Chapter Text
“Get up.” Bev chuckles, throwing her jacket onto Richie. The curly haired boy startles, eyes snapping open and glancing up at Bev with a frown.
“Why?” Richie groans, rubbing the sleep from his eyes before reaching for his glasses.
“Ben just invited me for a party, and you’re coming with me.” Bev says, opening her closet and roaming through it. Richie watches her with a curious gaze, seeing her pick up certain outfits, some self-made, some simply bought from the stores, before putting it back in the closet.
Richie smirks at that. “What, you’re too afraid to be with your handsome boyfriend?” Richie says, and Bev snorts. “Need me to make a good icebreaker?”
“Like tripping over the carpet with all those drinks?” Bev shoots back, and Richie shrugs.
“Not my fault you didn’t put those pads under it.” Richie says, smirking at the memory. He had indeed, quite literally, face planted into Bev’s brand new carpet. Luckily they had managed to get it all out, but it certainly wasn’t the best way to be introduced to Ben, or anyone really.
Ben was of course a total sweetheart about it, and even helped clean it up. He was a keeper, Richie could see that, and there weren’t many he trusted around Bev.
“It’s not a party per se, more like a small gathering, to celebrate the end of the semester,” Bev eventually continues, and Richie looks at her with a thoughtful look. It sounded a bit possessive in his mind, that he didn’t trust a lot of guys around Beverly, but it wasn’t like that at all. They weren’t even dating. They hooked up at the beginning of the year sure.
They met at the very first party the University had, both of them enjoying the party as much as they could with no real friends yet. Beverly didn’t remember much from that night, only that she woke up with a hangover the next day in her own bed, and Richie roaming around in her apartment.
Needless to say, she had freaked out.
Bev sighs loudly, an amused grin. “For fuck sake Richie, you know what I’m talking about.” Bev exclaims, and Richie cackles.
“Of course I do miss Marsh, you want me to be there to break the ice, run my motormouth to avoid anything awkward,” Richie laughs, tipping an imaginary hat. “Not that that’s likely red, you’re quite charming sometimes.”
Beverly rolls her eyes, turning back to the closest and digging through it again.
The first memory of the real Beverly Richie had wasn’t a pleasant one, or one he wanted to remember. The punch had been spiked by someone at the party, and he was just lucky he got to Bev first. And sure that was only because she was really hot, but to this day he was glad he was there.
When Richie noticed Bev was too drunk to be coherent, he had painstakingly managed to get her address and bring her home. The next day she had no recollection of what happened, and assumed they had gone all the way that night, which in hindsight was a logical conclusion.
“What’s so funny?” Bev asks absently, and Richie looks up, chuckling again.
“Just thinking about that morning at the beginning of the year.” Richie says, and Bev looks puzzled for a moment before she rolls her eyes.
“Oh my God.” She mumbles, but can’t suppress a laugh. How could she forget waking up to Richie in his underwear and wearing only her bathrobe on top, digging through her barely stocked pantry to find some food. “I still wonder what the fuck you were thinking.” She shakes her head, finally taking out a shirt.
“Trust me, so do I.” Richie laughs at the memory. It had sure been something to calm Bev down, and to finally allow him to explain that nothing had happened that night, and that Richie had slept on the ground that night. They had been friends ever since, and incredibly close to each other.
Neither of them having any desire to hook up with each other.
“Throw me a clean shirt then,” Richie says, and Bev pulls open one of the drawers, glancing at Richie’s outfit before throwing him a shirt to match his pants. “Merci beaucoup.” Richie salutes, not bothering to get out of the room to change, they were too close to give any fucks about that.
And luckily Bev didn’t have to worry about a roommate either, since she didn’t have any. She was one of the few that managed to snatch a single room, but only because of the whole ideal with her dad. Richie didn’t know all the details, knew Bev hated to talk about her childhood and growing up.
But he knew enough to understand why she requested a single room, and why the University allowed it.
Richie had managed to room with Stan in a two bedroom dorm. The two had been friends since they were toddlers, and had managed to get into the same University in California. Being best friends it was a no brainer that they would try to bunk together, especially with Stan’s tendencies to be neat.
