie didn’t care. The sentiment was sweet nonetheless and he thought it was adorable when Eddie tried to speak Spanish.
“Eddie-Bear! My Love! Why are you sitting there, when there is a perfectly comfortable seat here on daddy’s lap?” Richie knew just how to ruin a cute moment. 
“Can you behave!? Bill’s mom worked very hard on this dinner! Don’t be rude and wrangle your trashmouth!” Eddie looked up at Richie, who still comically dwarfed him even when seated.
“Whatever, bitch. Don’t be trippin’ balls, you know I got this shit.” He said with a straight face and not a hint of humor to his voice, knowing this would set Eddie off. God, how he enjoyed teasing his boyfriend!!
“Listen here, motherfuck-“
“Eddie!” just then, at the most incriminating moment, Bill’s parents walked into the room, each with a dish in their grasp. “I am so disappointed in you! You know we don’t allow foul language at the dinner table, especially on Christmas, young man!” 
“I’m sorry, Mrs.Denbrough. It won’t happen again.” Eddie avoided her eyes at all costs, as if to catch them he would cause him spontaneously combust. He reached under the table and gave Richie a hard pinch to the sensitive flesh of his thighs. A vengeance that was subtle, but very much effective. 
“OUCH! You dick!” Richie whisper yelled, only audible to Eddie, and Bev who sat beside him. She giggled.
  “You deserve that! You got poor little Eddie in trouble!” she teased.
“Don’t talk about me like I’m some defenseless creature. I’m a man!” Eddie resented his height, and it infuriated him when anybody made him feel weak because of it. “And, yes, you did deserve that, trashmouth.” 
“Whatever you say, my little love-muffin. Ay que lindo mi bebe henanito!” Richie knew Eddie hated when he talked to him like a baby, which is exactly why he did it so often.
“Uuuuuuuugh!” Eddie was exhausted and just wanted to enjoy dinner. “Whatever.” The Losers exchanged amused looks. Eddie and Richie always knew how to put on a show, even if they didn’t mean to. Well, at least Eddie didn’t mean to.
  “Alright, everybody! Let’s dig in!” Mr. Denbrough said wanting to change topic. Bill’s parents adored having the Losers over for Christmas, even more so since Georgie’s death. It was a pleasant distraction from his absence, though nothing could ever fully make their pain go away. It was still nice to have a house full of children, even if said children weren’t really kids anymore. 
  As they all began to enjoy their dinner, the couples segregated into their own individual conversations. Mike, being the eligible bachelor that he is, dipped in from one conversation to another. Mike was so charming and intelligent, and always adapted so well to any crowd, so it was effortless for him to jump from one topic to another. Ben and him had a particularly strong bond and could find themselves lost in conversation for hours. It was probably due to their similar qualities and shared interests. One could say they were Richie and Bev’s counterpart; both platonic, both incredible close.
  The evening went on pleasantly, as it did every year. Eddie and Richie, surprisingly, bickered very little. Mostly because no one was paying them any attention, so there was no motivation for Richie to rile him up. Their conversation consisted mostly of cute inside jokes and sweet nothings. It would have been perfect, if not for Richie’s constant glances in Mr. and Mrs. Denbrough’s direction. As the boys spoke, Richie would face Eddie, but his eyes would dart towards the parents and linger just a bit too long. Then he’d catch himself, and snap his attention back to his boyfriend. Richie has always had a short attention span, but this was different. It seemed more like Richie COULDN’T get his eyes off the Denbroughs, rather than being incapable of paying attention to Eddie’s words.
Annoyed with Richie’s behavior, he turned to see what it was that he found so fascinating. What he found was a thing of fairytales. There were Mr. and Mrs. Denbrough, leaned into one another with her hands lovingly enveloped within his, as they engaged in their own conversation. The way he looked into her eyes was that of a man who could see the answers to the universe and find treasures untold within her emerald irises. An incandescent luminance seemed to radiate from them, and it was breathtaking in the most understated way possible.
