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Chapter Text

“Are you bringing a plus one or not? Patty really wants to know,” Stan asked as they looked idly through the frosting in the party aisle.

“I’ve told you that I’m not at least six times already,” Eddie replied picking out the cream cheese frosting and sprinkles.

“God no, Eds. Put that shit back right now,” Stan sighed. He smiled and did as he was asked before grabbing their real objective.

“I thought Patty was good at cooking. Why are we buying frosting?” He asked grabbing the chocolate.

“It’s for the little graham cracker house she wants to make. Store bought is stickier,” Stan replied. “Still, I know you’ve said no, but you have like a billion guys in your phone. You’re really not interested in any of them?” He poked.

“Rude. I’m only talking to like three guys right now. None of them I’m meeting outside of their bedrooms,” Eddie said while grimacing at the ingredients list. “Christ. This is glue. This shouldn’t be in anyone’s body.”

“You’re very funny, Eddie. You won’t eat Pillsbury frosting, but you’ll let a total stranger ejaculate on your face,” Stan pointed out. Eddie rolled his eyes and tossed the tub to his friend.

“Preferences, Stan,” he supplied. They moved to the produce section and looked for the celery.

“I bet if you asked any of the guys you’re ‘talking to’ out on a date they’d probably be more than thrilled,” Stan said. Eddie shook his head.

“It doesn’t really work like that.”

“I know. I had my fair share of lovers in college. Key words being ‘had’ and ‘college’,” he replied.

“Since when did you become such a traditionalist? Trying to make up for my lack of a father figure?” Eddie teased. They both chuckled, but Stan shook his head.

“Look, I’m not trying to say settle down and get married. All I’m saying is that I didn’t really like jumping from girl to girl back then, but you’re happy then no pressure,” Stan assured him. Eddie shrugged.

“It’s just easier. I work all the time, and I pay my bills. I don’t need another person to make that complicated,” he said.

“Have you ever thought about marriage? Or, better yet, just a simple date? No pressure, just doing something besides hooking up for the entire interaction?” Stan questioned. 

     Eddie paused and glanced at the wedding band around his friend’s finger. At the ceremony he didn’t feel weird about it, but the years since it happened there was a nagging voice in the back of his head that told him he should’ve been married by then too. The voice sounded a lot like his mother on the other side of the country, so it was easily dismissed. Still, whenever Eddie saw a married couple it got louder. It struck him then and there that he never really did imagine himself getting married. Mostly because he was always told marriage wasn’t for him. It was just legalized in California last summer, and since then he’s been receiving more invitations than friends he remembered having to send them.

“Uh…I guess not. Last time I had a date with a guy was in college and he only wanted a blow job out of it,” Eddie recalled looking away from the band.

“Well, maybe things have changed since then. I just don’t really see you as the heartbreaking bachelor you’ve been for the past decade. Maybe you are, and I respect that, but when we were kids I always assumed you’d get married first and adopt a dog before having kids,” Stan said.

“I mean, to be fair I couldn’t get married first,” he pointed out. Stan nodded and gave a heavy sigh.

“Yeah, that’s true…” he looked across the store and frowned. Eddie looked where his eyes got caught, and felt himself deflate. “Is that Richie?” He asked. Eddie nodded and sighed.

“Yup. That’s the bastard.”

     Their friend, that Eddie also grew up with alongside Stan and Bill, was standing awkwardly by the beets. He had spotted Eddie first, and the excitement on his face was comparable to a puppy waiting for a treat. Sad thing was he knew exactly what treat he wanted. He waved at Stan, but turned his eager eyes back to Eddie as he fiddled with his jacket pocket. What was even sadder was that Eddie wanted it too, and he was becoming increasingly concerned with how much he was favoring his hook ups with Richie over his other fuck buddies. Richie tilted his head to the side to suggest they get out of there, and Eddie rolled his eyes before nodding and pulling out his phone to text him.

Eddie: bathroom. I’ll met you there.

“What’s that about? He looks tweaked out,” Stan said.

“He’s not in drugs, he’s just a pervert,” Eddie grumbled.

“What? How?” Stan asked as Richie walked away finally.

“Look, I don’t know how to break this news to you delicately, so I’ll just say that Richie is one of the billions of guys in my phone,” Eddie admitted shamefully. Stan’s eyes went wide, and Eddie was filled with even more regret.

“Wait, you’ve been hooking up with Richie? For how long?” He asked. Eddie sighed.

“Ugh…I dunno. We didn’t just start hooking up right away. We experimented with each other in high school, but we didn’t do anything past kissing until that one crazy New Years party Beverly threw a couple years ago,” Eddie told him.

“A couple years ago? Eds, why am I just learning about this now?” Stan asked. Eddie shrugged.

“It’s not important. We’re just hooking up,” he replied and then walked away.

“Eddie!”

“Don’t wait up!”

     He ignored his friend, and found himself a little bit grateful for Richie’s presence. It was a good excuse to get out of that painful conversation about Eddie’s life choices, and also a very fun way to spice up his afternoon. They actually hooked up at that grocery store a lot because they had one room bathrooms and the doors were nearly sound proof. He got to their usual bathroom and knocked once before he was pulled in and immediately met with a kiss. He let the other man push him against the door and lock it as he pressed more and more kisses to Eddie’s lips.

“Mmh…good to see you too,” Eddie murmured. Richie chuckled and then slipped his hands over his waist and pulling their bodies against each other.

“Oh yeah. Very good to see you in my favorite grocery store,” he said.

“It’s only your favorite because I blow you in the bathroom,” Eddie deadpanned.

“That’s a pretty good reason. I think a lot of people would like it here more if they got a blowy in the bathroom from time to time,” Richie pointed out. Eddie rolled his eyes yet again, and turned them so he had Richie up against the wall instead of the door.

“You’d get more of them if you shut up,” Eddie said before kissing down his chest. Richie bit his bottom lip as Eddie undid his pants, and nodded.

“Definitely, but it’s worth watching you do that cute little eye roll that you do. ‘T’s so adorable,” he sighed. Eddie blushed and pulled back to glare at him.

“You know how I feel about you calling me cute,” he grumbled.

“And you know how I feel when you get all flustered and red. Just makes me wanna fuck you harder, baby,” Richie purred. Eddie huffed and then finally sunk down to his knees to pull out Richie’s cock.

“Then fuck me,” Eddie challenged and stroked his length a couple times. 

     Richie groaned. He grabbed the head of his dick and the back of Eddie’s neck before guiding his length inside of his mouth. Eddie welcomed it, and blinked up at Richie with wide eyes as he slowly pushed Eddie’s head down his cock. He got right to the fabric of his boxers without a single choke or heave, and then swallowed around him. Richie moaned and tilted his head back momentarily before gaping down at the man on his knees for him. Eddie was the first to move, but it wasn’t long before Richie was rocking his hips with him.

“Fuck, you look so good like that, babe. It doesn’t even bother you anymore, huh? So cute with your lips and your eyes. Wanna cum in your mouth,” Richie rambled. Eddie moaned around him and pulled back to focus little licks around the head as he continued stroking him.

“Yeah? You wanna cum on me, Richie? How long have you been thinking about fucking my face today?” Eddie asked.

“Literally just had the hottest dream about it last night. I came all over your face and you kept begging for more. You look so sexy when you want me,” Richie cooed. Eddie kept his eyes as he took the head into his mouth, and moaned a little as Richie pushed his hips a little bit further into his mouth. “…fuck…”

“Do it. I want it,” Eddie whimpered while jerking him off. As if on command, Richie got still and then grunted as he came against Eddie’s lips. The other man licked it up while he was still cumming, and wiped up every last drop on his cheeks to finish it off.

“Fuck, that’s so sexy, baby,” Richie huffed. Eddie tucked Richie back into his pants and felt himself flutter in response to Richie calling him pet names. He did it regardless of their context, but he always used the cutesy ones when they were fooling around.

“Are you going to Stan and Pat’s baby shower?” Eddie asked. Richie blinked down at him as he redid his fly and his buckle.

“Uh, I dunno. That’s kind of a random question. Is that why you’re here with him?” He questioned. Eddie nodded.

“Yeah, and he was nagging me about a plus one,” Eddie sighed.

“Fuck, you too? Geez, just because we’re in our thirties doesn’t mean I wanna buy a big home and have babies,” Richie groaned. Eddie nodded.

“Yeah, that’s my problem too,” he said. Richie helped him up to his feet, and Eddie was pleasantly surprised by Richie kissing him and holding him so close it was impossible to ignore his erection between them. “Mmh, Richie…” he gasped.

“Maybe we should go together just to make them shut up,” Richie suggested while reaching down to squeeze his ass. Eddie whimpered and clung to his neck as he buried his face into it as well.

“Mm…maybe. Fuck, Richie, I love the way you touch me,” Eddie moaned.

“Fuck, they’d be so surprised, huh?” He chuckled.

“I had to tell Stan that we’re hooking up just now because you were being such a fucking weirdo,” Eddie told him. Richie gave a playful pout and then kissed his neck.

“Damn. Well, it’ll be more shocking to actually see it in person,” Richie hummed and kissed under his ear. Eddie shivered and let his eyes close and his head tilt back to give Richie more room. He quickly took advantage of it, and kissed down to the collar of his shirt as he reached down his pants. Eddie gasped and whimpered when Richie first squeezed his cock, and then moaned when he squeezed his ass once more.

“Fuck, Richie…” he breathed.