And Richie already being used to that.
“How many will be there?” Richie asks, gazing at the mirror to try and brush out his unruly curls.
“Ben didn’t say, but not many,” Bev says, pushing Richie out of the way to claim the spot in front of the mirror.
“Good, I can only ‘woo’ so many people at once, gotta make a good impression on everyone.” Richie laughs, wordlessly handing Bev her mascara before walking back to the couch he had been sleeping on not 10 minutes ago, and picking up her jacket, sitting down himself.
It wasn’t even a big apartment, if you could even call it that to begin with.
A queen sized bed was pushed in the far right corner, a couch on the left wall. A big closet on that same wall but on the left. There was a small kitchen on the right, and an equally tiny bathroom behind that. Barely fitting a shower, sink and a toilet. But it was Bev’s, and one she didn’t need to share with anyone.
She even had a balcony, the door in between the bed and the couch. Which she and Richie had exploited plenty of times.
“I’m glad Ben already knows you,” Bev snorts and Richie gasps dramatically, but he didn’t react to the jab. He just watched absently as Bev quickly got ready, reapplying some of her makeup and fixing her hair, that could be just as unruly as Richie’s hair but wasn’t because she knew how to style.
And before Richie knew, they were on their way.
*
*
*
“You made it.” Ben beams, a bright smile on his face as Bev initiates the hug, which he gratefully accepts.
“Bennie-boy, I missed you too!” Richie cries out, stepping in to hug Ben, which the boy was more or less used to right now with how many times he had seen Richie, but he never could truly get used to Richie’s presence, not in a bad way. Ben chuckles, returning the hug with a kind smile on his face.
“Come in, everyone is here except Eddie,” Ben talks, turning around and walking into the dorm room. Richie whistles, digging his hands in his pockets as they walk after the boy and into the room. Bev grins, brushing against Richie as they do, and Richie rolls his eyes, hitting her back.
The apartment looked a lot like the one Stan and Richie lived in. There were two rooms to the left, no doubt to the bedrooms, and another room at the end that had to be the bathroom. On the right there was a big table with 4 seats and in the far corner there was a big corner sofa, a TV on the wall.
In the far right corner was the kitchen, just as small as theirs.
“Sup everyone!” Richie grins, waving at the people standing around the room. Bev was right, there weren’t many, small gathering of close friends it seemed like. Apart from Ben there were two other boys, a tall brunette, and a darker skinned boy, who both looked at them when they entered the room.
“Y-You must be R-Richie,” The brunette spoke, and Richie was slightly surprised for a moment at the stutter, but he quickly brushed it off, nodding.
“The one and only, people call me trashmouth sometimes, but if you ask me they’re just too pissy to appreciate my golden voice.” Richie grins, tapping his Adam’s apple as if it made any sense.
“I told you Bill.” Ben beams, and Bill chuckles.
“I t-thought you were ex-. execrating,” He says, shaking his head.
“Just beep him when he gets too out of hand, so do I.” Bev smirks.
“I’ve been betrayed.” Richie groans, clutching his heart.
“H-Hey Bev.” Bill greets, and it was obvious the two have met before.
“Hi guys,” The darker skinned boy introduces himself, walking up to him with a beer in his hand. “I’m Mike, it’s nice to finally meet you Beverly, Ben told us a lot about you. And you too Richie.”
“Of course he did, we had a lot of fun last night in bed.” Richie laughs and Bev rolls her eyes, hitting him in the ribs.
“And that is when you beep him.” She laughs, shoving at Richie.
“Rude,” Richie pouts and Mike seems to be taken aback for a moment as well. Richie glances around the room, eyes quickly settling on a guitar that was in the corner of the room. “Who plays?” He asks, gesturing to the instrument. Bill frowns slightly, glancing at the guitar before shrugging.
“I t-tried, but gave up.” He says, and Richie glances at him with hopeful eyes.
“Can I?” He asks, and Bill shrugs again, nodding. Richie beams, walking over to the guitar and picking it up, stroking his fingers across the strings. He smiles softly at the sound, getting a feel of the instrument before starting to play. “So you two live here?” He asks as he notices the otherwise silence, and Mike shakes his head.
