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Richie Toizer was a semi-tall 15 year old boy. He had black hair, and brown eyes. He also had a very weird sense of humor and big black glasses he always wore. He suddenly snapped back into reality. He was at the meeting spot- right. Today was the first day of ninth grade for him. God these past few years had gone by so quickly. He had his best friends; Bill (who was known for his stutter- although it was getting a lot better), Beverly (the only girl in the group, but god damn she felt like his very own sister sometimes), Ben (He was just a huge nerd, but always helped the others with homework), Stan (The boy-scout loving man, always brought light into the room and kept Richie in check), Mike (He was from out of town, but joined the losers club and made it much better), and then Eddie. Eddie and Richie were friends for more than a couple years now, they’d always gotten along, although Richie was pretty sure he annoyed Eddie half the time, it was worth it in his eyes. He felt happy and just genuinely loved whenever he was around Eddie. But whatever that feeling was, it was probably not normal but who cared, Henry Bowers (the bully, all of the losers got bullied by him) had already outed Richie. So everyone knew, wasn’t that great?
Then Bill rolled up, snapping Richie once again out of his head. He stood up and got his bike, ready to see his friends for the new year. Looking down at his black converse, he sighed, mentally preparing himself to go to school. Richie heard the sound of Bill shifting his bike, he looked up, the both of them made eye contact before Richie said
“Hey, what's up?” Richie said in a casual tone.
“N-nothing, just n-nervous about school” Bill responded, guess some words were still hard to pronounce for him.
“Makes sense, think Bowers will still be there?” Richie said, forgetting for a second that Henry was locked up- far away from them. The police had thought Henry killed his friends himself and didn’t believe IT did, they thought Pennywise was all made up, and sent Henry to a mental institute. That summer was f/cked up, f/cked everyone up, mentally and physically. But it was now 3 years behind them, and no one wanted to think about IT.
“Richie?” Bill spoke, once again breaking Richie's spaced out world. He adjusted his glasses before responding
“Huh? Can you repeat that? Sorry- I was- Thinking about Eddie's mom” Richie said, what was wrong with him today?
“Uh- Rich you okay?” Bill had picked up on the unusual behavior. Richie couldn’t tell him ‘oh yea I’m worried about getting outed in front of you guys and then getting shamed and losing you guys.’ Now could he?
“Perfectly fino Billy!” Richie said, Bill cringed at the nickname, Richie smiled. “ Just worried about how people are going to react to my hot glow up over the summer”
“I regret asking.” Bill said.
By this time Stan and Eddie had shown up, now they were just waiting for Ben and Bev. They lived close to each other so they often walked together to the meeting spot. Mike lived too far away to bike to school so he always was driven to school, they usually met up with him at the front of the school.
“Hey Stan-the-man and Eddie spaghetti” Richie greeted, smiling. Eddie shot over a slightly annoyed look at Richie while Stan rolled his eyes. This was normal, their way of saying ‘Hello to you too Richie-trashmouth-Toizer’
“When do you guys think the love birds will get here?” Stan joked, besides the fact Bill and Bev were dating, the others teased Ben about how he always seemed like he had a crush on Bev.
“When who will get here?” Beverly soon interrupted, with guess who? Ben soon strolled up behind her.
“Anyways- now that everyone is here can we please go?” Eddie said, seeming inpatient. What was up with him? Richie though, kicking his kickstand into his bike and hopping on.
-
The losers arrived at the school, waving to Mike when they saw him, they parked their bikes and talked for a bit. School started in about 20 minutes, they always made sure to be there early so they could escape Bowers and his minions, even though they were gone now the habit continued. Even to the new school- which was HUGE. Richie noticed Eddie looking at it in awe, but there was something off about him today, maybe he had gotten in trouble? Whatever happened Richie didn't want to nag. He soon joined in the conversation and not too later the bell rang.