“Can I finger you, sweetheart? Wanna put my mouth on you and play with your cute little ass,” Richie asked. 

     Eddie nodded, and essentially rag dolled against the wall as Richie traded places with him and pulled out his dick. He swallowed him down in one go, and Eddie never loved Richie’s big mouth more than whenever he used it on him. Richie loved to shove himself so far down on Eddie’s cock he was fully nuzzling against his abdomen as he did. His nose and his cheeks flushed with the fabric of his underwear, and his head easily bobbing up and down while he pulled the elastic down more for his other goal. Eddie was always a helpless series of whimpers and whines whenever Richie sucked him off, and whenever he fingered him at the same time he was almost guaranteed to sob with pleasure. All it took was a little rub and a press and Eddie was already melting against the tile. It continued for only a little bit more before he was cumming, and even after he did Richie kept him in his mouth until he was soft.

“Fuck, Richie…” Eddie sighed. The man below him smacked his lips together, and then started putting him away.

“Mmm…I could listen to you moaning my name all fucking day,” Richie hummed happily before standing up and kissing Eddie on the lips. Eddie’s hands instinctually went for Richie’s chest, and he let the kiss linger for a moment before they parted.

“You’re a pervert,” Eddie said and then wiggled out of his arms to wash his hands. Richie shrugged behind him, and Eddie could see him turning to join him in the mirror.

“I never claimed not to be,” he said and hooked his chin over Eddie’s shoulder. “So…we’re going to the baby shower together?” He asked. Eddie blinked.

“Oh…uh…yeah. Sure. Why not?” He said.

“Like as a date or just a plus one? Just to get Stan off our unmarried and none monogamous asses?” Richie questioned. Eddie shrugged.

“Fuck it. Let’s do all three,” he said. Richie chuckled and then kissed his cheek.

“Sounds good to me, Eddie spaghetti.”

     Never in Eddie’s life did he think he’d actually be going on a date with his best friend. Hooking up was one thing, but an official ‘date’ with Richie always sounded outlandish and…like it shouldn’t exist. Probably because they were such good friends and the sex was so good it would be weird to make it romantic. It was nice that they were both rather relaxed and light hearted about it, but as they met up the next day before heading to Stan and Pat’s, Eddie couldn’t help but feel a pit in his stomach. Everything between them was absolutely normal, and there wasn’t a step out of line in their routine. They meet, Richie says something stupid, Eddie insults him, and then they laugh and move on. It was all the same, but Eddie felt like he was going to shit bricks the whole time. Which made no sense because he cleaned himself out and prepared himself just incase Richie wanted to hook up again after the party. Call it wishful thinking, or pure pathetic hope, but Eddie knew Richie. He gave it twenty minutes before he tried to pull something so they could leave early.

“Eds! And Richie! So good to see you two,” Patty smiled as she opened the door. She was very very pregnant at this point, and, as a gay man, Eddie found it beautiful but very very strange.

“It’s good to see you too, Pats,” Richie grinned.

“Did you guys bring any plus ones?” She asked. Eddie shuffled awkwardly and looked over at Richie who chuckled.

“Nah, we decided to come together instead,” he answered tugging Eddie closer by his waist.

“Christ, Richie,” Eddie sighed as he stumbled into him as planned. Patty blinked at them and then smiled wider then Eddie had ever seen before.

“Ohh…like together together?” She asked sounding way too pleased. Eddie nodded with a tight smile. Thankfully Richie loosened his arm so Eddie was completely smushed against him, but he definitely kept his hand on his waist.

“Yup. You know us. We’re two peas in a pod. Why not give it a try?” Richie said.

“Sometimes it’s a very small pod,” Eddie grumbled. Patty and Richie laughed.

“That’s great to hear. Please, come in! I’ll tell Stanley that you guys are here,” she said and waddled back into the house. The two men followed, and Richie shut the door as Eddie kicked off his shoes. He blushed as he felt Richie gently pull off his jacket and blinked at him as he hung it up on the coat rack.

“Oh, thanks,” he murmured shyly. Richie smiled as he shrugged of his own.

“It’s a date, right? I might be an asshole, but I know how to woo my love interests, Eds,” he said hanging up his jacket as well and then returning both hands around his waist. Eddie let him lean in and press a brief kiss to his lips. It was very sweet, and Eddie felt a little too good receiving it.

“Don’t say it like that. You sound stupid,” Eddie grumbled.

“Like what?”

“Love interest. What are you, a steamy romantic novel protagonist? You should be in one of Patty’s books at this point,” Eddie berated. Richie merely laughed and lightly patted his ass before letting him go.

“I hang up a man’s jacket and suddenly I’m Ryan Gosling,” he teased. 

     He took Eddie’s hand instead and lead him further into the house. It was decorated very neatly and nicely, and Eddie couldn’t help but hope that Patty made them and Stanley was the one who strung them up. With how pregnant she was he was even worried about her being in a hot and stuffy kitchen. Speaking of, they found the couple in there talking. Stan already looked bewildered, and when he looked at their joined hands his jaw dropped. Eddie felt his face heat up as his friend approached them.

“Hey, Stan the man! Good to see you. Congrats on the little rascal,” Richie said. He let go of Eddie’s hand to hug Stanley instead. Of course he would know how to break the ice and make things a little less serious.

“Th—thanks, Richie. Uh…so when did this happen?” He asked immediately after Richie let him go.

“When did what happen?” Richie asked.

“Don’t be a fucking idiot,” Eddie tsked.

“Oh! Right, uh…I mean we just decided to give it a try. We are in our thirties after all, and our biological clocks are ticking. Don’t wanna get lazy with protection at fifty and have a risky pregnancy,” Richie said. Eddie slapped his arm, and Stan was laughing nervously.

“I see. Well, it’s good to see you guys here. Everyone else is in the living room eating, so go ahead and join them and we’ll open gifts soon,” Stan said.

“Oh! I left mine in my jacket! Be right back,” Richie said and darted off.

“I ordered your gift a while ago, but it’s still being shipped for some reason. It’ll show up here though,” Eddie said as they waited for Richie to return.

“That’s great, Eds. Why the fuck are you on a date with Richie?” Stan asked bluntly. Eddie blushed and then shrugged.

“Neither of us had a date, so we just went together. It’s honestly just to poke fun at you, okay? It’s nothing serious,” Eddie assured him.

“But why not, Eds? I can tell you’re not taking it seriously. That’s been obvious the whole time,” Stan replied.

“Ugh…look, Stan, I appreciate the fact that you worry about me as a friend, but trust me. Everything's okay. We thought it would be funny is all,” Eddie said.

“Got it! I saw it at target the other day and it was too cute,” Richie said rushing in and handing Stanley a pacifier still in its packaging. It had a tiger on it with sparkles, and it really was too cute.

“Thank you, Richie. That’s very sweet of you,” Stan said with a fond smile. Eddie smiled too and then looked over at Richie’s proud expression.

“Of course. It’s not everyday you become a father,” he said patting his shoulder. “Now, let’s eat!”

     Taking Eddie’s hand, he lead them into the living room. All of their mutual friends and some of Patty’s friends were there with full plates and mid conversation when they barged in. Richie instantly went for the mini hot dogs, and Eddie couldn’t help but roll his eyes and smile as he avoided the vegetables. They gathered their food and then sat down at the two remaining chairs next to each other. One of Patty’s co-workers was sat next to them, and they were polite but didn’t talk much. Bev was across the room holding Ben’s hand, and Bill was a couple chairs down getting into a heated discussion with Mike. Before Bev could give them a questioning look, Eddie was distracted by Richie trying to feed him a mini hot dog. He protested at first, but became embarrassingly pliant when Richie tilted up his chin. His jaw fell slack at Richie’s request, and he was reminded of all the times he did that to prepare Eddie’s mouth for his cock instead. The knowing look in his eyes as he fed him the hot dog suggested that he was definitely planning on leaving early.

“You guys grew up with Stanley, right?”

    Eddie quickly snapped his jaw shut before Richie could feed him another and blushed as he looked away. Patty was pulling a chair to sit next to them, and Eddie only hoped she didn’t see any of the weird semi sexual behavior between them. Richie nodded while Eddie tried to collect himself, and tossed the hot dog into his own mouth.

“Yup. Balls deep in the heart of Derry Maine,” Richie said. Eddie gave him a disapproving grimace.

“Could you be more disgusting? Don’t be rude to Patty,” he said.

“What? We were. I hated that town. Everyone was either a bigot, in the closet, or both,” Richie replied.

“Yes. Stanley has told me many things about Derry. Not a lot of them were good,” Patty said with a smile.

“It wasn’t good, by any means,” Eddie agreed.

“It’s sweet that all of you stuck together though. You guys and Stan and Bill. It’s even sweeter that you two ended up together, huh?” She said with a giddy grin.

“Oh, it’s the sweetest,” Richie agreed.

“Not really. I mean we’re kind of together. It’s not like we’re…y’know…dating or anything,” Eddie injected.

“Oh. My apologies. I thought you guys decided to become official,” she said.

“We are officially boning on the side,” Richie said. Eddie huffed and took a bite of his celery.

“I can’t bring you anywhere. This is why we’re not official,” Eddie grumbled.

“That, and because we both know you’re too good for me,” Richie added. Patty giggled a little bit.

“You bicker like an old married couple anyways. Either way, I’m glad you two are here,” she said. Eddie nodded and smiled.