“Oh no, I don’t live here, he does,” Mike says, gesturing to Bill.
“Then who else lives here? I know for a fact Benny-Boy doesn’t.” Richie frowns, and as if on cue, one of the doors to the bedrooms open, and another boy walks out. Richie’s mouth drops open, looking at the boy walking out, and a grin quickly appears on his face, eyeing up and down.
The boy was cute, even he could see that with his fucked up vision. He had brown hair, and he was short, and just so cute. Freckles dotted the area around his face and there was a certain look in his eyes, on his face that was just so adorable.
“Wowza,” Richie breathes out, huffing out a breath and pausing his fingers for a moment.
“Since when do you say ‘wowza’?” Bev raises an eyebrow, glancing between Richie and Eddie. Richie takes a moment to shake off his surprise, glancing at Bev almost reluctantly.
“I am a changed man, Bev.” He breathes out, turning back to Eddie. “Who is this cutie?” He waggles his eyebrows, and his smile only brightens even more when a scowl appears on Eddie’s face.
“Ben told me you were a trashmouth,” The boy counters, and Ben just smiles innocently. Not like Richie could ever blame the boy.
“Been telling everyone about your kink huh?” Richie chuckles.
“Aaand that would be my cue to beep him,” Bev cuts in. “Beep beep.” She adds for good measure, but Richie waves her off.
“Richie Trashmouth Tozier, at your service cutie.” Richie bows a little, very dramatically..
“Eddie, Eddie Kaspbrak.” Eddie says, raising an eyebrow. There was something intriguing about the boy at the same time, despite the fact that he was very present. That was the only word Eddie could find to describe him right now.
“Well Eddie Eddie Kaspbrak, nice to meet you,”
“You know that’s not my name.” Eddie snorts, turning to Ben instead. “Seriously, you were not kidding.”
Ben shrugs. “I warned you.” He says. “Do you want something to drink baby?” He asks, looking at Bev.
“Yes please.” Richie grins, winking at Ben who just smiles at him. Bev walks over to the kitchen with Ben in tow, and Bill and Mike turn to the dinner table to make room for some snacks. Leaving Eddie alone with Richie.
“All jokes aside though, I know I can be a lot at first, sorry if I was too-” Richie says, face turning serious and gesturing a bit with the hand that wasn’t holding the guitar. But to his relief, Eddie shrugs.
“Ben did warn me, but it’s fine.” Eddie says, sitting down on the edge of the couch. “So you play?” He asks, and instantly Richie brightens, nodding. He looks down at the guitar, adjusting his hold slightly and starting to play again. It wasn’t even a complicated song, one he recently learned to play.
But it seemed to please Eddie, and a smile appears on his face, watching Richie’s fingers as they struck the chords, listening to the music.
“You’re really good.” Eddie murmurs, feeling a strange sense of calmness wash over him. Richie chuckles.
“I hope so, it’s what I’m studying after all.” Richie says, and Eddie gapes at him.
“You’re a music major?” He asks, and Richie nods.
“Which is pretty stupid in hindsight, and my parents certainly weren’t happy with my decision but oh well, can’t please ‘em all.” Richie shrugs, tickling on the guitar a little more. “So what about you? What’s a cutie like you studying?”
“Stop saying I’m cute,” Eddie frowns, which only made Richie grin brighter. “But I’m studying to become a nurse, first year.”
“Aw shit, cutie is ambitious.” Richie exclaims, and Eddie scowls at the repeated nickname. “But shit Eds, that’s awesome, you must be like crazy smart.”
“I just worked really hard I guess, I wanted to get away from my hometown as far as possible,” Eddie says, and this time it’s Richie’s turn to frown.
“How come?” Richie asks. Eddie shrugs, waving off Richie.
“Just some bullshit with my mom, I guess it’s partially the reason why I decided to study medicine, because my mom would hate it.” Eddie says, and Richie laughs, throwing his head back.
“That’s the spirit Eddie Spaghetti, you go tell ‘er.” Richie laughs, and Eddie chuckles, feeling a sense of excitement at the way Richie encouraged him.