The rest of the day went quickly, teachers doing what they do on the first day "wElComE cLaSs iNtrOduCe yOuRsElVeS" and so on. By 2nd class Richie was already bored of it. Turns out most of his classes he didn't have the losers in, besides from math with Stan and P.E with Eddie (who was still forced to be in class no matter how many times his mom tried to get him out) and Bill. He was glad he got Eddie in one of his classes at least. He didn't realize the day was over until the exaggeratedly loud bell rang. Richie got his bag and went to meet the others at the bike racks, turns out the rest of them had classes with each other. Richie sighed, being slightly disappointed in whoever picked out his classes.
"How come Richie just disappeared from our classes? " Mike suddenly asked
Bev shrugged "maybe the counselors don't like him" they all giggled.
"Or maybe I'm too hot to hang out with you guys" Richie said, smirking. This got him a smack in the face from Stan.
"Well- there's this girl in my science class, I was wondering if she could hang out with us?" Eddie suddenly asked. As soon as he finished everyone went silent.
"Eddie? Are you serious?" Bill asked cautiously.
"Yes-? I mean- we could use another girl right?" Eddie responded. Bev raised her eyebrow.
"Dude. You can hang out with her without us, we don't need anyone else getting in this mess" Mike said, everyone else agreed. It wasn't worth endangering someone else if IT came back.
"Fair point" Eddie said, giving up in the debate.
They started to walk to the Barrens, Eddie was unusually quiet but Richie figured he had taken a hit in his ego from the disagreement. He'd talk to him later.
Once they got to the Barrens they all sat down, Bev finally started a conversation after a while of silence.
“So- is there any reason everyones being so silent today? Something up I’m missing?” She asked, confused.
“Honestly I think it’s just the shock of still being alive is finally setting in” Stan joked. It was a terrible joke but it made some smile.
“Or the fact I’m just too good to be in any of your classes,” Richie smiled.
After that conversations went by quickly, they talked about what they wanted to do for the year and such. Little did they know this was going to change. Very quickly.
Richie and Eddie picked up their bikes, they were walking by each other to catch up to the rest who were ahead of them.
“So- Eddie-spaghetti, I noticed you were a bit quiet today, any reason?” Richie asked cautiously. Eddie was his best friend and he didn’t want to mess anything up.
“Hm? Oh yea everythings fine, just some problems at home I guess.” Eddie spoke, Richie guessed his mom was probably giving him a hard time again.
“If it makes you feel any better you are allowed to come to my house whenever you want” Richie said supportingly.
“Are you kidding?” Eddie scoffed, “My mom would have a heart attack if she heard.” Despite sounding worried Eddie was smiling.
Richie spaced out for a second, just admiring Eddie, god he had fallen hard. And he knew Eddie didn't like him back, but it was okay, at least he didn’t know.
“R-Rich?” Bill said. Richie fixed his glasses.
“Yea? Sorry I spaced out heh” He smiled, they continued on.
From what he knew Eddie’s mother was a complete piece of sh/t. She manipulated Eddie, that’s one of the main things Richie absolutely hated her for. Meanwhile with Bev’s dad Richie didn't have a lot of experience hearing about or from seemed bad as well. He only ever heard Bev talk about him over her “smoking rants'' as he called them. Bill’s parents were nice but tense about Georgie. It was like they completely wanted to ignore what happened instead of accepting it. Mike never talked about his home situation at all and Ben did sometimes but it seemed normal. Stan’s parents were a bit stricter than what Richie thought was good, but overall they seemed normal.
They all went their separate ways, Richie walked with Bill since they lived close. Richie was often comedic relief for the group, if anything bad happened, he’d always try to lighten the mood. It was what he was known for. That and his blaber-mouth instincts, but in a way that was him, that was his personality. Once Bill had been given safely back to his parents Richie set back for his own house, ready for his older sister to bombard him with questions.
After dinner, Richie went up to his room, he laid there for a minute thinking about things, thinking about the day. He was still trying to figure out why everything seemed awkward. Sure everyone noticed but no one did anything. He quickly sat up and stood up, tying his shoes and opening his window. He figured someone would probably be at the Barrens, even if it was already 6pm. Someone was bound to be there, right-? He jumped out of his window and slid down his roof. His parents hated when he did this but he found fun in it. It felt like he was a teenage star in an action movie.