“Of course. Having a baby is a big thing, and we wanna support you guys,” he said. Somewhere throughout the conversation Richie had slipped his arm over the back of Eddie’s chair. He gently brushed Eddie’s shoulders after he said ‘we’, and he felt his heart race at that implication.

“Exactly. Stan the man is all grown up now. I remember when he was a skimpy little kid too scared to go spelunking in the sewers,” Richie said.

“He wasn’t scared. We were both concerned about walking around in shit water,” Eddie snapped. “And you were skimpy too.”

“We were all skimpy, Eds. You were extra skimpy when your mother put you on that bunny diet that one summer. Remember?”

“Fuck, that was awful. I’ve done vegetarianism right before, and that woman does not know anything about nutrition,” he said.

“She doesn’t know anything about raising a kid. I’m surprised she can even take care of herself,” Richie scoffed. Eddie shook his head.

“She barely does.”

“Alright! Has everyone gotten something to eat?” Stan asked as he walked in. 

      He looked very Stanley with his perfect curls and cozy sweater. It was sweater season anyways, but the garment always seemed to fit him the best. Of course Richie never went anywhere without an obscure button up, but thankfully he kept it rather simple with a decent maroon color. In fact, Eddie couldn’t help but notice how nice he looked in the simple color, and imagine how he would look in other muted colors.

“Yes, thank you very much!” Bev called from the other side of the room.

“Of course. Right, well you all know that we wanted to do this sooner, but couldn’t for family reasons—“

“Patty looks like she’s gonna pop,” Bill said with a grin before sipping his beer. Patty nodded with a huff and rubbed her belly.

“You’re telling me,” she agreed. Richie laughed at that, and Eddie smiled with them.

“Exactly. Anyways, thank you all for coming today and bringing gifts. We’ll open them for you guys, but really we just appreciate you guys being here,” he said taking a box from the table. He handed it to his wife, and she seemed to glitter with excitement. Eddie had seen the same excitement from Patty since the moment he saw her walking down the aisle. She had so much joy and passion, and Eddie couldn’t help but be envious of it. He didn’t think that having a baby would provide him the same kind of satisfaction with life, but he also didn’t know what would instead.

“Oh! Bevvy, you shouldn’t have!” Patty gasped as she pulled out handmade clothes and hats.

“Do you like it? I wanted to go with gender neutral colors since you guys wanted it to be a surprise,” Beverly said. Her gift included a set of overalls for a six month old, and knitted hats in various colors.

“It’s perfect. Thank you so much, Bev,” Stan said with the biggest grin Eddie had ever seen him wear. Between all the sudden wisdom and nagging Stan had been doing to Eddie since he and Patty got pregnant, he was noticeably happier now that he was going to be a father soon. Seeing that always struck something inside Eddie, and now it just made his heart ache. Maybe he could be a good father too some day…

“Oh my god, Bev, you made little ears for the hats too, that’s so cute,” Richie noticed.

“That is pretty cute,” Eddie murmured.

“Open mine next! It’s expensive!” Bill called. Laughter popcorned throughout the room, and Stan grabbed one of the bigger boxes they put to the side.

     As the gift opening continued, Eddie noticed Richie subtly leaning closer and closer to him. He didn’t try to fight it like he usually might’ve after they finished fooling around, and instead he found that he enjoyed the feeling of Richie’s hand on his hip. His warm breath next to his ear when he laughed. The rumble of his voice when he spoke so close to him. These were things that Eddie was already attracted to, but between all the conflicting emotions he was feeling in response to Stan and Patty’s excitement and Richie’s affection he was too exhausted to analyze the real reason he liked having Richie close to him. Instead he leaned into it, and eventually wound up against Richie’s chest as he held him from behind and hooked his chin over his shoulder. It made him feel warm and happy, and whenever he rubbed his thumb under his shirt he was reminded that Richie still wanted more. Stan and Pat got to the last gift, and Eddie’s hand had made its way up into Richie’s curls as they watched the couple. He was surprised by the smile Stan gave them, and smiled back with a little blush.

“Gosh, you guys are so amazing. Thank you so much for all these wonderful and thoughtful gifts. It’s really going to help us bring this baby into this world,” Patty said stroking her belly again. Richie nosed Eddie’s ear at the same time, and in that moment he felt a little spark of happiness.

“Yes. We really appreciate it so much. We’re grateful to share our home with you today…as well as what my friend Ben has to say next,” Stan agreed. He then made eye contact with Ben from across the room, and they nodded to each other. Eddie frowned and looked over to see Ben standing up. Bev looked completely confused by everything, and was even more confused when he turned to her. He got down on one knee and she gasped.

“Let’s go, Benny boy!” Richie whooped. Eddie didn’t have the heart to tell him off. Instead all he could do was watch and clutch the arm wrapped around him as Ben pulled out a velvet box from his back pocket.

“Beverly Marie Marsh, I’ve loved you since the moment we met. The day you agreed to be my girlfriend was the highlight of my week,” he spoke so softly. He then opened the box to reveal an engagement ring. “But if you agreed to be my wife…I think that would be the highlight of my life,” he said. Beverly had her mouth covered with her hands, but Eddie could tell it was a good thing. She couldn’t even speak before she nodded and slipped off her chair to tackle him with a hug and a kiss.

“Yes! Of course I will,” she giggled.

“Aye! My other friends are getting married!” Bill cheered. Mike clapped with him and Stan joined in too. Others did so, but Eddie kept his eyes on the rock Ben was slipping onto Beverly’s finger. All he could think about was how that would never happen to him in a million years, and that left him feeling…conflicted. He barely registered the soft kisses Richie was pressing to the side of his head until he got closer to his ear.

“Let’s blow this popsicle stand, eh? My place or yours?” Richie hummed. Eddie sighed and then let his eyes flutter as Richie kissed his cheek briefly.

“Yours. I just cleaned, so there’s no way I’m letting you in there for another week,” he said. Richie chuckled and squeezed him around his waist. It felt good.

“Then let’s get going.”

     They said their goodbyes and gave their hugs before heading out. Stan gave Eddie a lingering smile, but Eddie was too conflicted to say anything else but goodbye. So they got their coats and got back into Richie’s car to head back to his apartment. Eddie had finally bought a house on his own, but most of the time it just felt lonely. It wasn’t even that big, but owning a house instead of renting an apartment always seemed like something you do with a family. Not some sad and lonely hermit in his thirties. Richie never tried to buy a house even though he could probably afford it if he actually tried to save money, and Eddie was starting to understand why. Easier to pretend like you’re still a young idiot with nothing better to do but fuck random strangers.

     Throughout the entire drive Richie kept his hand on Eddie’s thigh. Anytime he had to turn or shift he returned it right back to his leg once he was done. His hand was warm as always, and Eddie appreciated the heat. He also appreciated the feeling of being wanted, and he realized as Richie’s words from yesterday echoed in his head that that was what he liked. He liked being wanted, and Richie wanted him like no one else Eddie had ever been with before. The drive was rather quiet as Eddie came to these conclusions, and when they arrived he was snapped out of his thoughts when Richie flicked off the radio. He smiled at Eddie from the drivers seat, and Eddie let him lean over and give him a little kiss.

“It’s still so early in the day. Kinda fun hooking up in the middle of it,” he murmured. Eddie nodded and smiled back.

“It is. Isn’t it?” He replied and kissed him again. Richie broke it with an even wider smile as he unlocked the door.

“We’re gonna have so much fun,” he said before getting out of the car. Eddie giggled and then followed him.

      Getting to Richie’s apartment proved to be more difficult then Eddie predicted. It seemed as if every floor they stopped at as they climbed the stairs was an opportunity for Richie to kiss Eddie against the railing. He allowed a few kisses before he had to nag him to go on, and then groaned when he did it on the third and final floor. Eventually they got to Richie’s door, and just when Eddie thought they were home free he was pressed up against the locked door instead. This time his kisses were less playful and more intentional. He slipped his arms around Eddie’s waist, and he was quickly falling victim to the warm feeling in his heart whenever Richie held him. As he finally allowed himself to enjoy the kiss he was interrupted by Richie unlocking the door and pulling him inside.

“God, you’re so sexy, Eds,” Richie sighed as he closed the door by pressing Eddie against it.

“Yeah? What makes me so sexy?” Eddie challenged. Richie kissed him again, and Eddie hummed with delight.

“Everything…you…just you…fuck, when I touch you it’s like you’re trying to make me wanna grab you and fuck you against the closest hard surface,” Richie purred. Eddie whimpered and ran his fingers through his hair.

“Do it. Grab me and fuck me, Richie. I want it so badly. Want you to fuck me so good,” he cooed. 

     Richie groaned and pulled Eddie off the door so he could tug him into the bedroom. Eddie felt the usual thrill that came with hooking up, but he felt a little different as Richie laid him down and crawled on top of him. It was a good different. The look in the others eyes a little more eager, and the force of his kiss a little more desperate. Eddie fed off his extra energy and clawed at his shirt until he could peel it off. Gentle kisses lead up Eddie’s neck, and he let his eyes roll back as Richie caressed his hips. He pulled Eddie’s legs over his own hips, and squeezed the flesh through his jeans.

“Fuck…” Eddie sighed.

“How do you want it this time, baby? You want it hard like last time?” Richie hummed as he rolled his hips down against Eddie. He whimpered at the friction and nervously gripped the back of Richie’s neck.

“Mmh…fuck me the way you want to, Richie. Wanna make you feel so good,” Eddie cooed. Richie cursed and pressed his forehead against Eddie’s shoulder.