They continued to chat about nothing too significant before Mike came over to get them some drinks and invite them to the table.
*
*
*
“Eddie spaghetti!” Richie cheers loudly, moving down the stairs and sitting down next to Eddie. The smaller boy startles, eyes going wide and looking at the other boy. There was a moment of confusion, before his expression morphs into anger.
“You’re stalking me asshole?” Eddie frowns, scowling as Richie unzips his backpack, taking out his laptop and putting it on the table in the lecture hall, adjusting his glasses for a second.
“No I’m here for the lecture,” He says, opening his laptop and dropping his bag.
“A psychology lecture for a music major?” Eddie hisses, turning around as someone shushed him behind him. “Shush yourself.” Eddie snaps, and Richie laughs.
“Such a little spitfire,” Richie murmurs. “But no, it’s one of my elective classes for dentistry.” Richie shrugs, whispering to at least avoid another shushing.
“Fuck off Richie.” Eddie hisses, reaching for his bag and ready to get up. Richie laughs, reaching out for his wrist and pulling him back into his seat. Eddie lets out a loud ‘oof’, not strong enough to resist.
“Just listen Spageds, I’m not messing with you-”
“You said you were a fucking music major.” Eddie hisses, face full of annoyance.
“I am! But I’m also studying dentistry, I do both.” He laughs, and Eddie frowns, anger disappearing slightly. Richie sighs. “I swear to you, I’m doing both.” There was still an amusing smile on his face, but a sincere expression on his face. Eddie stills, no longer thinking about bolting.
His eyes trail over Richie’s face, still frowning slightly, the sound of the teacher speaking drowned out.
“You’re serious?” Eddie asks, raising an eyebrow. “Cause I swear to God if this is some weird flirting method I’m going to be so mad.” He adds all too quickly, and Richie shakes his head.
“I promise it’s not Eds, I might be a trashmouth but I’m not that bad.” Richie chuckles, shaking his head. Eddie stares at him for a little longer, before he huffs, deciding it wasn’t worth it and turning back to the lecturer instead. Richie gazes at him for a little longer, eyes looking at the freckles on his face.
The small frown that stayed on his face, the way his brown hair curled at the top, almost unruly. And just so incredibly cute.
“You want to go for a cup of coffee?” Richie asks the moment the lecturer ended, as they were packing up. Eddie glances at him, thinking for a moment before shrugging.
“Sure, why not?” Eddie says, and Richie grins brightly. “Don’t get any ideas.” He deadpans, and Richie grins cheekily, holding up his hands as a sign of defeat. Eddie rolls his eyes again, picking up his bag and walking out of the lecture hall with Richie behind him.
“So you’re doing two bachelors?” Eddie asks as they walk over the campus grounds, over to the nearest coffeeshop. Richie hums and for a moment Eddie can only glance at the boy with poorly concealed awe. He was a dork, an absolute dork, but there was something so appealing about him.
Richie’s entire nature just had this openness, that was the only way Eddie seemed to be able to describe it.
Richie’s whole nature was open, welcoming for others. His goofy grin that held no judgement, the big coke bottles that were pushed on his face, his unruly curly hair that seemed to have no pattern in them but strangely worked. There were faint freckles along his nose, highlighted in the sun.
“It wasn’t like an actual legit compromise cause I really wanted to do both bachelors as well,” Richie says, holding open the door for Richie as they walked in. “But my pops certainly disapproved of my first bachelor when I told him.” Richie laughed, turning to the barista to take his order, stepping aside to let Eddie do the same.
Eddie got a simple cup of coffee, with Richie getting one of the specials of the month.
“So you’re like a genius or something?” Eddie asks as they both sit down somewhere in the back of the shop, near the window and gazing out on the campus grounds. It was still begin February but there was a bright sun outside, providing the area with a pleasant warmth that caused many to go outside.
Richie chuckles, shaking his head. “Nah nothing like that, I’m an idiot on all other aspects.” Richie waves off. “Besides, don’t sell yourself short Eds, you’re in the same class as me, that’s gotta mean something.” He muses, and Eddie could see Richie’s eyes watching him, going up and down for a moment.