Once Richie arrived at the Barrens he kicked his kick stand out, parking his bike on the road. He soon smelled the harsh smell of cigars. Bev must be here, he immediately thought. She was the only one who smoked, even if it hurt his throat he was glad someone was there. He walked down, but quickly stopped because he heard another voice. It was- Stan? Who knew he’d be out this late.
Tw!! Sensitive topics about SH and Thoughts of it
“Bev.. The thoughts are back, I-Its getting hard to keep them away” Stan spoke, he was soft about it and quiet.
“Stan- What are they about-? If you’re comfortable about sharing-” Beverly responded. Her tone was reassuring. Richie stood by, listening, maybe it wasn’t the best time to interrupt.
“...” Stan paused for a second. He breathed in and then said quietly “How I’d be better off dead. How everyone is held down by me, how im so useless I just need to kill myself already- h-how I should do something bad to myself- how I just need to die already because im so goddamn useless.”
Beverly was shocked, this was shown by a small gasp before she calmed herself down. “Stan I don’t think im the right person you should be saying this too-”
“Right. Sorry, they’re just getting worse and worse- I thought you might have some experience with things like this-” He mumbled the last part, but Richie picked it up.
“Stan.” Beverly looked him dead in the eyes. “I may be helpful but this is very serious. If you ever think of ending it please tell me, I’ll try my best to get you out of it.” She held his hands, his sleeves slightly falling down, tears swelled up in Stan’s eyes.
“Thank you so much..” He muttered, she hugged him, he hugged her back.
Tw end.
-
It was now a couple weeks before winter break. Richie was sitting in his class, looking at the clock. Lunch was almost here, his quiet time, even though he met up with the losers it was still quiet compared to this muttering mess of his class. They were relaxing. He really appreciated being around them. Soon the bell rang, excitedly, Richie got his stuff and headed to the spot they always met up. The events from the weeks before in the barrens were completely out of his mind. All that filled it was memories with his friends. Good memories. Richie soon spotted Eddie and Bill, walking out of class, he ran up to them and put his arms on their shoulders- of course, scaring both of them. He just smiled in response.
“How are ya?” He asked the two, once they had calmed down from his surprise attack.
“Good before you scared my soul out of me” Eddie joked, giving Richie a glare.
“Ohhh don’t be so dramatic Eds, you love me and you know it~” Richie hummed, smiling.
Bill made a gagging noise “C’mon guys, stop being gay!” He joked, Then Bill started walking to the spot where the others already were.
They sat down discussing things such as math, science, and other classes, also teachers and students they hated, basic gossip. Everything was going good until they heard a girl.
“Hey Eddie!” She yelled out, Eddie quickly turned, he recognized her, and waved. She walked over and sat down next to him. Richie shot a judgemental look at her.
“Oh yea- I was going to tell you guys but- This is my girlfriend, Catherine” Eddie smiled, Catherine waved to the group.
“I’ve heard so much about you guys, it’s nice to finally meet you all!” She said, Richie gagged mentally.
“Oh! Is this the girl you were talking about from your science class?” Ben said, geez he was good at remembering things. Richie had completely forgotten about that, as had the others by the looks of it.
Mike blinked a bit, before remembering. “Oh! Oh- yea, her” Catherine seemed to be slightly offended for whatever reason.
The conversations got very boring to Richie after that. He just sat there, doing some extra work (luckily he had it on hand). Then the bell rang. Finally, he breathed relief when it rang, he was happy to get away from her.
The rest of the day went by quickly, Richie headed home as normal, blabbering to Bill about whatever, except this time it was about Cathrine, something just felt off about her, so he told Bill. I mean he looked up to Bill so much, he thought he’d understand.
“Beep beep Richie, I don’t mind you talking but not about Cathrine, I mean we barely know the girl?” Bill responded. Richie grumbled and went quiet. What had gotten into everyone? It was like this Cathrine girl had mind washed them or something into loving her.
Soon Richie was home, he opened the door, surprisingly his parents were home, they normally worked until later.
“What’s up?” He asked, his sister soon also coming into the room confused.
