#otp: i'll show you a staph infection

[bleep-bleep-richie]

grad school losers club celebrating finals with dinner at richie and eddie's off campus apartment.

richie, mike, and bev in the eat-in kitchen cooking an actual feast and drinking wine while eddie, ben, bill, and stan sit at the kitchen table playing poker or something

stan's playlist is on eddie's bluetooth, richie has been criticizing pretty much every song until one comes on and his eyes light up. mike laughs while he sings and slinks towards the table.

"let's marvin gaye and get it on, you got that healing that i want."

eddie side-eyes him warily, cards in his hands. "richie-"

richie drapes himself over the table, touches eddie's arm. "just like they say in the song. until the dawn, let's marvin gaye and get it on."

"rich, it's my hand-"

richie circles the table and pulls eddie out of his chair. everyone's watching them, amused. "we got this king size to ourselves, don't have to share with no one else."

"richie, seriously-"

richie ignores him, pulling him into the more open space of the kitchen so he can spin them both while he sings. "there's something in your eyes that pulls me closer. it's so subtle, im in trouble."

bev joins in, pointing at ben, "but id love to be in trouble with you!" ben, card game completely forgotten, just grins. she saunters towards the table, singing along. "and when you leave me all alone, im like a stray without a home." she moves around the back of ben's chair, dragging her hand across his shoulders. "i just want you for my own." she grabs both his hands and yanks him up.

"i got to have you, babe," mike sings through a laugh.

"not you too," stan gripes, biting down on a smile. bill says nothing, grinning, not even hiding how much he's loving it.

mike snaps along with the music, moving towards his boyfriends. he sidesteps richie spinning eddie. "i got that healing that you want," mike sings to stan, pulling him up. bill gets to his feet when mike turns to him. "like they said in the songs, until the dawn, let's marvin gaye and get it on." he holds bill's hand and twirls him, then brings them both in, one in each arm.

"you got to give it up to me. im screaming, mercy, mercy, please."

the sun is setting, the apartment is warm and cozy, the food smells amazing. theyre together, theyre safe, theyre happy.

when eddie pushes replay, no one argues.

#not me posting this super old draft instead of working on part 4 of my reddie long distance fic #it 2019 #reddie #benverly #hanbrough #stanlon #stenbrough #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #otp: January embers #otp: i hate you #otp: you got your kicks everyday #soft boyfriends #the losers club

[edmercer]

richie loved eddie.... it's canon

reddie is canon

i'm actually crying

#tori speaks #it 2019 #reddie #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #it spoilers #it ch 2 spoilers #it ch 2 #it chapter 2 #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak

[bleep-bleep-richie]

They don't talk about it.

After Eddie mashes their lips together to wake Richie up from the deadlights, there isn't time to discuss it- they're too busy trying to kill It and stay alive at the same time. It slashes Eddie's side, just a quarter of an inch away from nicking his lung, the doctor said. Then, later, when Eddie's recovering in the hospital and Richie presses his mouth to Eddie's, gentler than Eddie thought he was capable of, and with more desperation than Richie knew he had in him, they still don't talk about it. And even later when he's recovering in a hotel room in New York, they keep not talking about it. They still don't talk about it when Richie accompanies him to said hotel room. Richie's surprised they still find the words to bicker with all the not talking they're doing.

He knows he can't stay forever. He's got an apartment, a life, back in LA. And Eddie has the business to tend to and a divorce process to start. Eddie drives him to the airport one rainy morning exactly three weeks after they left Derry for the last time. The giant bandage is making an impression through his thin henley.

"Call me," Eddie tells him when he puts it in park at the entrance, "when you land. Or when you get home. Or both. So I know you're safe."

"Yes, mother," Richie jokes, because it's expected of him. Eddie's looking at him with the giant doe eyes that he does and Richie wants to beg him to get on the plane too. He barely stops himself. "Don't miss me too much," he says, going for playful but missing by a mile.

"I won't miss you at all," Eddie lies.

They hold the gaze for about thirty seconds longer before Richie thinks 'fuck it' and leans across the gear shift to kiss him. Eddie's fingertips ghost over Richie's cheek and then it's over.

"I'll call," Richie promises a minute later, out of the car and duffle bag slung over his shoulder.

Eddie nods and shifts back into drive, not trusting his voice.

Richie resolutely does not breakdown watching Eddie drive away. He won't forget, this time, so it's not a goodbye.

*

He calls. They still haven't discussed what they are to one another but he thinks they must be something so he keeps calling. They talk on the phone for at least an hour every night for six months before it occurs to him that they could have been video chatting the entire time.

"It's a little button that looks like a camera. It'll probably have a slash through it, so you just have to click it and-"

"I don't see it. It's on the keyboard?"

"No, not the keyboard, you absolute moron, the screen."

"Well, you never fucking specified, asswipe."