   Eddie was touch by such a display of unconditional love, but couldn’t understand why Richie found it so hypnotizing. It’s not like it was the first time they had seen Bill’s parents being affectionate toward each other. What made this instance so special? Eddie turned back to face Richie, who seemed to realize he had caught on to what he was doing. “You okay?”
“Yeah, totally.” Richie responded as he cleared his throat and sat up on his chair making him seem a whole foot taller.  Whatever it was that Richie found so engaging about the Denbroughs, it was clear to Eddie that Richie DID NOT want to talk about it. Knowing that asking him anything else about it would just aggravate him and ruin what has been a beautiful night, he relented. 
“Okay.” He reached out for Richie’s hand and began to caress his knuckles with the pads of his thumbs. Richie turned to face him again, relaxing into the gesture. Eddie looked into his ebony eyes (noting to himself how much they resembled onyx) with sincere adoration and gifted him with the warmest of smiles. “I love you.”
  A smile grew onto Richie’s face; accentuating the creases besides his eyes, a sign Eddie’s words had meant more to him in that moment than they usually would have. And that was saying a something. “I love you, too.”
“Oh my god, I am so stuffed! Eddie you guys did such an amazing job! It was DELICIOUS!” Ben plopped himself on the couch and patted his belly. After dinner everyone had helped out with the dishes, making the whole process much quicker, and they were now ready to enjoy their movie marathon in the living room. 
“Thank you, but it was honestly all Mrs. Denbrough. I just did whatever she ordered me to do.” Eddie said humbly, seating himself in his usual spot on the floor, next to Richie.
“Hmmm. . . and what is it I have to do to get you to do the same for me, Eds?” Richie draped his arm around Eddie’s shoulder and pulled him closer to him. 
“Don’t be fucking gross! I just ate!” Stan cried from his seat on Bill’s lap. “I swear I’m gonna go all exorcist and projectile vomit all over you, if you don’t cut the shit, Richie!” 
“Okay now you’re the one being gross.” Bev grimaced at Stan’s words. “I’d rather talk about the film selection, than talk on any bodily functions or fluids.” 
“I second that motion!” Mike said as he sprawled out a large selection of VHS’s on the table in the center of the living room. Everyone leaned in to inspect the titles. “What do you guys think about a Christmas movie?”
“Isn’t that a little cliché?” Bill chimed.
  “Well when else are you supposed to watch a Christmas movie?” Ben quipped. “It’s not like we would watch A Christmas Story in July. Well, I don’t know about you, Bill, but we wouldn’t.”
“Appropriate or not, I don’t feel like watching a Christmas movie!” Richie interjected. 
“What about a scary movie!?” Mike suggested excitedly, as he held up the new Nightmare on Elm Street movie. 
“Yes!!!” Bev and Richie cheered in unison, then smiled at each other, proud of just how much they think alike. 
“We can’t watch a scary movie! You know how easily Eddie gets scared, you guys!” Bill warned as he directed a concerned look at Eddie.
“Shut the fuck up! I‘m not scared, you twig-bitch!” Bill was taken back by Eddie’s unexpected outburst. There was a reason Richie and Eddie made such a perfect couple. Amongst many other things, they shared the same lighting wit and venomous tongue. “Don’t project your pussy boyfriend’s fears on to me!”
“I love you so fucking much!” Richie beamed with pride as he hugged Eddie with all his might. “I think it’s so fucking HOT when you get snarky like that! Mmh,” he whispered into Eddie ear, only to find himself chastised by the petite spitfire. 
“I resent that, Eddie. I am not scared; I just think horror movies are stupid! They are all so predictable and exactly the same.” Stan attempted to defend himself to no avail. Everyone already knew what Eddie said was true.
  “It’s okay to be afraid, Stan. It’s not that big of a deal.” Mike assured Stan, sympathetically. 