“Well kids, we have a great announcement.” Richie’s Father, Wentworth Toizer said, soon glancing to his wife, Maggie Toizer to continue.
“You see, your father has been offered a higher position out in California, so- wanting what’s best for the family he accepted. But, we will have to move out there.” She continued from her husband's pause.
“So- when are we moving? Like next year?” Richie asked, his sister was looking back and forth between their parents, confused and upset.
“No, more like next month Richie” His mother answered.
“What-?” Richie stood there, shocked.
“Look, we just want the best for you two!” His father said, defending his decision.
“And you didn’t bring this up to us before you decided for what?” Richie's sister stepped in. Seems she also wanted to stay.
“You guys have no say in this, we didn’t want to bother you.” Maggie said, confused as to why the children were upset.
Richie stormed off to his room.
-
After a couple hours Richie decided to try and get his mind off the current situation. He grabbed a bag full of stuff and slid off his roof, landing on the ground, that would never stop to amaze him. He grabbed his bike and decided to bike around for a bit, he had brought headphones and a tape to listen to as well. He soon spaced out, focused on keeping his balance on his bike, soon however he realized he was at the barrens, riding through the forest. He smiled, guess he can’t get rid of this place. He parked his bike and walked over. He didn’t hear anyone and was actually relieved by this. He sat down and looked over everything they had made and brought to the forest over the years. The trees covered him in a relaxing shade from the almost full moon. Soon though, he heard footsteps.
“...Richie?” The voice spoke out, he soon recognized it as Eddies.
“Eds? Wh-How are you here?” Richie asked, Eddie soon appeared from the street entrance.
“Eh- my mom’s sleeping- but why are you here? Shouldn’t you be home?”
“Uh actually about that-”
“Oh! Uh yea- sorry for interrupting but are you okay with Cathrine? I noticed you looked kinda upset when I introduced her-” Eddie said.
“Yea. I’m Fine with her- I just like the original group better. She’s not gonna get involved with IT, right? We don’t need someone else knowing and maybe getting hurt.”
“Rich- he’s gone- we killed him ourselves remember? Stop being so worried. She won’t get hurt. Anyways I’m glad you’re here, I just wanted to talk for a bit”
“Hm? You know I'm always open to talk Eddie, there's a reason I always get told to shut up” He joked, smiling. He wouldn’t tell him just yet, this was a nice time, something they haven’t had in a while.
They talked for a while, Eddie actually was listening to Richie’s tape he brought for a bit afterwards, they caught up on things, they had been so distant from each other they finally were alone. After a while they found a spot clear of trees, so as they did they laid down and looked at the stars, pointing out things to each other.
“That ones long, like my dick” Richie said, pointing to a long strand of stars.
“No- more like as long as your hair” Eddie said back, it didn’t make any sense in writing but in the moment it was funny.
After a while they got tired, but didn’t want to leave each other’s company. This was such a rare moment, they hadn’t had moments like these since at least 7th grade.
Eddie stayed up a bit, thinking about everything, he turned to Richie, blushing while the boy slept peacefully. Then he reminded himself these feelings weren't normal and he needed to stop. God he had fallen though, he studied Richie's face slightly before turning to the other side, finally realizing he should probably sleep. He'd rather be here then go home, he though quickly, before he closed his eyes.
-
The sun quickly arose, Bill always went to the Barrens before biking to the meetup spot, he normally just checked up and made sure no one weird was there. He walked in and was surprised when he found Richie and Eddie sleeping on the grass, they were next to each other and in yesterday's clothes. Good thing he came this morning, he went over to both of them and woke them up.
“Wakey wakey little children, time to go to school” Bill said, this was greeted by a groan from Eddie and a yawn from Richie.
Once Eddie realized where he was he sat up quickly. “F/CK! MY MOM IS GOING TO HAVE MY THROAT-” He looked over to Richie for help.
“Eds calm down- maybe she hasn’t woken up yet? Bill- what time is it?” Richie said.
“Uh- 6:09. What time do you normally wake up Eddie?”
“Uh- 6:30-” Eddie responded, a sigh of relief later came from him, “We have time, thank god.”