"I'm sorry, Eds, I was under the impression you were 37, not 97, my mistake." Eddie's face pops up on the screen, looking as disgruntled as ever. "Hey, there he is!"

"You look tired."

Richie's grins. "Gee, thanks for the reminder that I look like shit, man." He leans closer to the camera. "I'm fucking exhausted."

"I didn't say you look like shit, I said you look tired." His eyes are shifting all over the screen, like he's checking to see what, if anything, has changed about Richie since he's seen his face last.

Richie studies him right back, noting that his hair is longer and he's got some semblance of a five o clock shadow. "You look good. Your hair's hot like that."

Eddie runs a hand through it. "I kind of hate it actually. I was thinking- Stop doing that."

Richie blinks. "Doing what?"

"That!" He points. "There, that. You've got a tell."

"A tell for what?" Richie asks with a smirk.

"In the grand total of three times that you've kissed me, you wanna know how many of those times you've stuck your tongue in the corner of your mouth right before? All three of them. You've got a tell, Tozier."

Richie's full on grinning now. He purposely wiggles the tip of his tongue in the crease where his top lip and bottom meet.

"Quit it!" Eddie all but growls. "You can't kiss me, so just quit it."

Richie leans in. "But I want to."

"Well you can't."

Richie smiles at him a moment longer before settling back in his seat. "How's business?"

"Good. Great, actually. Better than ever."

Richie looks away from him. "That's great."

"You don't have to sound so disappointed about my success, ya know."

"It is the only thing keeping you on the other side of the country," Richie says. He gives the camera a pointed look. "The only thing."

"Don't do that."

"Do what?"

"And don't play stupid, either," Eddie gripes. "I've got a business to run, Rich. I'm trying to find someone to manage it, so I can come out there. And I'm trying to find a spot in LA to open another branch. And, lookie here!" He grabs something off camera and brings it back into focus. "Divorce papers!" He shakes the stack. "Sent to me by my fucking lawyer today. Myra's refusing to sign them, she wants half the fucking company." He tosses them down. "I've got to be here for all this shit. And it doesn't make it any easier when you-"

"Eddie," Richie interrupts, raising his hands, "I'm not fighting with you."

"You are! You drop those little comments, like you don't believe- like you think I would be dishonest-"

"Eddie! I don't not believe you." Richie watches Eddie's face scrunch as he works out the logistics of that sentence. "I'm not fighting with you," he repeats.

"You're trying to."

"No, you're fighting, I'm not. You're fighting with nothing."

Eddie looks at him a moment, jaw set. He sighs. "You know, don't you, Rich? You know I want to be with- that I'd rather be there."

He's doing that doe eyed thing again. Richie's palms itch with the need to touch him. "I could always come there."

"I don't want you to uproot your life for me."

"How is it any different from you-"

"Because I'd be building a business there, the same way I did here. I want to leave this whole shitshow behind and never look back. That's not uprooting my life, that's starting over. Besides, if you came here... I just can't give Myra any ammunition to say I've been unfaithful."

"You haven't been."

The edge of Eddie's mouth lifts. "Don't sound so bitter about it."

Richie huffs a laugh. They're quiet a moment. "Do I really look like shit?"

Eddie rolls his eyes. "No, you look good. You always look good. Fuckhead."

Richie smiles, leans closer, wishes his laptop's picture quality was better. Wishes he could kiss him. "I miss you," he says finally.

Eddie smiles back, close lipped and sad. "I miss you too. I'm trying, I swear I'm trying."

"I know, it's fine." He shifts back and threads his fingers together behind his head. "Now, take your shirt off. Gimme a show," he says, effectively ruining the moment on purpose.

"You first, asshole."

Richie yanks his shirt up and over his head, tossing it to the ground next to him, never one to back down from a dare.

Eddie laughs, shakes his head.

They still don't talk about it, but maybe they don't really need to. Maybe they already know. Maybe they'd known all along.

part two

#this is.....what is this #random ramblings #it 2017 #it 2019 #reddie #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #this popped in my head and i had to write it #long distance relationships suck major monkey balls #eddie lives! #also just know in this universe stan lives too

[bleep-bleep-richie]

I can be myself now, finally.

In fact, there's nothing I can't be.