“Yeah I guess, but I had to work hard for this scholarship-”
“Shit you got a whole ass scholarship?” Richie asks, bewilderment clear on his face. Eddie frowns slightly, nodding as he took a sip of his coffee, shivering slightly as he felt the liquid touch his tongue.
“Yeah otherwise I don’t think I would be here,” Eddie murmurs, and Richie quiets down a bit, almost unnoticeable. He raises a quiet eyebrow. Eddie sighs. “I mentioned my mom right?” Eddie asks.
Richie nods, taking a sip of his own drink. “Fuck you mom I’m studying medicine? That mom?”
“What other mom?” Eddie scowls, and Richie shrugs sheepishly. “But yes, that mom.” Eddie says, taking another reluctant sip as a way to collect his thoughts.
“You don’t have to tell if you don’t want to Eddie.” Richie says softly at that, sensing Eddie’s discomfort, and the smaller boy smiles gratefully at him. Richie probably would’ve crashed to the ground if he was standing, because that look was just so precious and adorable.
“Long story short, my mom is insane and I needed to get away, so I focused on school and managed to uphold decent GPA to get me a full scholarship here. Which she was not happy about.” Eddie says, and much to his surprise, Richie giggles, actually goddamn giggles and for a moment Eddie goes silent.
It was such an adorable sound, and Eddie flushes.
“You never fail to surprise me with that spitfire attitude.” Richie laughs, and Eddie tries to scowl, hoping that it comes across as convincing.
“You’ve known me for 2 days asshole.” Eddie fires back, which only caused Richie to grin even wider.
“Technically three, that party was on Saturday.” Richie states as a matter of fact, and Eddie grumbles, taking another big sip in protest. “So how long have you known Bill and co?” Richie asks instead, still grinning softly as he mimics Eddie by taking a sip as well, hissing at the heat he was not expecting.
Eddie snorts at that, rolling his eyes in a way that made Richie think of Stan a little too much.
“I knew Bill when I was a baby, we grew up in the same street,” Eddie starts, smiling softly. “He was basically the only one my mom let me hang out with, we’ve been friends ever since. He even went with me to California.”
“He sounds like a keeper.” Richie smiles and Eddie nods.
“I met Mike at an introduction thing, he’s studying to become a vet, and he knew Ben, it’s been the four of us until-”
“Until Ben met Bev.” Richie chuckles, and Eddie nods again.
“Gosh I remember him being so lovestruck when he told us, he was a mess,” Eddie smiles at the memory.
“He’s a sweetheart honestly, they’re cute together.” Richie comments. Eddie giggles, and Richie could basically feel his heart swoon at the sound.
“So what about you?” Eddie asks, glancing down at his almost forgotten coffee cup, and taking a dutiful sip. Richie looks down for a moment, his grin slipping for a moment before he shrugs.
“Nothing really interesting, I grew up 30 minutes from here with my parents, single child,” Richie says, putting up the grin again. “Wasn’t the most popular one in school but I had Stan, I mean we’ve taken bubble baths together, we can’t get any closer than that.”
“How old were you?” Eddie asks, raising an eyebrow.
“17 years, why?” Richie asks, a completely serious expression on his face. And for a moment Eddie can do nothing but gape, until Richie barks out a laugh, smiling widely. “No we were like 6 years old, before puberty came knocking at our door.” Richie winks at Eddie and the smaller boy can just sigh.
And for the rest of the… whatever they would call this they talked more about their lives, most superficial. Richie told Eddie all about Stan, and the shenanigans he pulled back in high school, always with Stan at his side to ‘beep’ him when he got too out of hand, which Eddie could definitely see happening.
They talked about their experience at university, how Eddie experienced being away from home for the first time, and being at the other side of the country really, avoiding the topic of Eddie’s dad, which Richie could sense was a sensitive topic. They talked about Richie’s experience of growing up in California.
And before either of them knew it, hours had passed.
*
*
*
A few weeks later
“I can’t believe you dragged me here-” Eddie complains, dragging his feet to the front of the house. Bill laughs softly, pushing Eddie from behind and more towards the door.