“Want me to bike you home good sir?” Richie said, mimicking a butler.
“No thank you good butler” Eddie responded smiling.
-
They all got to school, Richie went to homeroom, as always. But this wouldn't be the usual. He had remembered his parents' conversation to him the night before. Moving? Halfway across the goddamn country? He got a bit anxious, wondering about how he'd make friends, things like that. Most importantly, how'd he go without the losers. The bell rang, he jumped, forgetting he was at school. He thought about this in his other classes too. Before he knew it he was lost in thought, and very tense about the situation as well. He was in science now, which he had with Stan. Them being friends for so long he instantly knew something was up. He tapped Richie on the shoulder.
"Hey? You good-?" He asked quietly, not wanting the teacher to hear.
"Yea yea I'm fine, just don't worry about it" Richie quickly snapped back. Stan blinked in confusion.
"Dude. Be honest, what's up?" Stan pressed. He normally wouldn't do this but he hadn't seen Richie this upset in a while.
"Just shut up! It's none of your business." Richie quickly said. Putting his head down away from Stan.
Stan's POV
What was up with him? He figured maybe Eddie and him had gotten into a fight? He knew about Richie's sexuality. It was hard to not and be that close to Richie. The bell soon rang. They both got up and went their separate ways, luckily now it was time for lunch. He stood cautiously by his friend, not wanting anything bad to happen. He soon spotted Eddie and his 'girlfriend'. Things just weren't the same with her there now, it was even slightly annoying. All she would do is talk about how much she liked Eddie.
"Oh! Hey Stan, Hey Richie!" She called. Richie completely blew her off. Stan waved awkwardly. He then noticed Eddie seemed very uncomfortable. He was looking at Richie, trying to figure out what was going on.
They soon made it to lunch. It was normally tense but today it seemed to be even worse. Eddie was constantly shifting, trying to get away from Catherine, Richie was in the corner paying no attention to anyone and instead scribbling something in his notebook. Bill and Bev flirted, but that wasn't anything new. Ben starred enviously at Bill, wishing to be in his spot. And Stan was just there, along with Mike, they talked sometimes, Mike was really nice, he was like the father figure of the group, keeping people in line when Bill couldn't. He balanced it out nicely.
"Well, I'd like to talk to Richie for a second," Catherine said, standing up. Richie heard his name, glancing over. He seemed surprised to find her standing in-front of him. He got up, seeming calmer than in class now. Although he gave a confused look to Stan before going off with her.
Eddie seemed to have some idea of what the chat was about, he was now more than before shifting around, looking over, trying to figure out what they were doing.
"Do you know what that's about?" Mike asked, breaking the silence- well other than Bill and Bev flirting, which the group sometimes ignored.
"Actually yea, I do have a sort of idea." Eddie went on anxiously. He was fidgeting with his fingers, "Catherine's noticed something is up with Richie and she apparently heard something about him, although she didn't tell me. But I have a feeling it's bad"
Eddie cared about Richie a lot, and even though he didn't notice when Richie was hurting sometimes he always tried to be there for him, even if it was acting like he got upset with Richie's bad jokes. Which they all knew he actually loved.
Suddenly, they heard yelling.
Richie's POV
Catherine was now yelling at him, but why? She found out he was gay. He knew this would happen at one point but this seemed like back-to-back shit situations happening.
Now he did try to tune this out, at least before something else happened.
This conversation had started sort of tense, so it was really just a matter of time before it escalated.
- At the start of the conversation.
"Hello, I know we haven't talked much, but I found something out. I would just like to confirm with you really quickly." She started, Richie already had a gut feeling where this was going.
"I've heard some things about- you. Specifically, that you like men. Well, I'm here to set something straight. Gay people are disgusting! Now I don't know if this is just a rumor or if it's true. But I don't want someone like you hanging out around my boyfriend. You are disgusting and I hope you take my advice to not talk to him or else something bad will happen."
She was threatening him? What the actual hell. He looked up, a bit shocked but it was a pretty common reaction. Most people had the same feelings about his sexuality. She placed her hand on his shoulder firmly.