#like #they're all platonic soulmate #but they have romantic soulmates in the group too #reddie #benverly #stanlon #hanbrough #stenbrough #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #otp: january embers #otp: i hate you #soft boyfriends #my ot3 #mine #my gifs #it 2017 #the losers club #otp: got your kicks everyday

[bleep-bleep-richie]

in response to the question, "why was richie given eddie's character arc in 2019?" (valid question), i have seen tons of people be like... "uh bc we didn't need to see the same character arc twice" and yall are just downright confused.

eddie being gay is very different than richie being gay (completely ignoring the fact that richie is bi coded in the book)

richie is one hundred percent aware that he has an attraction to men. he most likely has sexual encounters with men multiple times in his life, and he probably feels horrible and dirty afterwards. because of this, he's unable to build any romantic attachments to them. he also spends way too much time cataloging what is and isn't acceptable behavior towards his male friends. he is very careful about how he touches them, things he says, how long he lets his eyes linger, etc. he, like a lot of queer kids/people, is consumed by the idea that someone will discover his secret and he exerts tons of energy trying to prevent this. richie was absolutely aware that his feelings for eddie extended beyond friendship, but he felt so strongly that he was just powerless to keep himself from showing it. ("eddie, my love"; calling him cute twice; winking at him; hugging him; etc).

for eddie, he just is the way he is. he never even considers the fact that he's gay. he definitely sees men in his life and feels things he doesn't fully understand like a sense of yearning (read: richie), but he doesn't equate that with attraction/romantic feelings. "love" for eddie always comes with a side of fear and a sense of dread, which he learned from his mother and then replicated in his marriage to myra. even though he is definitely in love with richie, he never even considers the idea that he may love him romantically because he never feels any of those negative feelings he associates with "love" when he's with richie. richie only ever made him feel good.

so, yeah, eddie's character arc in the movie was necessary bc it would have been polar opposite of richie's arc. it still would have ended in eddie's death, as we see in the book (eddie trying to figure out how to say what he needs to say to richie; eddie feeling clean for the first time in his life).

richie's character arc was (should have been) about accepting himself, eddie's arc would've been about discovering himself. important distinction.

#random ramblings #been on my mind for a minute #character analysis #reddie #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #tw queerphobia #tw internalized homophobia #otp: i'll show you a staph infection

[bleep-bleep-richie]

Eddie: Richie is on my last fucking nerve.

Stan: You're telling me. He's an animal. I can't take much more of this.

Random person: You mean Tozier? He's the most annoying person I've ever-

Stan and Eddie:

#i guess im thinking about streddie tonight #streddie #reddie #stozier #it 2017 #it 2019 #otp: thats not saying much #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #stan uris #eddie kaspbrak #richie tozier #mine

[bleep-bleep-richie]

1990s "im still a virgin because i could never have sex with someone i don't love and the only ppl ive ever loved were you guys" eddie kaspbrak and "ive sworn off love because ive been married to multiple women and for some reason it's never worked out" richie tozier

interesting take, writers, what exactly were you implying here

#listen book richie is bi but #1990s richie is GAY #reddie #it 1990 #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #you can have the miniseries when you pry it from my cold dead hands #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #this popped in my head and i had to write it

[bleep-bleep-richie]

part one

part two

He's not panicking.

Just because he knows Eddie had court at 9am and they had plans to talk at lunch, and it's now 7pm and he still hasn't called.

Nope, definitely not panicking.

He isn't pacing the apartment either. No, he's just taking a leisurely stroll back and forth across his living room. There's just nothing good on TV. He isn't panicking, there's no reason to panic.

He had texted him at 1 and, after getting no answer, again at 5. He picks his phone up where he'd thrown it not even five minutes ago face down on the couch. He swipes his way to his messages.

Nothing.

He clicks "💖Edwardo💖" and scrolls through their messages from the last couple days. He sighs and clicks the text box.

Hey, I'm gonna stay up until I hear from you, so call me whenever.

He sends it and throws the phone to the side, collapsing against the back of his sofa. He picks up his laptop, clicks on the video chat app, and stares at the stupid picture Eddie had chosen as his icon. The edge of his mouth lifts in spite of the sick churning in his stomach. "Eddie fucking Kaspbrak," he mumbles with a shake of his head. He's still looking at Eddie's picture when he starts to doze off.

He has no idea how much time has gone by when he's woken up by the sound of a call coming through his computer. His vision's blurry, he pushes his glasses back up on his face, and sees Eddie's smile way too close to the camera. He accepts the call. "What the fuck, man?"

"Richie!" Eddie cries. "Did I wake you? You said you were staying up."

Richie stretches and yawns before picking the laptop up and putting it on his coffee table. "Guess I fell asleep." He narrows his eyes. "Where are you?"

"Out! With Matt!"

Richie wants to ask who the hell Matt is but the camera is on the guy before he gets the chance.

"Look, Matt, it's my boyfriend," he hears Eddie say, "the guy I was telling you about!"

Richie has a moment of disconnect. "Uh," he says cleverly.

Matt leans closer. "Wait, holy shit, you really are Richie Tozier." He grins. "When Eddie said he was dating a celebrity, I didn't believe him."

"Fuck you!"

"Uh, hi?" Richie says. He's still reeling from 'boyfriend' and 'dating.' "Sorry, who are you again?"

Eddie turns the phone back, his face swims into view unsteadily. "My new manager! I hired him last week, he's gonna manage the New York branch when I leave."

"Okay, you're screaming."