“I’M NOT SCARED! Put on the fucking movie, I don’t care!” Stan was determined to prove his so-called friends wrong! 
“Are you sure, babe?” Bill asked, his words laced with uncertainty.
  “YES, I’M SURE BILL! WHAT THE HELL!?” Stan was disappointed that his boyfriend, out of everyone, didn’t believe in him enough to watch a horror movie. “Just put on the fucking movie!” 
“Okay, people! You heard Curly Sue!” Richie chanted, earning a leer from his ringlet adorned friend and a giggle from Ben. “Let’s get this shit started!” 
Mike took the VHS out of it’s plastic case and inserted it into the player. Everyone made themselves comfortable, paring into their respective couples, ready to enjoy the horror flick. Before they could begin, though, Bill’s parents entered to say goodnight, both ready to head to bed. “Alright, kids! We’re gonna go to bed. It was nice having you over again this year. Have a good night.” Mr. Denbrough said with the typical paternal formality one would expect from a father.
“There are plenty of snacks in the pantry, if you kids get hungry. Feel free to scavenge through.” Mrs. Denbrough added. 
“WAIT, MRS. DENBROUGH!” Bev yelled, startling Bill’s parents with the sudden exclamation.
“What is it, Bev!?” Concern littered her petite face. “What’s wrong?”
  “Oh gosh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you! Ha! Ha! It’s just that you’re both under the mistletoe.” She answered bashfully. 
“Oh, I guess we are, huh?” Mr. Denbrough smiled sweetly at his wife and she mirror his expression.
  “KISS! KISS! KISS! KISS!” Everyone except Richie chanted. His stillness garnered the attention of his boyfriend, but Richie would never have noticed. He was lost; disconnect, but burdened. As the Denbroughs shared a kiss that could not be classified as anything other than a quick peck, Richie stared intensely and Eddie’s heart began to race. Eddie immediately recognized the expression that settled onto his face as the same one that he had on that terrifying September morning. It was unmistakable! It had been so long since he had seen it, but he could never confuse or forget it, even if he tried. It was burned into his memory like a scar.
“Richie. . . “ Eddie whispered warily, forgetting all about the other people in the room, who also seemed to be blissfully unaware of the situation between the two boys, having started to clap and cheer for the Denbroughs. 
“Hmm. Yeah, Eds?” This time around reaching Richie was much easier, as he snapped back into the present almost instantly. Again, just as last time, he immediately tried to overcompensate with smiles and kisses.  “What’s up, baby boy?” he asked nonchalantly as he leaned in for a kiss, which Eddie did not resist. 
“Uh. Nothing.” Eddie learned from his experience last time and decided now was NOT the time to interrogate his boyfriend about what just happened. He would leave it for another time when they could both be alone.  Richie just responded with another smile, only this time, the creases besides his eye did not make an appearance. 
“Hey you two! Are you ready to watch the movie or do we need to give you some privacy?” Mike asked from the recliner he had made himself comfortable on. Eddie took notice of the Denbrough’s absence, surmising they had probably gone to bed in the middle of their exchange, and now all eyes here on them.
  “Ha! Ha! Very funny.” He said sarcastically. “Press play, we’re ready.” 
“Okay, but no making out during the movie!” Mike taunted with a sing-song tone one would expect from a child. 
“Uh, when have we ever done that around you guys? Why don’t you say that to Stan and Bill!? They’re the ones that are always all over each other!” Eddie complained, in his tenor whine.
  “Don’t be a fucking hater, midge.” Stan retorted. 
  “You know, Staniel, I think I like you better with Bill’s dick in your mouth.” Eddie said glaring into Stan’s eyes, a smile spreading on to his lips. “At least then you’re quiet.”
“Oh fuck! Ha! Ha! Ha!” Ben cackled. “Damn, dude.” 
‘Okay! Okay! I’m pressing play now, everyone shut the fuck up!” Bev announced, taking the remote from Mike. She, too, had thought it was funny, but thought Stan had been humiliated enough for one day. 