“That’s so hot, oh my god,” Richie wheezed. Eddie pouted impatiently and kissed the side of Richie’s head.

“Show me. Show me what you wanna do to me,” Eddie whispered. 

     The man on top of him groaned and kissed him hard on the lips. He then started stripping them, and Eddie bit his lip as he watched Richie pull off his jeans for him. Then he pulled off his own and Eddie helped him with their underwear. Once they were completely naked Richie was right back on top of him again, and Eddie could only moan with delight as Richie touched down his body. He took one hand away and stopped their kisses so he could lick his finger and rub it against his hole. Eddie let his head fall back as Richie rubbed circles against him, and then clenched his jaw when he easily pushed in from the left over lube Eddie used on himself earlier.

“Christ, did you prepare yourself earlier?” Richie asked in disbelief. Eddie has done it once or twice before, and Richie’s reaction was always worth it.

“Yeah…I didn’t wanna waste any time after we left. We haven’t actually had sex in like a month,” Eddie reminded him. Between life and work they had both only had time for handjobs and blowjobs. They occasionally dry humped, but that was when they might’ve had the time to have sex but we’re too tired.

“Fuck, has it really been that long? No wonder I’m going crazy about this,” Richie said as he pressed a second finger into Eddie’s loose hole.

“Ah! St-still use lube, you fucking idiot!” Eddie snapped. Richie laughed and then got up to open his nightstand. He pulled out a bottle and generously coated his fingers. They slid back in like they belonged there, and Eddie hummed with delight as he felt the stretch.

“There you go, baby. I bet that feels good, huh? Did you miss feeling how much I can stretch you?” Richie hummed. Eddie nodded and bit his bottom lip as Richie started curling his digits.

“Richie…holy shit…”

“God, this never gets old. You look so cute like this. So hot watching you squirm on my fingers, baby,” Richie rumbled and added a third. Eddie whimpered and turned his head out of embarrassment.

“Mmhhh…don’t…don’t call me that,” he sighed.

“What was that, sweetheart? You don’t want me to call you baby? You seem to love it though. I can feel you squeezing me every time I do it. You’re doing it right now, Eddie-baby. You got me so tight, I don’t think I should stop,” Richie murmured against his ear. 

     Eddie was drowning in his inability to deny the fact that he loved everything that Richie did to him. He loved it more than anything anyone else did to him, and it was hard to admit that everything was getting dangerously close to sickeningly romantic sex instead of the casual fucks that they usually engaged in. That worry was cemented when Richie started kissing the side of his head until he used his free hand to turn Eddie to look up at him. Instead of kissing him like Eddie craved, Richie merely looked at him and watched as he curled his fingers right against his prostate. Eddie’s brows pinched, and his eyes fluttered. He was well aware that Richie was still watching him, and he tried to turn his head again to fight the way it made his stomach flutter. Richie merely cradled the side of his face that he turned away and kissed his cheek.

“Are you ready, baby?” Richie cooed. Eddie nodded and peeked over when Richie pulled out his fingers and tore open the condom. He rolled it on, and then grabbed a pillow to stuff under Eddie’s hips as an afterthought. His hands gripped Eddie’s hips, like they were meant to touch him, and then they gently moved up his waist as he admired the naked man underneath him. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Eds,” he breathed. Eddie blushed.

“Richie…” he sighed. He shook his head.

“Like…holy fuck, you’re gorgeous,” he continued and touched him more. Eddie shivered under his light touches, and then arched his back. Richie groaned watching him, and then ducked back down to kiss him on the lips.

“Richie…mmh…put it in please…missed this so much…missed you…missed feeling you inside me,” Eddie cooed. Richie moaned in a rather pathetic way that Eddie had never heard before. It only turned him on more, and he tried to pull Richie closer with his legs around his waist. “Please…fuck me, baby,” he pleaded.

     With that, Richie attacked Eddie with kisses as he rubbed the head of his cock against his hole. He’s never called Richie that before. It’s always been Richie who used that word. Eddie gasped with pleasure, and then rocked his hips up to try and get more. Richie finally gave him what he wanted, and they both moaned loudly as Richie finally sunk in.  The heat between them was unlike any other hook up Eddie had before, including the hook ups with Richie himself, and it made him feel so pliant and loose as the other man started fucking him. He was gentle at first, and then steadily picked up speed as he kissed Eddie and moaned into his mouth. Eddie wasn’t much better at it either, and surrendered to the warmth and the affection the other man was showering him with.

“Fuck, you’re so hot,” Richie huffed. Eddie whimpered and raked his fingernails through his hair. Richie moaned with appreciation, and Eddie accepted his next kiss with plenary of tongue and spit.

“Mhh…feels so good…so good when you fuck me…fuck me harder, baby,” Eddie said.

“Oh my fucking god, Eds…you’re gonna make me cum if you keep calling me that,” Richie warned. Eddie pressed his lips tight together and moved his hips with Richie’s the best he could.

“Mh…Richie,” he rasped. Richie groaned and then did as he was asked. He gripped Eddie’s hips hard and pulled him into each thrust. The force made Eddie gasp, and he dug his nails into Richie’s shoulders as he made a wreck of him. “Richie! Fuck!”

“So cute. How do you do that? Look so cute even when you’re crying on my cock for more. You like it when I fuck you so hard you can’t speak? Look so adorable underneath me like this. Wanna fuck you like this every fucking day. Watch you fall apart and cum right in front of me all the time, baby,” Richie rambled while watching Eddie’s body writhe and twist under him. He reached back to grab the sheets, and when he opened his eyes long enough to look up he found Richie staring right back.

“I love it…love it when you fuck me like this…I want it all the time, Richie,” Eddie whispered. Richie dug his teeth so hard into his lip it started to bleed a little. He moved his hips with new vigor, and Eddie cried out in response. He was cumming within minutes of the new pace, and when Richie joined him he was overwhelmed with the heat and the hot breath spreading over his collarbones.

“Fuck…shit…” Richie huffed. 

     Eddie was still catching his breath, and when Richie pulled out he whimpered again. He was gifted with a gentle kiss on the lips before he stumbled off the bed and wobbled to the bathroom. A couple minutes later he returned with a damp warm towel, and Eddie let him clean up the cum across his chest and the wet lube between his legs. He returned to the bathroom to toss the towel into the sink, and then quickly retreated to the warmth of Eddie’s body and the blankets. Their bodies fit perfectly together as Richie crawled back on top of him and settled his head on Eddie’s chest.  His fingers returned to his hair, and Eddie stared up at the ceiling as they calmed down. He pulled a blanket over them when Richie held him tighter, but he quickly felt another flutter in his stomach when he realized Richie didn’t do that because he was cold. He did it because he wanted to hold Eddie closer. Eddie liked to be held. He liked to be wanted. He wanted Richie to want him the most.

“Do you ever think about getting married?” Eddie asked. Richie hummed and then chuckled.

“Married? God, that’s such a straight thing to do,” he sighed.

“Kinda, but…not any more, remember? They legalized gay marriage last year in California,” Eddie said.

“I guess…I dunno. It’s hard to imagine,” Richie admitted.

“Me too…when Stan was asking me about bringing a plus one he was talking about me getting married and how he thought I’d be the first one in the group to have a wife. Hearing that just…made me realize how hard it was to see myself getting married,” Eddie said.

“I remember him talking about it too when we were kids. He said you’d be thirty five with a wife and a mortgage while we were still trying to get by,” Richie chuckled.

“…but I’m not, Richie. I’m not even close to getting married. I’ve never even had a real boyfriend. I’ve just…I’ve just been…fooling around,” he sounded sadder then he thought he was. Saying it out loud made him realize how much he craved actual companionship past the five minutes it takes to have an orgasm. Cuddling with Richie only solidified that.

“I mean…you’re still doing better then any of us. You’re still awesome Eddie spaghetti. You don’t need a boyfriend,” Richie assured him. Eddie sighed.

“Yeah, I don’t need a boyfriend. I just…” he trailed off and rubbed at his tired eyes. “Why do straight people get to get married and I can’t? Why is that only for straight people? Why do I feel like I can’t have a house that I share with a family? Why does that feel so impossible to me? It’s not like I need it, but it feels like I can’t even want it because it’s not for me. I’m doomed to die alone as a sinning faggot and then rot in hell,” Eddie blurted. Richie pushed himself up to look down at him, and pulled his hands away to see him crying.

“Eds…”

“Sorry…fuck, I just…fucking Stan kept asking me if I’m happy living like this, and…god, it’s just so easy for him to pick at it, huh? He’s had his fair share of bigoted assholes, but he’s never been told he can’t love the person he loves,” Eddie sniffled. Richie cupped his face and Eddie sighed.

“Yeah, he…he doesn’t really get it,” Richie agreed.

“I mean…he’s right. It does get exhausting. Having three or five guys in my messages at the same time. Never even entertaining the thought of settling down or, god forbid, making an actual connection past his dick in my ass. I’d fucking love to not worry about that and trust someone to give me that connection, but everyone just proves to be a total asshole,” he continued.

“I…yeah, Eds. It’s a really big problem. I experience it too.”

“God, and you’ve been hooking up with people since high school. How do you deal with that, Rich?” He asked. Richie hesitated for a moment and then shook his head.

“I mean…I don’t…not really. I guess the closest I get is that I find one person to stick with for the most part, and then just do random hook ups from time to time.”

“Like friends with benefits? Like what we do?” Eddie asked. He hated how hopeful he sounded.