“To have f-fun Eddie.” Bill chuckles. “You can’t go through your first year of University w-without a house party-”
“It’s not even the end of the year Bill.” Eddie laughs, and Bill shakes his head.
“Yet.” He retorts playfully, turning back as they reach the front door. It wasn’t even closed, and they could just walk right in, immediately engulfed by loud music and people dancing and walking around. The clear smell of alcohol, sweat and cigarettes lingered in the room, and for a moment Eddie scrunches up his nose.
There was a reason he had never been to these house parties, but Bill has insisted for some reason.
“Let’s g-go find Bev, Richie and S-Stan- '' Bill shouts over the noise, and a knowing sigh escapes Eddie’s mouth. So this was that unknown reason. Eddie let himself be dragged to the kitchen, grabbing something to drink before looking further, until they eventually stumbled across Stan.
The boy was sitting on the couch, an amused look on his face as he watches the dance floor, sipping from the usual red cup.
“Stan!” Bill cheers, grinning as he drags Eddie further and towards the curly haired boy. Stan smiles softly, greeting the two. Bill had met Stan at another event, and after learning he was good friends with Richie and Bev, the 7 of them had started to hang out more and more, forming one big group.
And especially Bill and Stan became good friends really quickly.
“Why are you on the couch?” Eddie asks, but he too sits down, sipping from his cup.
“I’m babysitting,” Stan deadpans, gesturing to the dance floor. Eddie and Bill both glance over to the floor, and for a moment they couldn’t see it but eventually they could spot the fury red locks of Bev, dancing wildly with Richie’s gangly body next to her. They were both dancing wildly, bright grins on their faces.
Both Eddie and Bill laugh at the sight, and Bill shakes his head, turning back to Stan. Eddie’s gaze lingers for a moment, not on Bev but on Richie. He can feel heat creeping into his cheeks, silent for a moment as he stares at Richie. The way he smiled, the way his body moved.
How attrac-
“Earth to Eddie-” Stan laughs, snapping Eddie out of his daze and proceeding to stick his tongue out to him. “Have your gay panic somewhere else.”
“If you finally have the guts to ask Patty out.” Eddie shoots right back, and Stan shrugs, guilty as charged. It was almost weird how close they had all gotten in the past month with each other but he didn’t really need to know Stan long to realise how perceptive the boy was towards them.
It had taken 2 hang out sessions for Stan to realise Eddie’s embarrassing crush on Richie that was still growing strong.
“Eddie Spaghetti!” Someone suddenly yelled behind him, and Eddie startles slightly, turning around just fast enough to see Richie climbing over the couch in a mess of gangly limbs.
“How drunk are you?” Eddie snaps, and Richie hastily climbs to a normal sitting position.
“I’m just having fun Eds.” Richie grins, taking a sip out of the cup he miraculously managed to keep from spilling during his own tumble. Eddie rolls his eyes at that, but he doesn’t comment on it. “Not like I’m complaining here but why are you here?” Richie continues, and Eddie shrugs.
“Bill dragged me here, I have no idea why-” Eddie says, which was a big lie of course. He knew why Bill wanted to go here, not for him because he already had Audra. But for him, because just like Stan, Bill was also painfully aware of his crush. And just like Stan he continuously pushed to tell Richie.
But why would Richie be into him? He was by no means the most popular guy on campus but many knew him, and it wasn’t a secret that many were into him as well. He could get any girl he wanted, any boy he wanted. So why the heck would he settle for Eddie when he could get so much better?
“Eddie you made it!” Bev cheers loudly as she too came over to the couch, letting herself fall head first over the railing of the couch. Richie laughs at that.
“Not the most flattering position miss Marsh,” He teases, and Bev slaps his arm, clumsily pushing herself over the railing and falling onto Richie. Eddie was just glad she didn’t have a drink anymore, or it would’ve no doubt spilled. “Here-” Richie grins down at her, handing her the drink.
“Don’t you think she had enough?” Eddie asks Richie but Bev already took it, downing the glass. Richie turns to Eddie but he freezes as he notices how close they were. Richie’s eyes widened, and Eddie could only now fully appreciate that he was wearing contacts instead of his normal glasses.