Eddie found himself unable to pay attention through the duration of the movie, still concerned with Richie’s strange behavior. He instinctively wanted to be blunt and forward, but he knew better. If he just came out and asked what was wrong, Richie would just flip out on him again. No, he needed to be smart about this. He settled on dealing with this on their walk home, which wouldn’t be for few more hours. This gave him plenty of time to figure out how to approach the subject. He knew that no matter how much prep time he had, Richie would still end up upset somehow, but it didn’t matter. This was something that had to be addressed. He silently prayed to whatever deity would listen, to bless him with the same resilient determination when he was force to face off with a furious Ricardo Alonzo Tozier.
It was now a little passed midnight as Richie and Eddie trekked their way over to the latter’s house, their gloved hands laced together and swinging between them. It had been a quiet walk for the most part, but not uncomfortably so. Both of them found themselves content in the other’s presence, even if neither spoke a word. It was strange to see the couple so well known for their loud and heated arguments be so serene. As heartwarming as it all was, Eddie knew this was just the calm before the storm. Guilt began to overtake him and he decided to break through the stillness.
  “You know you can talk to me, right? I mean, like, about ANYTHING! I am here for you.” He said looking up at his raven-haired, statuesque boyfriend, forcing the calmest tone could possibly muster. 
“I know, baby-boy.” Richie responded avoiding eye contact, knowing where this conversation was going and wanting to evade it at all costs. 
  “So, um. . . what’s going on?” That was EXACTLY what Eddie had promised himself not to ask, and then he fucking went off and asked it anyway. He was so frustrated with himself. “Ahem. . . Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything is cool. It was a nice night, right?” Richie asked sullenly. 
“Yeah, of course.”
“Then, let’s not ruin it. I know where you’re going with this and I appreciate it, babe, but I don’t want to get into it.” Eddie was surprised and slightly hurt by Richie’s bluntness.  
“I’m not trying to ruin anything.” Eddie’s eyes darted away from his boyfriend and glued themselves onto the pavement beneath them. “I am just concerned.”
“I know you are, and like I said I appreciate that, but nothing is wrong. If something WERE wrong, I would tell you, Eds.” Richie’s tone was becoming more pointed. “No you wouldn’t.” Eddie said under his breath, which came out as a small cloud due to the freezing temperature of the evening.
“What did you say?” Richie stopped in his tracks and pulled his hand away. “What did you say, Eddie?” 
“Nothing.”
“No, go ahead say what you’re really thinking! You wanted to talk; well here’s your chance! Talk!” There was no going back now. 
“I-I-I . . . um. . . “ Eddie hesitated as he turned back to face Richie, “I said ‘No, you wouldn’t.’”
“And what the hell is that supposed to mean, Eddie?” Richie inched himself closer.
“It’s just that you never talk to me. I mean you do, but only . . .like, only when you . . .”
“Only when I what? When I run to you after my dad kicks my ass? After my mom throws a bottle at my head and tells me to kill myself? Hmm?! Is that what you can’t seem to say?” Richie was not holding back any punches. “It’s funny how you say you want to talk, but here we are and you aren’t even able to finish that sentence!”
   “It’s not that I can’t say it! I just have to walk on eggshells for you. If I say the wrong thing you get mad at me!” Eddie was starting to regret having brought the whole thing up.
“Oh, so it’s me!?” Richie widened and narrowed his eyes, pointing towards himself.  “So I’m the bad guy!?” 
“Richie, stop it! That is not what I said! Why does there always have to be a villain!? It’s just you and me; two people who care about each other! I am just trying to help…” Eddie tried his hardest to pacify Richie, but it seemed to make no difference. 