“Uh…kinda…I have like my main squeeze, and then if they’re not available I find someone else for the night…but I usually just stick to that one person for a while. It’s…it’s easy to pretend that it means more when I try to stick to one person,” he explained. Eddie nodded.

“Right…so, you only really talk to one person at a time. How long?”

“Anywhere from two to eight months. I’ll be honest, Eds. I haven’t consistently slept with someone for as long as I’ve been sleeping with you, so…uh…it’s safe to say I consider you my main squeeze right now,” Richie confessed. Eddie felt his eyes sting again and he gently pulled Richie down for a kiss. It was brief, and when it broke Eddie pulled him the rest of the way for a hug. Richie hugged him back, and Eddie hated how good it felt to be held by him. It felt so good it hurt.

“Bevvy looked so happy when Ben proposed to her…I could never see myself like that. I could never see anyone propose to me. I could never see myself that happy with another person, and I can’t tell if it’s because I’ve been told my whole life that I don’t deserve it or if I’m just not monogamous,” Eddie sobbed. Richie moved back to sit on the mattress, and then pulled Eddie up so he could curl against his chest.

“I’m so sorry, Eds,” Richie whispered.

“Why are you sorry? This isn’t your fault,” he sniffled. Richie kissed the top of his head.

“No…but I know exactly how you feel, and I always thought I was the only one. The fact that you feel the same…just means that you’ve been hurting as much as I have, and…fuck it hurts me more that you’re in pain too,” Richie told him. Eddie frowned hearing that and wrapped his arms around his neck.

“Oh, Richie. That’s not fair to you either.”

“I’m a big boy, Eds. I can deal with it,” Richie murmured.

“Not very well. Neither of us are right now,” Eddie pointed out.

“Maybe…but at least it’s dealing.”

“Richie…” he pulled back to look at his friend. Richie met his eyes and they were getting as wet as Eddie’s. “…I’m so sorry,” he whispered. Richie shook his head.

“No need. It’s okay, Eds,” Richie assured him. Eddie sighed and then rested his cheek against Richie’s chest again. He let himself be held a little bit longer, and they eventually settled under the covers again to pass out.

Chapter Text

     They didn’t typically cuddle so closely or fall asleep after they had sex, but they did spoon from time to time if they were too tired not to at least nap after their hook ups. Eddie felt safe curled up against Richie’s chest, and he allowed himself to indulge in the intimacy for once. He accepted all the little kisses Richie pressed to the top of his head, and he was happy to feel warm fingers rub against his back and down his spine to lull him to sleep. His first reaction to affection was always to stop it, so it took him a moment to actually relax and allow everything to happen passively. Where he would’ve told Richie to stop he merely nuzzled closer against his collarbones, and where he might’ve pulled away from his touch he only moved with it. It felt ten times nicer than when he was resisting it, and he happily wrapped his arms around Richie and kissed his chest in return.

     When he woke up he was disappointed to find himself alone. For a moment he figured he must’ve been dreaming about that incredible cuddle session, but after he spent a moment sitting up and processing everything he remembered that it wasn’t. Richie’s clothes were gone, and his own were sporadically laid out on one of the empty corners of the bed. He was about to get up and put them on, but he froze like a deer caught in the headlights when the door opened. Richie walked in with a couple mugs, and smiled at his wide eyes.

“You’re awake! Sorry, I was hoping I’d return before you woke up,” Richie said while approaching the bed. Eddie continued to stare up at him as he offered one of the mugs, and then eventually looked down and accepted it when he saw the coffee inside of it.

“Oh, thank god,” he sighed.

“We kinda slept in, but I figured a little caffeine wouldn’t hurt. I always get a headache whenever I…uh…y’know…”

“Cry your eyes out and talk about how you’re a minority in this terrible country we live in?” Eddie prompted. Richie nodded and then sat on the edge of the bed.

“Yeah. Couldn’t have said it better myself,” he said.

“That’s because you’re an idiot,” Eddie hummed and then took a sip. It was a little too bitter, but Eddie figured Richie didn’t invest much in his homemade coffee. He still drank it because it was better than nothing.

“Yeah, that’s true…Stan texted me, by the way. He told me to tell you to check your messages,” Richie said. Eddie furrowed his brows and then returned his mug to Richie. He accepted it, and watched as Eddie crawled over to his jeans. He pulled out his device and smiled.

“Oh, the gift I got him finally arrived. That’s good,” he murmured. He got started on dressing himself after he put his phone down, and then looked over his shoulder to see Richie turning his head and blushing. “Thanks, Rich,” he said fondly.

“Of course…”

     Eddie finished getting dressed, and then drank the rest of the coffee Richie prepared for him. After that they went out to his car to drive Eddie home, and left Richie’s apartment. They lived kind of close to each other, but it was still long enough of a drive that when Richie suggested they stop to get something to eat Eddie couldn’t think of a reason not to. They stopped at a McDonalds, and then ate together in Richie’s car in the parking lot. The conversation wasn’t anything exciting. In fact it was a little bit awkward, but for some reason it was a little more bearable. Small talk was never Eddie’s favorite, but as they started talking about work and what was going on in their lives Eddie realized how much he didn’t know about Richie’s day to day. By the end of their meal, Eddie was satisfied with the conversation, and was happy to feel Richie’s hand on his knee from time to time.

“I still can’t believe you got a fucking house…everything is so crazy these days,” Richie murmured as he pulled up to Eddie’s drive through.

“I got it after the market crashed, remember? This was dirt cheap last year. It was a bitch to get approved, but still,” Eddie said as he undid his seatbelt.

“Right…” Richie trailed off and then chuckled. Eddie paused with his hand on the door.

“What’s so funny?” He asked. Richie looked at him and then shook his head.

“Nothing, it’s just…I was just thinking about how you’ve lived here for over a year now, and I’ve only really seen the path to your bedroom,” Richie said. Eddie blinked at that. He never really did give Richie a full tour of his house. Mostly because any time he was over it was just to hook up. 

“Oh…yeah, I guess you’re right. Did…um, did you want a quick tour before you go?” He offered. Richie’s face lit up, but in that subtle way that he didn’t mean to show. It was odd enough that Eddie knew him so well to recognize it, but even more odd that he was trying to hide it.

“Sure. If you don’t mind. I have nothing else to do today,” Richie said. Eddie nodded and then smiled before opening the door.

“Let’s go then.”

     The first thing Eddie always liked to show off was the front lawn and the entryway. He put in some stones and plants around the walkway, and the lawn was always well kept and green. He had a wind chime and a birdbath, and he told Richie about his plans to get a humming bird feeder once he found a good place for it. After that he lead Richie inside. It really wasn’t a big house. There was an entertainment room, a decently sized kitchen, a master bedroom, an extra bedroom he used as an office, and an extra bathroom outside of the master. It was cute and only one story, so the tour was relatively quick. They didn’t bother with the master bedroom since they’ve been in there together at least a hundred times, but Eddie definitely spent a lot of time in the kitchen and dining room talking about where he got his furniture and how he decided to decorate things. Richie merely listened to him, and Eddie couldn’t help but blush as how many times he looked over just to see Richie watching him talk.

“I just use this room as an office, but I think I like it more than my bedroom,” Eddie said as he led Richie down to said room. He opened the door, and then instantly spotted his laptop out of place. His urge to fix it pulled him to the desk, and he quickly adjusted it before turning and showing the art pieces he hung up on the walls.

“There’s this woman I see on the way to work on Saturday’s, y’know where the market is? She makes these beautiful paintings inspired by these macro shots her girlfriend takes in her garden. They’re really pretty, but I mostly just bought them because I thought their story was cute,” Eddie told him. Richie nodded and then crossed his arms as he looked at the painting.

“It is pretty…and that is a pretty cute story,” he agreed. Eddie nodded and then turned to show his bookshelf.

“I started collecting books. Just because this room looked so empty with just my desk and my chair. It’s kind of pathetic looking now, but…I think I can fill it up pretty quick,” Eddie said. Richie moved to stand next to him, and gently touched Eddie’s back as he looked through the titles Eddie had collected so far.

“You’ve read all of these?” He asked. Eddie nodded, and tried not to breath too fast in reaction to Richie’s touch. It was so gentle against his spine, and he just wanted Richie to hold him closer and kiss him again.

“Yeah, I buy a book, and when I finish it I add it to the shelf,” Eddie told him.

“Damn. I’m so bad at reading. I haven’t read anything since I was in high school,” Richie said. Eddie rolled his eyes.

“You’re just fine at reading, you just don’t have the attention span for it now that you have a fancy smartphone,” Eddie told him.

“Hey, I still have the original. You’re the one rocking the sexy new 3G one,” Richie teased. Eddie rolled his eyes.

“My boss gave me a raise and told me to get one. How could I say no?” He replied. Richie chuckled and then let his hand fall.

“Anything else you wanna share with me?” Richie asked. Eddie blinked, his body craving Richie’s hand again, and then frowned as he realized that the tour was over.

“Uh…no, that’s about it actually. It’s pretty small, but…it’s just me in here, so…didn’t really need anything bigger,” Eddie replied. Richie nodded.

“Right. Uh…I guess I’ll see myself out then,” he said. Eddie shook his head.

“No, I can walk you out. It’s no problem,” he assured him and led them out of the room. Richie followed him down the hall and to the front door. They stood awkwardly in front of each other, and Eddie couldn’t help but feel a weird catch in his throat that he tried to clear.

“Well, it was nice seeing the rest of your house,” Richie said. Eddie nodded.

