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Eddie, about 17.5 drinks in, wasn't very familiar with how Richie felt at this moment in time, but Richie knew it all too well. He loved going to the Lamb and Flag and chatting with his friends, but he was getting the time of night where his vision would blur and the alcohol would make him sleepy. Unfortunately, he wasn't like little Dave Hedgehog and couldn't find comfort in casually falling asleep at the table and only waking up when more booze was being discussed. He found himself nodding on Eddie's shoulder, each time jolting back up rather rapidly. It was uncomfortable and, worst of all, it was making him fussy.
As Spudgun and Dave had retreated back to the bar for their round, Richie had just fallen in and out of sleep again. He lightly grumbled and rubbed his eyes, catching Eddie's attention. Eddie reached to put a slightly clumsy but comforting hand on Richie's head and ruffle his actually soft, blond hair.
"You alright there, skip?" He asked, doing his best to put on a softer voice.
He now had a slight inkling that Richie was slipping, which was confirmed by the other man's whine as he rubbed his eyes. Eddie nodded in understanding and helped Richie up, discreetly taking him from under the arms as if he was going to lift him up. He wasn't one for public displays of affection, or affection at all for that matter, but he knew better than anyone that little Richie was a whole other matter. He needed more comfort and Eddie was actually rather happy to provide it. The beginning of Richie's age regression had been a little bit of a bumpy road with Eddie having to adjust to a lot of new changes that he would have normally completely turned his nose up at or even laughed at. Yet, there was a small but strong feeling of protectiveness for Richie in his heart. He was a bastard, sure, but he was his bastard. If he needed to act smaller just to get by in life, then so be it.
Thankfully, home wasn't far away for the very tired and rapidly slipping Richie. Eddie carried him upstairs and gently sat him on the sofa, taking his coat and shoes off for him. Richie could only whine again, upset he wasn't in bed. Eddie offered him a small smile.
"I know, matey, I know. But I'll only be a minute! Before you know it, it'll be bottle, binky, and bed" he reassured, with a boop to Richie's nose for the last 3 items. It worked just long enough to make him giggle and wait contentedly for his bottle of warm milk and to be taken to bed.
After a swift change into his standard pink pyjamas, now accompanied by a pacifier clip, Richie was curled into Eddie's lap. It didn't take much convincing for him to start drinking from his bottle, considering it was one of his favourite parts of the day. It settled his stomach for the night, and having the comfort of Eddie cuddling him made it all the better. He could've fallen asleep right there, which Eddie guessed by watching his eyes flutter half-open and closed, but there was just one last thing.
Putting the now empty bottle on the nightstand, Eddie readjusted their positions so that Richie was laying back on his bed and he was sat on the edge. He put his binky in his mouth and pulled the covers up to his neck, giving him the best of comfort.
"Okay buddy, we've had quite a nice day today, haven't we? But now it's time to go to sleep. Papa will see you tomorrow, okay flower?" Eddie was still working on his night time goodbyes, but they were getting better! They were good enough for Richie at least, but not tonight. He cried out, knowing a crucial part had been missed.
"Oh, how could I forget?" Eddie offered a light chuckle before leaning down to kiss Richie on the forehead. "I love you baby, ni-night". If it wasn't so dark, he would've been able to see Richie's cheeks go rosy.
Eddie stayed a little while longer to see his little boy drift off to sleep soundly. Not in a million years would he have predicted he'd become a caregiver for his boyfriend. In fact, a younger him probably would have been a bit disgusted. But, he couldn't help but watch Richie with pure love in his eyes. Yeah, maybe he'd gone soft, but he loved Richie really. Plus, being a caregiver had its perks. He got to see another side to his beloved that was actually surprisingly calmer, and very cute. Sure, it did nothing to help their financial nor living situation, but it made them happy, and that's all Eddie cared about. The happiness of him and his sweet baby.