“No, bullshit! I tell you everything is fine! I ask you to trust me and you keep fucking digging, Eddie! Why can’t you just let shit be? Why do you have to keep nagging and bitching!? What the fuck do you want from me? If I don’t want to talk about something, maybe its cause I can’t! Has that ever occurred to you?! No, because you don’t fucking care! No, you just want to martyrize yourself! You want to save me! I don’t need saving Eddie. Just let it fucking go! LET! IT! GO!” Richie was full on shouting now, emphasizing the last three words of his rant by shoving his boyfriend. 
Eddie’s amber orbs began to shimmer with tears, but he refused to divert he eyes from Richie’s. “Why . . . Why are you being so mean? I didn’t mean to . . . I- I -I  was just-Ugh!” He could find a way to finish a thought, so overwhelmed with hurt and frustration. 
“You know what?” Regret had begun to sink in. Hurting Eddie was something Richie never wanted to do, but yet here was his Eds, crying because of him. “I-I-I’m just going to go home.” He turned around to walk back in the direction of his house, but before he could take more than one step he felt a small hand latch onto his arm. 
“Wait! Stop!” Eddie began to wipe tear off his face with the hand that was not grasping on to Richie. “No! Don’t leave! Is this what its going be like every time things get difficult? Are you always going to walk away? What’s going to happen when things get to be too hard? When I get to be too annoying? Are you just going to leave me forever?” 
“Eddie, I just can’t right now.” Richie pulled away and continued towards him house in wide strides; he needed to get out of there before he made things worse.
Without a second thought, Eddie chased after him and wrapped his small arms around the taller boy’s midsection, “STOP! DON’T LEAVE! I’M SORRY! I’M SORRY! I’M SORRY I MADE YOU MAD; I DIDN’T MEAN TO. I’LL LET IT GO, I PROMISE! JUST- PLEASE DON’T LEAVE!” Eddies sobs tore into Richie’s heart. His body trembled as his tears streamed down his cheeks uncontrollably, his voice deteriorating with every word. “Please don’t be mad at me! Please don’t leave me. I love you. I love you, Richie. I’ll let it go! . . . I’ll let it go.”
“Eddie. . .” Richie’s voice was tender and free of the malice that had poisoned it minutes ago. He turned to face Eddie, pulling him into his chest and rocking them side to side. “Shh. . . It’s okay, baby-boy. I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here. I’ve got you.”
“I’m sorry. I never wanted to make you mad at me, I swear. I just wanted to help! I’m sorry.” Eddies sobs began to die down, but his face remained buried in Richie’s chest. 
“You have nothing to be sorry about. I’m not mad, bebe. I promise I’m not mad.” Peppering kisses all over Eddie’s head, Richie tightened his embrace. “You did nothing wrong, I’m the one who should apologize. I shouldn’t have said what I said. I’m sorry, I just…It’s just hard sometimes.” 
Moving his arms from Richie’s midsection and wrapping them around his long pale neck, Eddie nestled his face into it’s nook. “I can understand that. I just want you to know that I care. I’m always going care and worry about you. I love you so much, Ricardo Alonzo Tozier! You never have to feel afraid or ashamed to tell me anything. I will always stand by you.”
  Richie pulled Eddie away from him and looked into his eyes tenderly. “I love you too Edward Kaspbrak, so fucking much! I’m not going anywhere, you hear me? I will always stand by you, too!” Eddie’s lips spread into a smile, before leaning in to kiss the taller man.“Your nose is freezing! Let’s go home before you catch pneumonia.”
“Ha! Ha! You’re an idiot, but yeah. I’d really like that.” Just like that, it seemed everything reverted back to normal between them. 
“You know what I’d really like, Eddie Spaghetti?” Oh yeah, Richie had definitely gone back to his normal self. 
“Don’t even THINK we’re gonna have sexy-fun-time, tonight. I am so tired and you definitely need to shower before you get anywhere near my bed.” Eddie foreboded, as they continued their journey home with Richie’s arm draped over his shoulder.
  “Eds, have you learned nothing today? I ALWAYS get my way.” he smirked.
“No, you do not!” Eddie looked up at him with narrow eyes and furrowed brows.