“Yeah. Sorry, I didn’t realize I never gave you a full tour before,” Eddie said. Richie chuckled and then shook his head.

“It’s no worries. Like I said, it was just something I realized,” he told him. Eddie nodded and then cleared his throat again.

“Right…anyways. Uh…I’ll talk to you later then,” he said. Richie nodded.

“Yeah. Later,” he agreed. 

     They were both still for a moment, and before Eddie could say anything he was caught by surprise when Richie suddenly leaned in a kissed him on the lips. They let it linger, and then slowly parted as the warmth of Richie’s affections made Eddie want more. Richie had already pulled away before Eddie could try for another, and when he opened his eyes Richie was bright red with furrowed brows. Eddie wanted to comfort him, but Richie was too quick to clear his throat and look down.

“Sorry. That was…a little more aggressive than I meant,” he said. Eddie shook his head.

“It’s okay,” he assured him, nearly feeling out of breath from that one simple kiss. Richie nodded and then stepped towards the door. He paused for a moment, and then immediately turned back to cup Eddie’s face and kiss him even harder on the lips. 

     To say that Eddie was delighted to feel Richie’s mouth again was an understatement. He was ecstatic for it. His body instantly celebrated their reconnection, and it sang with the way Richie slid his hands around his waist again. It felt like that was what they had been waiting for ever since they woke up again. Like they had just been waiting to see who would make the first move. Who would kiss who first. Who would say goodbye and who wouldn’t. Eddie wished he could be confident in breaking first, but when it came to it he was still too overwhelmed from everything they talked about. He wanted it, but he couldn’t bare to be the one to put his heart on the line.

     Mere moments passed before Eddie wrapped his arms around Richie’s neck, and after that he was pleased to be lifted and then pressed against his front door. Their lips continued even as Richie accidentally knocked Eddie’s mail off the small table he had next to the door, but they both decided to ignore that as their tongues started to play with one another. Richie couldn’t keep his hands off Eddie’s thighs and his ass, and Eddie couldn’t stop loving it. He pawed at Richie’s chest, and let his body do as it pleased in Richie’s grasp. His back arched perfectly, and he kissed Richie back with much more confidence than he did earlier in the day. Eventually Richie let him down in favor of touching under his shirt and his sweater, and Eddie happily moaned in approval.

“Mmh…Richie…” he huffed.

“Yes, baby?” Richie cooed while gently digging his fingers into his skin. It didn’t hurt, but it felt amazing to feel his nails graze his waist like that.

“I think we missed a room,” he said coyly. Richie chuckled.

“Yeah? Where’s that?” He asked.

“My bedroom,” Eddie answered.

“Then let’s go there,” Richie murmured. Eddie smiled and then let Richie be the one to lead him through his own house.

     This time when Eddie was laid out across the mattress he felt a little different. More understood, and like they were on equal terms. Richie kissed him with the same amount of fever and passion, but drew everything out to properly touch and love every inch of Eddie’s body. They didn’t say love, but it definitely felt like love. Eddie felt like he was finally getting a taste of what he had been subconsciously craving but denying himself ever since he was a kid. Richie dedicated more time to kissing Eddie on the lips, and he definitely appreciate the warmth and teasing it did as he continued touching him. So far neither of them had reached to take off each others clothes, but once Eddie finally remembered to it was all off within seconds.

     For the second time that day, Eddie’s shirt was thrown off to the side and he wasn’t angry about it. Instead he was happy about it, and happily allowed Richie to strip the rest of him. He helped undress Richie next as well, and pulled off his cheap leather jacket like it offended him. His shirt was next, and Eddie took his time to appreciate the thick skin and chest hair in front of him. He kissed as far down as he could reach in their currently entanglement, and undid his jeans before kissing back up to his neck. Richie was busy pulling on Eddie’s pants at the same time, and once they were finally bare Eddie was more than happy to let Richie lay him down again and tower over him. His hands were flighty around Richie’s chest and face, not sure where to land and where he wanted to touch. All Eddie knew was that he’s never felt so desperate for Richie’s affection before, and he would do anything to get more of it.

“God, you’re just so cute,” Richie cooed as he leaned down to kiss Eddie’s jaw. He hummed in an attempt to hide his whimper, and finally decided to settle his fingers in Richie’s hair.

“Richie…fuck…” he spoke quietly in fear of his voice betraying him. There were so many emotions stirring inside of him that he couldn’t even identify himself. He didn’t want to let anything out without knowing exactly what he wanted to say.

“Are you still loose enough?” Richie asked.

“Maybe…but it wouldn’t hurt if you double checked,” Eddie replied. Richie nodded and reached for his nightstand. It was almost a force of habit to grab a condom too, and for some reason Eddie felt the urge to tell him to chuck it. Of course he didn’t dare, but thought about the implications of having unprotected sex and how that applied to how he was currently feeling.

“Should I start with two or three?” He asked. Eddie blinked out of his thoughts and then licked his lips.

“Two. Make it quick though,” he demanded. Richie chuckled and applied the lube to his fingers.

“Anything for you, Eddie-baby,” Richie cooed before kissing him again. 

     Eddie wanted to crumble from how weak he felt in response to that pet name. He never felt deserving of such a loving and adoring nickname, but every time Richie said it he felt like maybe he could deserve it one day. This time he didn’t protest it, and instead accepted it as Richie slipped two fingers inside him. He gasped at the intrusion and then clung to his hair again. It was so soft and fresh. He suspected that Richie possibly showered while he was passed out, but he was distracted by Richie’s kisses to explore that thought any further. The heat between them only got hotter as Richie scissored his fingers and curled them, and that only made Eddie crave his third finger that much faster.

“Put in another,” he told him.

“Yeah? It’s okay?” Richie asked. Eddie nodded and clamped his bottom lip between his teeth to prepare. He did as Eddie asked, and the stretch was just satisfying enough.

“Mm…oh, Richie…” Eddie cooed. 

     Richie was preoccupied with pressing kisses all over the side of his face and his neck, and the sweet fluttery kisses somehow felt more intimate than the slow lecherous ones. While the hickeys made Eddie feel a sense of possessiveness, the soft gentle kisses Richie pressed to his cheek made him feel safe and cared for. It was something Richie had never really done before, and if Eddie wasn’t being fingered as well as he was then he would’ve made a bigger note of it.

“How’s that?” Richie asked. Eddie nodded.

“Good. Put the condom on,” he urged. Richie nodded back and then pulled his fingers out to do so. 

     With a little bit of help from Eddie’s non lubricated hands, they managed to open the packet and roll it down Richie’s cock. The moment the latex was in place Richie loomed over him again and immediately began to push inside him. Eddie’s mouth fell open as he got used to the new sensation, and then fully let his jaw drop as Richie pressed their hips together by grabbing his waist. He used his free hand to tilt Eddie’s chin up, and Eddie could only look at him with the same pleading look he had whenever he wanted to suck him off. He pressed his thumb into Eddie’s mouth instead, and gently began to rock his hips into him. Eddie gladly sucked on his thumb, but quickly grew impatient and pulled him down for a kiss instead. Of course Richie let him, and his hips only moved faster as their lips locked.

“Mhh…Richie…Richie, that feels so good,” Eddie whimpered. Richie groaned in response, and then pulled Eddie’s legs over his hips.

“You’re so cute…so hot and sexy too…god, what the hell did I do to be able to see you like this?” Richie rambled. Eddie pouted hearing that. His own heart aching for the words the other man poured into his ears.

“Nothing…you didn’t do anything,” Eddie told him. Richie chuckled, and Eddie wanted to melt. They weren’t even going extremely fast, and yet Eddie was in total bliss. “Stay like this…please. It feels so good,” Eddie begged. Richie nodded and kissed him one last time before just simply watching Eddie’s face as he ground his cock in his ass.

“Anything you want, baby. I’ll be the first to give it to you,” he promised sweetly. 

     Eddie pressed his lips together when he felt tears coming. He tried to look away and blink away the tears, but was always brought back to Richie’s eyes either by his hand or by his own desire to be seen. Never in his life had he ever felt so vulnerable before. It was terrifying, but also strangely good. He finally let out a sob when Richie thrusted particularly hard, and the tears fell without his permission as he continued that trend. Richie held and cupped his face to wipe the tears, and breathed heavy as they came close to their climax together.

“Richie…” Eddie blubbered.

“I gotcha, sweetheart. It’s okay,” Richie cooed. He leaned down to kiss him again, and Eddie happily accepted it. As they fully fell into each other Richie fucked him even faster, and Eddie was trembling from how close he was. Then Richie reached down to stroke his length, and he was shivering from his orgasm that was properly milked out of him.

“Richie! Fuck! Oh, fuck, baby please…please, oh my god,” Eddie cried.

“I gotcha…fuck, you’re so amazing. Oh god…” Richie groaned. He continued fucking him after he came, and then quickly came afterwards kissing the side of his face again.

“Richie…Richie…” Eddie repeated. Their bodies rocked together to savor the aftershocks, but they eventually calmed down as everything settled.

“Fuck…” Richie sighed with his face tucked into Eddie neck. Eddie’s hands were obsessively running through Richie’s hair, and he loved the warmth that they created together.

“…yeah…” Eddie agreed.

“You okay?” Richie asked. Eddie nodded.

“Yeah…sorry. Just…got a little out of control there for a moment,” he said wiping what was left of his tears. Richie moved to kiss Eddie’s cheek, and then kissed him on the lips next. Eddie let it linger, and then nuzzled the side of his face and he neck.