"I'm celebrating!" he yells, raising a glass. He knocks it back and drains it to prove his point.

It's loud, Richie can hear the sounds of other people talking and laughing. He guesses they're in a bar. "Can you go outside or something? I can barely hear you."

Eddie's nodding as he gets to his feet. "Shit, yeah, sorry," he says when he swallows. "Matt, I'll be right back."

"Take your time, boss. Nice to meet you, Mr. Tozier!"

Richie makes a face. "Did he just call me Mister Tozier?"

Eddie laughs. He leans against the cool bricks of the building once he gets outside. "Yeah, he's like that."

"So," Richie starts after a beat, "how'd it go?"

"Oh! We found a place!"

"A place?"

"Yeah, an office building," Eddie replies excitedly. "Matt found it on the computer. And! He put up an ad for people to email me their resumes. It was so much easier than I was making it, big shocker there, right."

Richie tilts his head for a second. "That's fantastic, Eds, but what about court?"

"Oh, oh! Richie!" Eddie's smile splits his face. "She signed the papers! She dropped everything she was asking for, a share in the company, all the alimony. She told me on the way out it's because she's already engaged, and all I could think was 'that poor schmuck." He laughs, open and cheerful. Richie doesn't know if he's ever seen him so happy.

"Wow, that's awesome. Congratulations."

Something in his voice must give him away. Eddie's eyes soften and his smile fades. "Oh, Rich, I'm so sorry. I was supposed to call. I was just so excited to get everything done, we worked right through lunch. I'm booking a flight to LA tomorrow. Richie, we're going to he together before the end of the week." His eyes are so bright and happy, Richie wants to drown himself in them.

"That's- Wow, Eds, that's amazing." He pauses. "You're amazing." Eddie's eyes start to water and Richie figures he must be way drunker than he's letting on. "Wait, how are you video chatting from your phone?"

Eddie blinks. "Oh, there's an app for it."

"Yes, I know there's an app for it. How in the hell did you know there was an app for it? The only app you have on your phone is a calculator."

"Matt downloaded it for me. I saw your text and mentioned I needed to call you, so he showed me how to do it."

"That's great," Richie says flatly. "Matt's great."

"Yeah, he really is a whiz at the technology stuff."

"That's what happens when you hire a 20 year old."

"He's 25." He considers Richie a moment. "Wait, what was that?"

"What was what?"

Eddie eyes him. "That tone was hostile and, like, jealous. Are you-"

"I'm definitely not jealous."

Eddie's eyes widen. "You're lying! That's your lying face!"

"I have a lying face?" Richie asks, raising his eyebrows.

"You do, and you're making it right now. Why would you be jealous of Matt?"

"I'm not!" he protests. He sighs. "I dunno, man, it's just like, the most important day of your life and that's who you're celebrating with."

"Richie," Eddie says. His voice is gentle, like trying to coax a wild animal into a cage. It makes Richie want to punch a wall at how ridiculously easy it is for Eddie to turn him to mush. "I would rather celebrate with you than anyone in the world. But, baby, you're not here."

Richie's mind short circuits so hard over the word 'baby' that it takes him a full 30 seconds to process the rest of that sentence. He scoffs a laugh, completely humorless. "Yeah, and whose fault is that?"

Eddie's face crumbles and he looks down and away from the camera, like he's ashamed. Like Richie is embarrassing him.

He instantly feels like a jackass. "I'm sorry, Eds, I'm not trying to rain on your parade. I was just worried, when you didn't call."

"I said I was sorry. I got busy."

"I texted you three times," Richie replies. He feels like a petulant housewife who spent all day cooking a dinner that her husband never came home to eat. He guesses that's exactly how he sounds, too.

Eddie turns his sad eyes on Richie. "I didn't even look at my phone until like fifteen minutes ago. I called as soon as I saw them."

"I know, I know." He shakes his head. "'I'm sorry, 'm being a dick."

Eddie smirks. "Imagine that."

Richie breathes out his nose and wills himself not to be angry. Always understanding, never upset. Always with a joke but never with a complaint. How he's been all year, all his life with Eddie, if he's honest with himself. Never too emotional or serious, just in case it overwhelms. "I'll let you get back. Just let me know when you book your flight, I'll clean the guest room."

"The guest room?" Eddie's face falls. "I have to sleep in my own room? You're that mad that I forgot to call?"

"No, it's not- I just didn't want to assume-"

"Or is it because I'm out with Matt?" Eddie continues like Richie hadn't even spoken. "Because I barely even know him, Rich. I was just in a good mood and we both needed to eat. It doesn't- I don't know if he's even gay."

Richie feels green. "He's cute," he says neutrally. "He's there. You're drunk."

"Richie."

He shakes his head, rubs his palms against the denim on his knees. "I know, I know. I'm being stupid because I miss you and I missed today and I- I'm sorry."