His glasses were endearing sure, but there was something so appealing about him not wearing them. His eyes seemed to be more expressive, brown eyes filled with wonder it seemed like, and for a moment Eddie dared to imagine it was wonder for him, that that emotion was directed at him.
Even if he knew that was bullshit.
His freckles stood out way more without the glasses obstructing them, and the light affected by his glasses. Eddie couldn’t really describe it other than that Richie looked different, in a good way. And for a moment he was stuck there, unable to move away from Richie’s gaze, staring at them.
“Let’s play a game!” Bev suddenly shouts, standing up suddenly and causing Richie to break eye contact. Eddie almost groans, he loved Bev but damn-.
She dragged both Richie and him towards the table, putting down a few empty cups for the stress pong. It wasn’t a game he had ever heard of before, but it was kind of similar to beer pong, except that you had two empty cups, and the alcohol filled ones in the middle of the table.
The four of them joined the table, Richie standing on Eddie’s right and Bev next to him. Stan and Bill were left from Eddie, with three more unknown kids joining as well. Eddie was just grateful he was sober when Richie explained how the game worked, because he was sure he wouldn’t understand otherwise.
The rules were really simple. Richie started with a pingpong ball and one empty cup, and the unknown girl on the opposite side had that as well. You had to bounce the ping pong ball into the empty cup, which was a lot harder than it seemed, and then pass it on to the person on your left.
If the other cup reached you before you could pass it on, you had to drink. So it was a fast-paced game that only got worse the more you drank; stress pong.
Richie was somehow a pro at the game, not even having to drink once during the game, and because of it, but also because Eddie could not get that ball in the cup, he had to drink a lot. Not enough to get wasted, but he soon felt the familiar buzz of alcohol in his system, pleasant almost.
Bev was cut off from the game by Richie after the second consecutive round where she got the cup, as she could not get the ball in as well. She was even worse than Eddie, but it was clear she was drunk. But Eddie found himself smiling nonetheless, enjoying himself, especially every time Richie brushed against him.
“Dance?” Richie asks with a big grin as the game was over, and Eddie nods, throwing caution in the wind. “Imma get a drink, you want one as well?” Richie asks, and Eddie scowls.
“Is that a good idea?” Eddie asks with raised eyebrow, and Richie laughs again.
“You only live once Eddie Spaghetti, unless you’re a cat-” Richie dances away, saluting Eddie before working his way through the crowd.
“I can’t believe I have a crush on that-” Eddie mutters to Bill, and Bill snickers.
“I c-can, he’s your type,” Bill says, and Eddie raises an eyebrow, staring at Bill. “Tall, gangly, p-pale, funny, into boys-” Bill says knowingly, snickering again as if he was daring Eddie to go against it when they all knew he was speaking the truth.
“Okay fine,” Eddie huffs, pouting slightly.
“And he’s a total sub,” Bev winks at him, swaying slightly. Stan chuckles, catching Bev before she could stumble, and she wraps her arms around him from the side, nuzzling into him.
“At least he said cat and not pussy,” Stan snickers next to him. “He has said that before.”
“I’ve also done that before-” Richie laughs as he comes up to them, carrying two red cups and handling one to Eddie. The smaller boy flushes at the remark, turning away quickly. He wasn’t jealous or anything, it was just … too much to think about Richie having sex, girl or boy didn’t matter.
Richie seemed oblivious to Eddie’s struggle, reaching out to grab Eddie’s wrist and dragging him towards the dance floor.
The rest of them follow as well, Stan keeping a close eye on Bev as they go. But she was still bubbly, ready to dance. They danced for a long time, and as much as Eddie hated parties, he found that he didn’t mind these too much. He had fun with his friends, dancing and brushing against Richie from time to time.
The song changed, and Eddie almost blushes as the song got a little more sensual. But Bev breaks through the awkwardness all too quickly, laughing and dancing over to Richie, who accepted the offer without a second thought. He took her hands, dancing along with her, and laughing the entire time.