"I hope you get the help you need. And if I find out you don't break things off with Eddie soon, I'll find you and fix you myself." She said quietly.
"You know how he talks about me, I can't just stop talking to him! He's my best friend." Richie spoke, looking into her eyes.
"Well, since you won't do it. I will." She said, then took her hand off his shoulder, and slapped herself? Richie blinked in confusion. She then started to cry out, claiming he hit her?
"You know I didn-" He started.
"Stop it! Stop lying! You just hit me!" She screamed. Great, this little drama queen had gotten the attention of everyone. The losers quickly came over, helping her up, just as confused as Richie was.
Stan was by his side, while Catherine was now hanging onto Eddie, crying into his arms. Richie saw his eyes look to her, sympathy in them. But in reality he looked awkwardly at her, if anything disgusted at her. Richie being the way he was though, he didn't see it.
Eddie's POV
Catherine was now clinging to him, crying in his arms. Meanwhile Richie looked completely stunned, shocked even. Something had been off, even last night, Eddie could tell something was wrong.
"He hit me!" Catherine cried out. Eddie looked down at her, questioning what to do. "You can't be friends with him! He tried to kiss me and-" She took a pause to breathe.
Suddenly everyone looked to Richie, once again standing in shock, but this time he wouldn't be quiet about it. "Listen here you brat!" He started, Stan soon got a hold on him, sensing he was tensing up. "I didn't do anything like that to you and you know it. You're the bitch in this situation! Now how about you go cry to your daddy and leave us the fuck alone!" He shouted at her. Eddie was conflicted. His best friend or his girlfriend?
Stan's POV
He held Richie back, gosh he was about to strangle this girl. Stan wasn't sure what actually happened. He looked down when Richie was done yelling, he saw tears in his eyes. He lifted his grip, which was responded by Richie quickly grabbing him and running. Leaving the rest, Bill was comforting Catherine, that was just his instinct, Bev was comforting Eddie. Mike actually came after them, trying to figure out the actual story. Ben left a while ago, going to a teacher to ask a question.
When they were away from everyone, Richie hugged him, tears streaming down his face. This kid was normally laughing and making jokes, what the hell happened? Stan comforted his friend, Mike did as well.
"What happened?" Mike asked cautiously. Afraid of an outbreak from Richie again, although that probably wouldn't happen, he was sobbing in Stan's arms right now.
-The present
Eddie's POV
Catherine had calmed down, and she still hadn't admitted she was lying. This frustrated Eddie, he left her with Beverly and went off to find Richie.
It took him a bit, he was looking around and then it hit him, what about the bathrooms? Weird and unsanitary, perfect for Richie. Plus, there was a specific bathroom Richie loved going to- for whatever weird reason. He approached it, but he stopped as his hand was about to open the door. He heard sobs, loud sobs, then he heard Stan's voice.
"Calm down, breathe, in... and out." Stan said in a reassuring voice.
"Now, try to talk" Mike soon chimed in, come to think of it, Eddie did see him disappear soon after.
There was a few seconds of silence, then a few more, then Stan spoke again.
"What's up? You can talk to us Rich" He spoke, using a nickname in an attempt to calm Richie down.
"Well.." Richie started, he paused, as if thinking about what he was going to say. "I was going to tell you guys something- I was already sorta nervous- and I guess this just pushed me over." He spoke quietly, strain in his voice, was he the one sobbing? Eddie's heart hurt at the thought. He also heard panic. Not just panic after crying. Pure terror, what was happening?
"Is that why you've been on edge?" Stan asked, geez, he picked up on stuff. Eddie hadn't even noticed, neither did Mike from the sound of it. There was a pause, Eddie guessed it was a nod.
"Well, my parents decided to-" The bell interrupted Richie. From the sound of it he jumped, soon bursting out into an anxious laughter.
Eddie soon rushed to get away from the door, he heard it open and didn't want any of them to see he was listening, especially Stan or Richie, either way Richie would find out and probably block Eddie out or- Jesus. He was overthinking again. He breathed in and out, calming down. He'd better get to class.