Eddie eyes go big and wistful. "I would never- Rich, I've spent the entire time since I've met him waxing poetic about you. Besides business shit, you're the only thing we've talked about. He's probably getting sick of it, honestly."

The sudden leap of his stomach makes him want to puke. "It's okay, Eds, you don't have to-"

"Richie," Eddie cuts him off. He pulls the phone closer to his face. "Richie, I'm crazy about you. You know, sometimes-" He laughs, blushes, glances away for a second. Richie wants to look at him forever. "Somtimes after we hang up, I jerk off to the memory of the sound of your voice. It's kind of pathetic. I'm completely gone on you, is the point I'm making."

"I-" he stops himself. He'd sworn at least a hundred times over the passed year that he wasn't going to say it until Eddie is in front of him. And he's going to keep that promise. "You're- you're everything, sweetheart. I- You know how I feel about you, don't you, Eddie?"

Eddie's smile is blinding. "Yeah, I think you waiting on me for almost a year while I got my shit together is a pretty big clue."

Richie grins back.

"I have to go settle the tab," Eddie says after a moment.

"You could call me," Richie tells him, "when you get back to your room. Jerk off to my actual voice, instead of the memory. I could say something worth jerking off to."

Pink rises on Eddie's cheekbones and flushes down onto his neck, right where Richie wants to bite him. "Thanks, now I have to go back in there at half mast."

"Oh, you are so very welcome. No need to thank me. The pleasure's all mine, really." The sad thing is, he isn't lying. Nothing gets him going faster than the mere idea that Eddie wants him. The evidence of it, the confession, has him rock hard in his pants already.

"You're insufferable."

"Insatiable, Edward. The word is insatiable."

Eddie rolls his eyes with a chuckle. "I'm going to call you in 45 minutes," he promises.

Richie nods. "I'll have my script ready. The never ending list of things I'd do to corrupt the pure and innocent Eddie Kaspbrak."

"Insufferable!" He pauses, still smiling even though he's griping. "45 minutes."

"I'll be here, Eds." He flushes with the honesty of it. "I'll always be here."

#i've saved this for months bc i didn't think it was good enough to post #and bc part two didn't do well note wise but guess what! #i like it and i. don't care. #reddie #it 2019 #otp: i'll show you a staph infection

[bleep-bleep-richie]

#why do i always make myself sad #reddie #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #it 2017 #it 2019 #these gifs are actual garbage #man #also the adult to kid ratio of these gifs is shit #shoulda had more kid version but i just don't care

[bleep-bleep-richie]

Eddie, pulling back just enough so he can talk: fuck, who taught you to kiss like that?

Richie, shrugging: Stan

Mike, at the exact same time but somewhere else, pushing a curl out of Stan's face: wow, baby, where'd you learn to kiss so good?

Stan, with an eye roll: Richie

#this just popped in my head and i had to write it down #THEY WERE EACH OTHERS FIRST KISS OK #it 2017 #it 2019 #reddie #stanlon #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #soft boyfriends #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #mike hanlon #stan uris #stozier #otp: thats not saying much #mine #my post #my fic #sorta not rly

[bleep-bleep-richie]

part one

"Edward spaghedward!"

"Asshole," Eddie's voice comes tinny and distant down the phone, "why aren't you online?"

"Oh, is it 8 already?" Richie checks his watch. "Sorry, Eds, we've been-" He cuts off, something crashing in the background.

"Are you-" He hears music. "Are you having a party?"

"No, no, it's just-"

A female voice yells, "is that little Eddie Kaspbrak?"

"No, don't-" There's a crackling on his end.

"Eddie, my dear! You should be on speaker," she screams into the phone. The sounds from the other side amplify. "How in the fuck are you?"

"Bev?" Eddie asks. "Is this Beverly fucking Marsh?"

"Not for much longer!" She's still screaming. "I'll be Beverly fucking Hanscom soon!"

"Not soon enough," someone calls.

"Is that Ben?"

"It's Ben!" Bev confirms. "And Mike and Bill and Stan."

"Hey, Eddie!" someone yells. He thinks it's Mike.

"So it is a party."

"More like a gathering," Bill calls. His voice comes closer. "A losers gathering."

"Minus one," Richie says, grabbing for the phone. "Can I have my shit back pretty please? Thank you. Jesus." He pushes the button to take Eddie off speaker phone. "You're a hot commodity, Edwardo."

"Not hot enough apparently."

Noises muffle as Richie moves into his bedroom and shuts the door. "Sorry I wasn't on, things have been a little nuts."

"Yeah. Thanks for the invite by the way."

"Hey, no, it isn't like that, Eds. They all just showed up here." He pauses and all Eddie can hear is his breathing. "We'd never have a party without you."

"Obviously you would."

"Eddie," Richie whines. "Don't be like this. If I had it my way, you'd be here all the time."

Eddie sighs. "I know, I know that.'