“That’s okay…I felt it too,” he assured him. Eddie sniffled and then nodded.

“Right…sorry.”

“No worries, baby. It’s okay,” Richie cooed. Eddie sighed and then pulled Richie down to hug him like they did earlier in the day.

“…okay…”

     They were slow to get up and dressed after that. Eventually they had to because Richie had to work tomorrow and Eddie didn’t feel right asking him to stay and possibly ruin his sleep. He wanted to though. He desperately wanted to just fall asleep with him again, but he didn’t dare to because he didn’t feel like he deserved it. So instead they cleaned up and got dressed and then Eddie actually walked him out this time. They made sure to part ways at Richie’s car since they clearly couldn’t part while in the same building, and Eddie felt an ache in his chest as he stood next to Richie’s car with him.

“Thanks for the tour, and…the other stuff,” Richie said with a smirk. Eddie blushed, but smiled back anyways.

“Of course. I…feel like we should see each other more often. I feel kind of guilty that I’ve only shown you my bedroom before today,” Eddie said. Richie nodded in agreement.

“I mean, like I said. I’m not upset about that, but I wouldn’t mind seeing you more too,” Richie said. Eddie nervously played with his fingers and nodded back.

“Yeah…that would be nice.”

“How about tomorrow?” Richie asked. Eddie’s smile dropped in confusion.

“What about tomorrow?” Eddie asked.

“I only work in the morning. You don’t work on Monday’s, right?” He asked.

“Right. Sunday’s and Monday’s are my days off,” Eddie confirmed. Richie smiled hearing that.

“So…maybe I can take you to diner? Maybe something like that?” Richie asked. Eddie felt his heart stop when he realized what Richie was asking, and wanted to melt into the ground.

“Are you…asking me out on a date?” Eddie asked. Richie chuckled nervously and blushed.

“I…yeah. Yeah, I am. I just figured that…y’know, you’re my main squeeze. I just wanna show you how happy you make me. I think you deserve it,” Richie explained. Eddie blinked at him and then tried to take a deep breath.

“Um…I…sure. If that sounds like a good idea to you,” Eddie said.

“Yeah?” Richie questioned. Eddie took a proper deep breath and then nodded firmly.

“Yeah. Yeah, that sounds like fun.”

“Okay. I’ll text you around three,” Richie said. Eddie managed to smile despite his nerves.

“Three…sounds good,” he agreed. Richie smiled and then stepped closer to kiss him goodbye. Eddie could only hope he couldn’t tell how badly he was still shaking in response to this development in their relationship. What was funny, and a little bit cruel, was how easily he calmed down when Richie kissed him and how quickly his anxiety returned when he parted. Richie squeezed his hand as he kissed him too, and that only made Eddie feel warmer and sadder to see him go.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then,” Richie said. Eddie nodded dumbly and then looked down at their hands.

“Yeah…tomorrow,” he murmured. Richie chuckled again and kissed the top of Eddie’s head.

“Until then…”

     Once Eddie was alone he started panicking again. He busied himself by cleaning up the mess they made, but the rest of his house was spotless from the last time he cleaned it. His next option was to cook something, but he had so many leftovers that his mind instantly grabbed one of the containers and shoved it in the microwaved. He ate his two day old lasagna despite it being cold in the middle, and viciously tapped his foot as his brain went a thousand miles an hour. 

     Didn’t they already go on a date earlier? That’s what they decided for Stan’s baby shower, right? And then they had sex, like really good sex, and Richie actually listened to Eddie’s pathetic crying and whining about maybe wanting to get married one day? He just pulled him in so easily and made him fall asleep like it was nothing. Apparently all the fucking melatonin Eddie took every night was useless in comparison to Richie’s big arms and warm lips. Then he made Eddie coffee, and then they ate together, and then fucked again. How had everything escalated so quickly? Twenty four hours ago Eddie was thinking about how much he wished Stan would get off his back about dating and marriage and here he was shaking out of his skin because he actually shared emotions with another human being. Eddie shook his head and set down his food to pull out his phone.

“Eds? Did you get my text earlier?” Stan asked once he picked up.

“Yeah, I’m glad and all. That’s not why I’m calling,” he said bluntly.

“Oh, uh—“

“Look, I’m  not saying that I have a date tomorrow, but if I did…how would I go about that?” Eddie asked. Stan was quiet for a moment.

“I’m sorry, what?“

“Please don’t make me repeat that,” Eddie begged.

“Is it actually a date, or are you just saying it’s a date like you did today?” Stan asked. Eddie sighed and leaned his hand on the counter.

“I…didn’t realize I hadn’t shown Richie my house before, so I gave him a tour and when I walked him out he…asked me to dinner tomorrow,” he admitted reluctantly.

“What do you mean? Richie’s been to your house before,” Stan said.

“Yeah, but he was only in my bedroom,” Eddie said.

“Why hasn’t he…god, Eddie. You two are terrible,” he sighed.

“Yeah, which is why I fucking need help with this! How do I actually go on a date? The whole time I felt so…awkward because we weren’t having sex and he was actually being sweet,” Eddie said.

“Really?”

“Yes! We still had sex, but it was very awkward before and after because that’s like what we do!” Eddie explained.

“You were relaxed at the baby shower. You guys looked really cute together actually,” he pointed out.

“Yeah, that was before I fucking bawled my eyes out to him talking about how fucking empty I feel,” Eddie grumbled.

“Uh, I think I missed something,” Stan said. Eddie sighed.

“Ugh, so we left the shower to hook up, and then after we finished I got super emotional and I’m blaming it on you and your stupid relationship talk, okay? We fall asleep after that. He fucking makes me coffee and then takes me to McDonalds on the way to my house. Then I take him in a fucking tour and the whole time he’s just actually shut up and listening and when we get to my office he just touches me without any kind of sexual intention, and it still drives me crazy. We try to say goodbye. We have sex instead, and then when I finally walk him to his car he fucking asks me out on a date and tells me he thinks I deserve to know how happy I make him. What the fuck just fucking happened to me, Stan?” Eddie rambled.

“Christ, Eds…what the fuck?” He asked.

“That’s what I’m saying! How do I do this? I…I think I like him…but…ugh! I dunno. I’m just sad. I keep crying because I let myself vent to him and whenever I vent I can’t act normal,” Eddie said.

“Well, for one I’m proud of you for accepting the date instead of turning him down. I would be having a totally different phone call right now if you didn’t even give him a try,” Stan said.

“What? Why?”

“Richie only cries in front of me for some reason. I dunno, it’s weird.”

“What? Why would he cry?”

“Not important. Anyways, what’s making you freak out?”

“Uh, everything? I have no idea how to act around him anymore. I told him so much shit, and then when we were having sex it got really really weird and emotional. It was still good, but holy shit we’ve never had sex like that before.”

“Eddie…I think you’re just experiencing emotional intimacy. It’s going to be a little bit weird, but you just have to accept that you opened up to him and accepted his comfort. Honestly, that’s a really big step. Patty and I didn’t have an emotional break through like that until we were considering getting engaged. That’s how we decided to go through with it,” Stanley told him. Eddie stressfully ran his fingers through his hair.

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Eds, calm down, okay? You don’t need to do anything, alright? He knows more about your emotions and how complex they are. Of course that’s going to feel weird afterwards.”

“How do I make it stop? This was such a bad idea. I miss only being interested in his dick,” Eddie huffed.

“Right…uh, you basically just remind yourself that he took it well and he comforted you. You can try to act normal, but you mostly just need to accept that you are now closer with Richie,” he assured him.

“Why does it hurt so much to be closer though? This feels counter intuitive,” Eddie grumbled.

“Probably because you’re emotionally stunted or something? I dunno, Eds. This is why therapy exists. Maybe you should talk about everything with him,” Stan suggested.

“Ugh, but what if I just open up to him more? Then it’ll just get worse!” He protested.

“Eds, that’s usually the goal. Do you actually want to go on a date with him? I thought you were happy with your heartbreaker bachelor lifestyle,” Stan pointed out. Eddie sighed and rubbed his forehead.

“I…yeah. Yeah, I do. He asked me out because when I was opening up I was saying something about kind of starting to get tired of…constant hook ups,” Eddie explained.

“Oh? So you don’t want to be a bachelor anymore?” Stan said in a way that Eddie could tell he was smiling.

“Shut up. He asked me out because I was talking about how lonely I was, and I was only talking about how lonely I was because you have been nagging me about getting married for no reason,” Eddie accused.

“I’m sorry, Eds. It just doesn’t seem like you’re enjoying how things are currently,” Stan said.

“Whatever…Richie was just being Richie, and…he always manages to make me feel a certain way when we hook up, y’know? I just…didn’t want to read into it for a long time,” he admitted.

“I think this date is a good thing,” Stan announced. Eddie rolled his eyes.

“What do you even wear on a date? Like I have no idea how to go about this at all,” he said.

“Just wear something kinda nice. Nothing too crazy. Maybe something you know he likes.”

“He likes it when I’m naked. Other than that he has little to no reaction to my clothes,” Eddie deadpanned.

“O-Kay, then just wear something you like. If you like it, then I bet he’ll like it too,” Stan assured him. Eddie sighed.