The red cup was held high, strangely enough not even spilling. Richie twirled Bev, and the girl laughs, turning and stumbling until she was back with Stan. Richie didn’t think, grabbing Eddie’s hand and starting to dance. Eddie’s eyes widened, staring up at Richie but the boy seemed equally mesmerised.
As if they were back on the couch again.
Richie raises Eddie’s around, forcing him to turn around so one arm is around his chest. Both boys freeze at the position they were in, and it was like the music suddenly fell away. Eddie was all too aware of Richie pressed up against his back, the music and alcohol still all too present.
Richie releases a shuddering breath behind him, and they stayed there for a moment, dancing slightly until Eddie turns around, hands on Richie’s chest and he looks up. Richie was blinking down at him, face as expressive as ever, and Eddie didn’t really think about it, only acted.
He leans forwards, pushing his lips against Richie’s, but pulling back immediately.
His eyes widen, an apology already on his tongue, his feet already shifting to run away, but Richie prevented it the moment he grabbed Eddie’s face, so gently, before surging forwards, kissing Richie back. Eddie wasn’t even sure if it was technically kissing back but he didn’t care, closing his eyes.
He groans, wrapping his arms around Richie’s neck to pull him down further, and Richie whimpers in his mouth, which shoots his blood straight down. Eddie lost everything, time, hearing, everything fell away and it was only them it seemed like, nothing else mattered at that moment.
Eventually Richie had to pull away, lungs screaming at him to get more air. Both of the boys were breathing heavily, staring at each other.
Richie leans down again, kissing Eddie again, softer this time. He breathes in, and Eddie whimpers in his mouth. Richie pulls away, leaning in close.
“Go somewhere more private?” He asks, and Eddie blushes, blood rushing straight down for the second time that night. His eyes widen, staring up at Richie. The boy took his hand, squeezing softly and Eddie squeezed back, allowing Richie to lead him away from the dancefloor.
They ended up in the hallway upstairs, Richie leaning in again the second most of the music was drowned out. Richie moaned in Eddie’s mouth, and Eddie feels a little bit of confidence grow, pushing Richie back until his back was against the wall, which only caused Richie to moan again, harder this time.
So Bev was right about the sub part, Eddie snickers to himself, kissing Richie more aggressively. Richie wraps his arms around Eddie’s waist, and Eddie freezes as he feels the red cup against him, suddenly pulling away.
“Shit we can’t-” Eddie breathes out, still heaving slightly. Richie’s face crumbles, frowning.
“Why not?” He asks, mind swirling all of a sudden. Had he done something wrong? Did he read this all wrong? No he couldn’t have, Eddie kissed him back right? But what if he didn’t want it? What if-
“You’re wasted, you’ve been drinking all night.” Eddie explains, reaching back for the cup to show Richie what he meant. Richie frowns for a moment before understanding dawns on his face and he throws his head back, laughing loudly.
“Oh my God Eds- I don’t know if I should be flattered or hurt by this.” Richie laughs loudly, wiping away imaginary tears before settling on grinning down at Eddie.
“What are you talking about?” Eddie frowns, feeling frustration bubble up. Richie just keeps grinning, untangling his arms from Eddie, which caused Eddie to pout, before handing Eddie the red cup.
“Taste it.” Richie says, nudging the cup, and Eddie takes a hesitant sip, almost jolting as the cold water hits his lips.
“It’s water-” Eddie mumbles, staring up at Richie before suddenly groaning, face scrunching up in embarrassment. “Shit you’re sober aren’t you?” Eddie groans, leaning forwards until his forehead was against Richie’s shoulder. Richie laughs, petting Eddie.
“It’s an honest mistake Eds, I’ve been cut off way too many times before-” Richie shrugs. “I’m glad you want to make sure I’m not too drunk though, it’s very cute, but also; you think I would feed Bev more alcohol in her current state?!” Richie cries out, fake hurt written all over his face.
Eddie scowls. “I don’t know, I thought you were drinking alcohol. It’s not a weird conclusion.” Eddie mutters, and Richie just grins.
“No it’s not-” He mumbles, reaching forwards and brushing a hand across Eddie’s face just seconds before leaning in again.