"I wish you were here," Richie tells him. "Shit's weird. They're all coupled up. Or, well, tripled up in Mike, Stan, and Bill's case." He taps at his keyboard. "Hold on, I'm logging in."

"No, Rich, it's alright. Go have fun."

"No, I wanna see you. I'd rather talk to you anyway."

"It's really fine."

"I promise I didn't know they were coming."

"It's fine," Eddie repeats.

"You're mad at me."

"I'm not. Are you drunk?"

"'M not sober." There's a pause while Richie considers. If this flops, he can always blame it on the liquor. "What're you wearing?"

Eddie laughs. "Are you serious?"

"As a coronary," he says while he lays down.

"You're ridiculous," Eddie answers. He pauses before, "Jeans and a t-shirt."

Richie's grin splits his face. "Well, take them off."

Eddie sputters, "are you fucking serious? Who am I kidding, of course you're serious. I'm not taking my clothes off, you big weirdo."

"Yeah, you're right. Wouldn't want you naked without me there to see it. We can just roleplay."

"All of our friends are right outside your door, idiot."

"Ask me what I'm wearing, Eds."

"This is so-" he scoffs and then sighs. "What are you wearing?"

"Remember that hoodie you had when I was there? The one that was too big for you?"

Eddie's eyebrows bunch. "The light blue one you said made me look like a baby?"

Richie laughs. "Yeah, my little Eddie baby."

"Is that what you're wearing?"Eddie's voice is shrill. "You stole my hoodie?"

"I mean, you didn't even notice so I don't think it counts as stealing."

"Shit, Rich, I-" Eddie fumbles his phone, trying to reach for his computer without sitting up on his bed. "I need to see you in it, right now."

Richie laughs again. "Me wearing your clothes get you all hot and bothered, sweet face?"

"Fuck you. It probably looks ridiculous, like two sizes too small." Eddie falters when he sees himself in the window of the chat app.

"Nah, it's pretty comfy, actually. Ben even gave me a compliment, said it went with my eyes."

"That's stupid, your eyes aren't even blue."

Richie snorts. "Yeah, he was just being nice, but still."

The call pops up on Eddie's screen, Richie's stupid grin comes into view. The hoodie, admittedly, does somehow go with his eyes. Eddie declines it.

"Uh, I can see that you're online, dipshit. What gives?"

Eddie slams the laptop shut. "I can't, Rich. I look like shit."

"You never look like shit, dude. I thought you wanted to see this boner under my sweatshirt."

"Your sweatshirt? It's mine, you absolute douche."

"Your dirty talk could use some work, Eds."

"Fuck you," Eddie replies. He's smiling. He hasn't smiled all damn day. "No, really, not tonight. I look awful. I had a bad day, I cried earlier like a fucking-"

"Why were you crying?" Richie demands.

"I just have a lot going on. I wanted to call you, but- I dunno. I didn't have anything to say, really."

Richie considers this a moment, staring up at his bedroom ceiling. "You can always call me. You don't have to say anything."

"Oh, okay, I'll just breathe at you."

Richie blows air into the receiver in response. Eddie can see in his mind's eye the way his cheeks are probably puffed out and he laughs. "You're a fucking nutcase."

"I miss you too," Richie says. "Are you-" He clears his throat. "Are you sad because of the divorce?"

His voice is very even and completely void of emotion. It would probably fool anyone else, but not Eddie. "No, you idiot. I never even loved Myra, you know that. I feel a little guilty, sometimes, maybe, but definitely not sad."

"Just asking," Richie replies after a beat and his voice is so soft and insecure that Eddie wants to chew off his own hand.

"Richie," he tries and fails.

"Eddie," Richie says back.

He wants to say it, he really does, but something stops him everytime. Not because he doesn't mean it, he's meant it, felt it, for years- since they were thirteen. Maybe even before that. "You know," he says instead. "I've never- there's only one person I've ever- You know that."

"Yeah, I know," Richie says on an exhale. "Me too."

"Keep the hoodie," Eddie tells him, "it goes with your eyes."

part three

#WHAT IS THIS #purely self indulgent #and i've got PART 3 written already #wow i'm actually the worst #reddie #it 2017 #it 2019 #benverly #also i added my ot3 bc i can #my ot3 #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #otp: january embers #otp: i hate you #otp: got your kicks everyday #soft boyfriends #the losers club #reddie fix it part 2

[bleep-bleep-richie]

You're braver than you think.

Richie's version

#AAAAAHHHHH #i made myself scream #doing richie's version next #eddie's fingers wrapping around that spear is whoooo it's a lot #reddie #it 2017 #it 2019 #they're in love #would die for each other would kill for each other #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #i just love these two morons #tw horror

[bleep-bleep-richie]

Thanks, Rich.