“I got you to kiss me tonight out on the sidewalk. It wasn’t underneath a mistletoe but it still counts as PDA!” Just then, Richie leaned in and stole another kiss from his boyfriend.
“That doesn’t count!” Eddie argued.
“Oh fuck yeah it does! Accept defeat and let me ravage you, Juliet!” Before Eddie could attempt to squirm away, Richie wrapped his arms around his hips and lifted him above him. Tickling Eddie tummy with his nose, Richie began to spin them around, playfully.
Eddie grabbed on to his shoulders in an attempt to stabilize himself as he giggled wildly. “Okay! OKAY! OKAAY!!”
“Does that mean yes sexy-fun-time?!” Richie’s eyebrows wiggled suggestively as he gently returned Eddie onto the pavement.
“Hm, we’ll see,” was all Eddie said as he continued his walk home, leaving Richie behind him.
“Oh, Eds, mi amor! You and I both know what that means.”
Eddie giggled in the distance. 
  Taglist: @bitchardtozier @bloggingandstruggling @11stayradstaybad11 @breakmyreddieheart @reddieformeerkat @purejaeden @julietissue @greywatertozier
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derryhawkins · 6 years
Text
Growing Fame (4/??)
summary: A modern AU where the losers are semi-famous for different things, and when they all run into each other at a certain event, all of their fans go bat-shit crazy – wanting the seven to spend more time together. What they didn’t expect even more than that, though, was a well-known and mean journalist to write bad reviews on them all. Their growing fame could soon shrink, they quickly realized. warnings: swearing pairings: benverly; bichie; steddie; mike/oc a/n: I feel like this is short, sorry, but hope you enjoy anyway!
CH 1 | CH 2 | CH 3 | CH 4 | CH 5 coming soon
The Three Way Skype Call
“I’m a f-f-f-uh-fucking good big br-bruh-brother!”
Bill was furious, to put it simply. Not only was it notable in his re-appearing stutter, but as well as his body language and facial expression. Rightfully, so too. He was a good older brother to Georgie but the article pegged him as a young, irresponsible adult who drinks with his baby brother around. The other’s were pissed, too. They hated the fact that some well known journalist wrote false information about their little day at comic con.
“Of course you are, Big Bill, you’re the best! And what’s up with this guy’s name anyway?” Richie asked, frowning as he glared down at the phone he was holding in his hand. He moved closer to the computer where the group was doing a three way Skype call - him and Bev; Bill, Eddie, and Stan; Mike and Ben. It was easier than traveling to meet somewhere. “Penny Wise... More like Penis Wise you fucking dick. What is Penny short for anyway? I bet it’s Penis, I bet his parents named him penis because they didn’t have the heart to name him Dick. Guess it’s a good because then we’d-.”
“Beep beep, Richie,” Beverly and Bill talked in unison.
Richie shut his mouth abruptly and looked to the side at his roommate and then at the screen where he saw Bill. He set his phone down after exiting out of the article he pulled up to look at one last time and adjusted the glasses on his face. Usually he wore contacts, but he was being lazy for the day and he thankfully had no where too important to be until later tonight -- band practice. He leaned back in his chair and puffed out his cheeks while Eddie started talking.
“This is all bullshit,” Eddie repeated the phrase that has been said multiple times by each of them. “We haven’t done anything, why target us?”
Richie opened his mouth and once again started talking, leg bouncing and eyes roaming around. “Maybe he wants to kill us, I don’t know, he seems hateful enough to commit a murder or two. He’s fucking a joke -- a clown -- I bet he eats kids-.”
“Richie,” Bill stopped him once again, tone more stern. Beverly simply rested a hand on his knee to try and keep him from bouncing his leg so much; it didn’t work too well. The others quickly started talking again, but Richie’s phone dinging made him lean forward and read the message; Beverly did the same, just to be nosey.
from Big Bill: are you taking your ADHD meds still?