Eddie's version

#BECAUSE HE COULDNT HIM BUT HE COULD IMMORALIZE HIM #i'm yelling in the club #why do i make myself yell #reddie #it 2017 #it 2019 #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #tw horror #tw death #*save him that first tag should say save him

[bleep-bleep-richie]

ok so obviously we know eddie loves to lay on richie's chest but have you ever considered:

richie crawling into bed and pushing eddie's shoulder until he rolls onto his back and richie can wrap himself around eddie like an octopus

limbs EVERYWHERE

one leg hooked up over eddie's hips, his arm draped over eddie's stomach, his nose buried in eddie's neck

richie being the little spoon

turning away from eddie and reaching behind himself to grab eddie's arm and tug it over his own body

curling his fingers around eddie's wrist so the smaller boy doesn't move

pushing his entire back into eddie's front when it's cold

richie crashing through eddie's window at 2am, his eye swollen shut and his lip busted

"can i sleep over? dad's drunk again."

eddie rearranging his pillows so he can sit up and richie can hide his face in eddie's lap

richie wrapping his arms around eddie's midsection and crying into his shirt

eddie petting richie's hair and back until he calms down

"it's okay, i love you, im never going anywhere."

just

someone showing richie tozier unlimited affection bc he never gets enough

cuddle slut richie tozier

#it 2017 #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #reddie #reddie headcanons #richie x eddie #eddie x richie #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #reddie fanfiction #tw abuse

[bleep-bleep-richie]

so here me out:

eddie loves pet names

he feels weird using them but if someone calls him a pet name, he melts

sweetheart and honey are among his favorites

but baby, babe, and lover are his ultimate faves

the worst part is, richie knows it

anytime richie wants eddie to do something, he breaks out the pet names

"can i have a dollar to buy a candy bar?"

"you don't need any sugar, trashmouth."

"sweetheart, please."

and eddie grumbles while he digs a crumpled bill out of his back pocket

richie grinning ear to ear and pecking a kiss on eddie's cheek before running off

sometimes richie will use it just to make eddie blush in front of the others

richie trying to do a trick on his bike and getting his foot caught, which makes him crash to the ground

eddie running up to him, yelling

"i told you to be more careful, you fucking idiot!"

he pulls richie to his feet and does a quick inspection while he dusts richie off

"with your luck you probably broke something. jesus, richie. could you be any stupider?"

richie just smiles down at him the whole time

"it makes me all gooey inside when you worry about me, babe."

eddie's ears go bright pink and he shoves richie's shoulder

"just be more careful."

sometimes richie says things he shouldn't

or he jokes about something eddie is actually insecure about

to the point that eddie is MAD

stomping away from the group and leaving his window locked when richie comes knocking

finally richie will corner him somewhere

bc it's been literal DAYS and eddie still isn't speaking to him

and richie is miserable

bc as much as he laughs everything off, it kills him when eddie is upset

"eds, come on, i said i was sorry"

"fuck off, tozier"

and richie leans in, cups his face with both hands and forces eddie to look up at him

"honey, please. im so sorry."

and eddie wants to give in but he just clenches his jaw and glares

"don't think you can just be all cute and im gonna forgive you for acting like a raging asshole"

richie just leans in closer

"come on, lover. what do i gotta do, huh? name it and i'll do it. anything."

eddie chews on his lip and wants to stay mad, but he can't help but smirk

"admit you're an idiot."

richie smiles back

"a complete moron, baby, you know it. now kiss me, i missed you."

#this is??? #garbage #it 2017 #eddie kaspbrak #richie tozier #reddie #reddie headcanons #reddie fanfiction #richie x eddie #eddie x richie #otp: i'll show you a staph infection

[edmercer]

“it’s okay to cry...”

ayyy so i finished that angsty reddie fic i was talking about~ please be gentle as it is the first time i’ve written fic in quite a while. it’s also not very long, so i do apologize. i got the prompt from here.

rating: t (for language) pairing: reddie (richie tozier x eddie kaspbrak) 

  “You there, Rich?”

His voice came out more concerned than he wanted it to; but Eddie was always concerned about Richie. He (as well as the others) knew full well what his home life was like, and as much as Eddie tried to comfort him, Richie always seemed to be unfazed by it. He would just continue cracking jokes and acting like nothing was wrong, when there was /definitely/ something wrong. It didn’t surprise Eddie that he never wanted to talk about it, though. Richie was incredibly stubborn when he wanted to be, and getting him to talk about his feelings? Forget about it.

“Yeah… Yeah, sorry,” Richie’s voice sounded on the other side finally, and Eddie breathed an inaudible sigh of relief.

“We can talk later, if you want?”

Not that Eddie wanted to stop talking to him. He didn’t want to leave the other boy alone in the house with his “parents”, if he was honest. At least his own mother actually acknowledged him (albeit her being a little /too/ protective)…

“Actually… Can you meet me at the quarry? Just you?”