Beverly snatched the phone out of his hand before Richie could reply himself, and typed a message before sending it. Richie glared at her, but she just shrugged and stood up. She walked out of the room and the tall male watched for a second before looking at what she had sent.
to Big Bill: Ran out, not enough money to continue the prescription.
He rolled his eyes; of course she wasn’t going to let him lie about it. He ran out just after comic con weekend had ended, and because of the fact that the medicine is pretty expensive and that his parents stopped paying for it, he doesn’t exactly have enough money. Sure, he’s becoming and more famous, but Richie doesn’t have the right amount money for a constant pay of medicine every month of every year just yet. That might change soon, but not now. He might be taking Beverly’s offer for some money if the ADHD gets too bad.
from Big Bill: fuck, man, need some money?
to Big Bill: don’t worry about it to Big Bill: I’ll get them sometime soon
Richie locked his phone then and put it face down on the table. He looked at the part of the screen Bill was on and shrugged as he stared him down. Right then, Beverly came back and sat down again. This time with a Rubix Cube. She handed it to Richie, who gladly took it and started shifting it around in no specific order as he listened to the conversation.
“We need to speak out, or do something about this before it becomes too much to handle,” Mike said.
“We’re irresponsible college students in their eyes,” Stan said, “Getting them to listen will be like trying to get a shark to be friendly to it’s food.”
“Yeah, I doubt they’ll talk to the girl who sleeps around,” Beverly bitterly said.
“You’re not a slut,” Ben said, voice quiet but still able to be heard.
Richie side eyed Beverly with a small smirk as her cheeks tinged pink while she replied, “Thanks, Ben...” The young man smiled proudly and the redhead gave a smile back. Richie smirked to himself, knowing he was going to poke and prod Beverly about the tiny interaction later.
“I wanna say just wade it all out,” Eddie said, “but that could make things worse if none of us say anything.”
“Things could get worse if we do say anything, Eds.” Richie slouched in the chair and focused his eyes on the Rubix Cube in his hands. But still, that smirk played on his lips.
“That’s not my name.”
He shrugged. “Whatever, Eds.”
Richie looked up just in time to see Eddie make a face at the nickname. He chuckled and looked over at Bill, who sat two seats away from the short male with Stan in between them both. He wanted to keep his eyes on the two shorter boys to try and figure out why they were sitting so much closer together, but Richie’s eyes kept drifting over to his best friend. There wasn’t anything special about him, though. Bill’s hair was just a bit tussled from running his hands through it, stressed over the article, and he currently had a resting pissed off expression because of the situation at hand. The slightly taller male had on the regular clothes he wore. A baseball tee with jeans.
The curly, dark headed male made himself look away and frowned at himself as he tried to focus back on what everyone was saying. Richie, though, kept glancing to where Bill was on his computer screen. Fuck, it’s junior year all over again, he thought. Dammit. Richie flinched as Beverly’s hand whacked him on the shoulder. He snapped his head in her direction and gave her a glare until she handed him her phone. The notes app was opened; she had typed something down.
-istg if you don’t stop staring at him,,..
Richie rolled his eyes and typed something back before handing it back.
-I wasn’t staring, Bev, not like that
Beverly let out a soft scoff, clearly not taking the lie.
-uUUM you sit on a thrown of lies
-don’t fucking use Elf quotes on me
-admit you like Bill and I’ll stop
-go on a date with Ben and we’ll see about that
-l o l  f u c k  y o u
“What are you two keeping from us?” Mike asked suddenly. He was genuinely curious, but also seemed like he was hoping it was embarrassing so he could tease them.
It was then both friends realized the talking had stopped and the other five had been watching them pass the phone around a few times. The redhead girl and raven head boy glanced at one another. Beverly knew not to say anything, and so did Richie -- obviously, he didn’t need Bill knowing he was staring at him. Eventually, Richie answered.
“Just talking about great your mom was last night!” He grinned cheekily and started laughing once again as Beverly slapped him on the shoulder, groans of annoyance coming from the other boys.