Eddie hesitated for a moment, a little surprised by his request. Why did he want to meet up with just him? He glanced at the clock on the wall, then into the living room where his mother was. It was still light outside… He didn’t see why not.

“Yeah, man. Absolutely,” he replied. “See you soon.” With that, he hung up the phone and went to his room to grab his fanny pack, making sure everything was there before slowly making his way toward the door. He peeked into the living room, silently thanking God that his mother was asleep. He wasn’t about to get into explaining where he was going when it was nearly sunset.

Once he was outside, he got onto his bike and rode the short distance to the quarry, all the while wondering why Richie wanted to meet him there alone. They usually only went as a group, with the rest of the group… This had to be serious. Was Richie dying? Did he have some secret disease that he’d been hiding until now? The thoughts buzzed around wildly inside Eddie’s head all the way there, and it was only when he saw Richie sitting on the edge of the cliff, with his legs dangling off the side, that they silenced.

The other boy looked like a wreck, even from behind. His shoulders drooped, and his head was down, as if he’d done something he wasn’t supposed to do. Eddie’s expression turned soft as he approached the curly-haired brunette, leaving his bike right next to his.

Richie glanced up at Eddie as he sat down next to him, and Eddie’s heart clenched at the way Richie looked at him. It was like he hadn’t slept in days; there were bags under his eyes and his hands shook slightly. There was only one thing on Eddie’s mind, now: Comfort him.

“You okay, Rich?” His voice was soft as he reached up to gently touch the other’s shoulder. Richie seemed to flinch lightly at his touch, but Eddie kept his hand there, waiting for him to respond.

Richie was silent for a few moments, his expression unreadable, until he finally shook his head. His face scrunched as he tried to hold back tears, and Eddie felt his heart break at the other’s hurt expression.

“Why don’t they love me, Eds?” Richie’s voice cracked as he spoke, and Eddie inhaled sharply as he tried to keep his composure. He didn’t know what to say… For once, he didn’t know how to console someone. He was so used to helping others and giving advice (even if it was mostly medical advice), but now.. It was as if his mind was erased. All he could tell was that Richie was hurt… Hurt enough to where he was holding back tears, and that wasn’t good. He took a deep breath and finally spoke.

“Because they’re giant fuck-wads who don’t realize what an amazing son they have,” he began, keeping his hand on Richie’s shoulder as he continued, “You’re annoying as fuck sometimes, but that’s what I…” he trailed off suddenly, realizing how close he came to saying something very serious. “what.. we love about you,” he said, swallowing thickly. His heart was racing wildly in his chest and he turned to face the other boy a little more, looking into his eyes.

“Richie, you’re my best friend. You’ll always be my best friend, shitty parents or not.”

The silence that came after the last sentence was so deafening, Eddie could hear his heartbeat in his ears. “And… it’s okay to cry, you know,” Eddie added, giving him a light smile. “It doesn’t make you a pussy.”

With that, Richie’s lip quivered a few times, and within seconds, hot tears were streaming down his face. Years of pent up emotion came flooding out all at once. Sobs racked the young boy’s shoulders, and Eddie was so taken aback by it, he almost started crying himself. Richie removed his glasses, and Eddie took the opportunity to embrace the other boy, pulling him close and burying his face in his hair to try and comfort him. He couldn’t believe that Richie trusted him this much… To see him this vulnerable and willing to let his emotions get the better of him. It made him angry, to think that his parents couldn’t give two shits about their only son.

Richie wrapped his arms around Eddie’s torso, continuing to let the tears stream down his face. He could tell that it felt good for the other to cry. Richie never let anything get to him, even his fucked up situation at home. But here he was, totally and completely comfortable with crying in front of Eddie. There was no way in hell Richie could have done this with anyone else in the group, he knew that for sure. Eddie kept his face in Richie’s hair, feeling comfort in the way it smelled… so familiar.

His arms tightened a little more around Richie’s shoulders, and he closed his eyes, releasing a heavy sigh. As far as he was concerned, he would stay there all night if it meant knowing Richie would feel better afterward.

After about fifteen minutes, a few minutes after Richie’s tears had stopped, they were still locked in an embrace, but this time, they were both facing forward, watching the sun set over the trees on the opposite side of the quarry. Their hands were interlocked, and their shoulders touched. Eddie’s heart was running rampant in his chest, but it felt so… right. To hold hands with Richie, to watch the sunset with him and hold him until he felt better.. He glanced over at the other boy, and a small smile graced his features as he watched the fading sunlight dance over the boy’s freckles.

This was definitely right.

#tori writes #croke-park-princess #edsrich #eddiesrichie #not sure who else to tag but oh well #hopefully they see it??? #otp: i'll show you a staph infection #eddie kaspbrak #little king trashmouth #it #it 2017 #reddie fanfiction #jack dylan grazer #finn wolfhard #it cast #eddie x richie #richie x eddie