“I th-thought you would grow out those jokes by now, Rich,” Bill complained.
“Big Bill, you know you shouldn’t expect so much of me!”
“God, I hate you,” he mumbled with a small laugh.
“Nah, you love me!” Richie leaned forward and rested his chin in the palm of his hand as his cheeky grin grew.
“I’m starting to think I don’t, actually.” Bill teased. His own cheeky smile formed and Riche feigned a hurt gasp. He sat up straight and clutched his heart, the others either laughing or smiling in amusement.
“You wound me, Big Bill.”
“Are you two done flirting?” Stan asked before Bill could say anything in reply. “We need to get this article thing under control.”
Richie and Bill both instantly went wide eyed, cheeks tainted pink and stiff postures. Bill slowlyIt  crossed his arms over his chest and looked around the room he was in, avoiding Eddie looking at him from around Stan and any of the others staring at him through Skype. Richie licked his lips and sat back normally as he picked up the Rubix cube that he had set down. He quickly started playing with it again. But not before glancing once again at Bill. He didn’t seem so tense or pissed anymore. 
Good, Richie thought, my little plan worked.
“This guy just had to be popular, huh?” Mike grumbled, stealing a chip from Ben’s plate of food. Ben instantly slapped Mike’s hand but the action did nothing; the taller male shrugged and tossed the chip in his mouth. “My notifications are blowing up more than usual!” He scrolled through his twitter notifs, frowning at the swarm of mentions about him and the others.
“Maybe we could do some digging and find some shit on the journalist,” Ben suggested. He scooted his plate of food father away from his best friend as his hand reached to grab another chip.
The Skype call had ended thirty minutes ago, all of them having thrown ideas on what to do for a solid hour before making up a plan for them all to meet up at Bill’s place since it was the biggest apartment. They would make a video together explaining everything, apologize for any ruckus they may have caused during the weekend, and then post it up on YouTube. It was a good idea. Whether it cause more drama was unknown to them.
“We don’t need to lower to Penis Wise’s antics,” Mike muttered with a roll of his eyes, gladly using the nickname Richie had come up with earlier.
Ben slouched but nodded, scrolling through the hellsite of tumblr dot com.  “You’re right, but, I don’t know -- I can’t let this go easily.”
“Because Beverly go called a slut?”
“Wha- No, that’s- Mike do not look at me like that!”
“You wrote a poem about her hair and put it on your Tumblr account.”
“I- fuck off,” he grumbled and slouched behind the computer screen, not bothering to try and lie. “Go flirt with that girl you met online.”
“Gladly.”
The two sat like that in Mike’s kitchen for a while longer. Mike on Twitter and muttering about how he hated the influx of notifications while stealing food off of Ben’s plate, getting a slap on the hand every time. Ben on his computer, going through Tumblr and giving the occasional laugh at a meme while trying to keep his food away from Mike and researching how Penis Wise actually got popular in the first place. Once in a while, Mike would blatantly tease Ben about his quickly growing crush on a certain redhead girl, which Ben retaliated with how Mike was crushing on a girl in Australia.
TEXT BETWEEN EDDIE AND BEV:
ok does Richie like Bill or what
do you like Stan or what
oh suddenly my mom is calling, gotta blast!!
heyheyhey kiss him! what could go wrong??
who said I wanted to kiss him? but seriously I do have to call my mom so I’ll text you later
fine fine ok [unsent] you boys and denying your feelings, istg first Richie now you
AUTHOR’S NOTE: ok I was gonna do some Steddie at the end but honest to god this is all I could write for this part so have Eddie denying his feelings for Stan to Bev over text instead. I’ll be sure to add Steddie next chapter! 
TAG LIST: @cupcakeatl @howellhxlic @anniewdoodles @kitaruhakiashi @thesubtextmachine @magickandmoons @allison0609 @i-t-s-y-a-b-o-i @multifandomimaginings @tobzier
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