“Okay…”

     Sleeping that night was impossible even after the three melatonin tablets he took. He tried a hot shower and warm tea, but that didn’t help much either. Eventually he drifted off, but not before exhausting himself by pacing in circles in his bedroom. When he woke up he didn’t feel any more rested than when he fell asleep, and when he took a shower it didn’t seem to help much either. He thankfully slept in for a decent amount of time, but now he was stuck waiting for a text at three o’clock. He tended to his lawn a little bit. Mowed it despite only mowing it three days ago. He cleaned his bathroom again because he could always find something to clean in there. The previous owners didn’t leave much for him to be proud of, so he’s been renovating it since he moved in. It was just about done, but he still obsessed over the stained porcelain. He wanted to buy a new one entirely, but he was too stubborn not to try and get it sparkling new before he surrendered to that. He was disgusting again by the time he finished up, and pulled off his cleaning gloves to wash his hands and then finally check his phone. He finally got a text from Richie, but he missed it from twenty minutes ago.

Richie: hey is an hour enough time before I pick you up?

Richie: hello?

Richie: I don’t wanna leave unless you’re ready for me so…I’ll just wait for you

Eddie: sorry, I was cleaning.

Eddie: an hour is a good amount of time from now

Richie: great! See you in an hour

Eddie: okay

     His heart was racing just from a stupid text conversation, and his hands were shaking from trying to type on the touch screen. He instantly set his phone down when he sent that last text, and then turned on the fan to waft out the chemical smells before he showered. Call it a habit from his mother, but anytime he got exceedingly nervous he always felt the itch to shower and bathe himself. She’d always wash him in a panic, rough sponge baths and too hot water that almost blistered his skin. Once it was all done she would finally calm down and Eddie could catch a break. Maybe that’s what he was craving whenever he scrubbed his skin too much. After he was all cleaned up and dressed he started to actually put away his cleaning supplies, and as he finished that he heard a knock on his front door. He nervously checked his phone to see a text from Richie saying he was there, and then took a deep breath before walking out of his master bedroom to answer the door.

“Hey, sorry about…uh…” Eddie trailed off as he saw a decently sized bouquet of flowers in Richie’s hand. The other man was grinning as he held it, and Eddie suddenly felt himself blush. “…flowers,” he blurted. Richie looked down at them and then laughed nervously.

“Uh, yeah. I uh…I was at the store picking something up, and I saw these and thought…y’know. It’s a date and all,” he said. Eddie felt not only flabbergasted, but also incredibly overwhelmed by such a simple gesture.

“These are for me?” He asked. Richie nodded and then extended them forward.

“Yes! For you, sorry. I should’ve lead with that I guess,” he said. Eddie slowly accepted the plastic wrapped flowers and tried to find his tongue.

“Richie, I…no ones ever given me flowers before,” he said. Richie blinked.

“Oh. Uh…if you don’t like them, that’s okay,” he assured him. Eddie shook his head and held them closer.

“No! No, that’s not…I just don’t have anything to put them in,” he confessed.

“You mean you don’t have any vases or tall cups?” Richie asked. Eddie shook his head again.

“I’ve just never really thought to have flowers in my house,” he said.

“Well, let’s get you a vase then,” he urged nodding towards his car. Eddie blinked.

“Like right now? What about dinner?”

“You’re not starving, are you?” Richie asked. Eddie rolled his eyes and sighed before grabbing his wallet and jacket.

“Fine. We’ll get a vase,” he agreed. Richie smiled and then wrapped his arm around Eddie’s shoulders after he stepped out and closed the door.

“Sounds like fun to me,” he said before kissing the side of Eddie’s face. He blushed, but said nothing in response.

     They drove to the nearest shop, and Eddie felt a little bit stupid carrying a bouquet of flowers throughout the store. They found the kitchen and glassware section rather quickly, and Eddie was surprised by his abundance of options. There were so many different vases, and he had no idea where to start or what would be best. Richie didn’t seem to have the same problem and merely plucked a straight speckled glass vase with a blue spiral down the body.

“How about this? I like the blue,” Richie said. Eddie raised a brow.

“It’s cheesy. Out of all the vases in front of us you picked out the tackiest one,” Eddie said. Richie shrugged.

“I figured you would like it because it’s short…just like you,” he teased. Eddie rolled his eyes and cradled the bouquet to grab a larger more plain looking vase.

“This will be fine, right? My mother only had one vase and it was an heirloom. It looked so ugly,” Eddie said.

“Your mom’s house in general was ugly. That woman had no sense of style,” Richie said putting back the vase he picked up.

“That means a lot coming from you,” Eddie hummed while checking the price.

“Yeah? What are you trying to say, sweetheart?” Richie asked with a smirk. Eddie looked him up and down and raised a brow at his bright turquoise flamingo patterned button up.

“You could’ve worn a shirt I wouldn’t find in the teen section,” he said.

“Eds, this is my lucky shirt. I had to wear it today,” Richie argued.

“So you think you’ll get lucky tonight?” Eddie quipped. Richie shrugged and pointed to the shirt.

“That’s why I wore it,” he said. Eddie rolled his eyes yet again and then held onto the vase he picked out.

“This is good enough. We can go now,” Eddie said.

“Great. I’ll take that then,” Richie said and plucked it from Eddie’s arm.

“Wha—what do you mean? Richie, I’m going to buy that,” Eddie said as he followed him down the aisle.

“Honestly, babe, did you think I was only gonna buy you the flowers? Not a chance,” Richie insisted. Eddie blushed at the pet name again, and huffed as he followed Richie to check out and go home.

“Seriously, Richie. Just because it’s a date doesn’t mean you have to buy me everything,” Eddie said once they got home and started putting the flowers together. Richie shrugged as he poured the powdered flower food into the water.

“It’s a gift! You’re always bad at accepting gifts,” he said.

“I am not,” Eddie argued while trimming the ends of the stems.

“I have to trick you on your birthday so you don’t start going on about how you could’ve bought it yourself,” Richie told him. Eddie frowned at that.

“What do you mean? You only give me hand-me-downs and trinkets you find in the thrift store,” Eddie said. Richie bit back a smile and shook his head.

“I hate to break it to you, Eds, but all the gifts I’ve ever given you were brand new. I’ve never given you a gift I haven’t paid for,” Richie told him. Eddie furrowed his brows.

“What? Why would you do that? I can buy things myself,” he said.

“It’s not about the price, Eds. It’s weird that you like gifts better when you think I didn’t pay for them.”

“I just don’t think it’s worth spending money on things. I’d rather just…I dunno…”

“Have amazing birthday sex?” Richie guessed. Eddie was quiet for a moment while he clipped the last of the stems.

“I mean, that’s never a bad idea,” he murmured. Richie chuckled and then took the bouquet while Eddie washed his hands.

“For what it’s worth, I think spending money on things for you is the least important part of the gift. At the end of the day, I buy you a gift that I think you’ll like because I like you,” Richie said. Eddie froze hearing that, and then slowly turned off the faucet.

“Oh…”

“How’s this?” Richie asked. He looked over to see the bouquet sat perfectly in the vase, and Eddie felt his heart start to race again.

“It’s…beautiful,” he said.

“Do you want it on the counter? Or maybe on the dinning room table? I think it’ll look good on the table,” Richie said. He picked it up without waiting for Eddie’s response and walked to the nearby table to do so. He set it perfectly in the center, and Eddie was slow to dry his hands and step closer to see it.

“That’s nice,” Eddie agreed.

“It really opens up the room too. Makes it feel kinda cozy,” Richie said. 

     Eddie nodded and kept his eyes on the bouquet. It was funny but also frustrating how a bundle of flowers made him feel so many things. The fact that Richie thought of him when he bought it, that fact that it was so spontaneous and sweet of him to get the vase with him as well. Everything from the bright colors to the abruptness of it reminded him of Richie, and it fit so perfectly in his house too.

“Anyways, what were you thinking for dinner? There’s a really nice Chinese place nearby, but if you wanna go somewhere else I’m down for whatever,” Richie continued as normal. Eddie’s heart was still flooding with emotions while Richie talked, and when he stepped closer to Eddie he felt himself snap.

     Instead of answering his question, Eddie grabbed at Richie’s shirt and pulled him down for a kiss. It wasn’t gentle, but it was still sweet as he wrapped his arms around Richie’s neck. The other man caught on quickly and flawlessly, and Eddie couldn’t die happy feeling how Richie’s hands fit so perfectly around his waist. He let Richie push their bodies together, and he happily got their tongues involved to encourage him. His hands found their way to Richie’s hair, and he was almost annoyed with himself for his new and sudden interest in his dense curls. They’ve been hooking up for two years straight, but Eddie had never felt such a strong desire to touch his hair and hold him closer by it before. He eventually ended up being guided back and lifted onto the counter, and he let Richie pull off his shirt and undo his pants. Eddie unbuttoned his shirt at the same time, and moaned as Richie kissed down his neck and over his collar bones.

“God, you’re so cute, Eds,” Richie murmured while squeezing his waist and his hips.

“Richie…fuck…” Eddie sighed while pushing back his now opened shirt and jacket. Richie let go of him momentarily to rid himself of the fabric, and pulled Eddie closer by grabbing his ass. Eddie moaned at the strength of his hands, and cupped his face as their lips reconnected.

“You’re not starving, right?” Richie asked. Eddie shook his head.

“No. Only hungry for you,” he cooed while touching down his chest and close to his pants.

“Yeah, dinner can definitely wait,” Richie said.

     Eddie gasped when Richie picked him up, but was quick to cling to him as Richie carried him to the master bedroom. He laid Eddie down on his back as usual, but he instantly got up and pushed Richie against his headboard instead. He crawled into his lap, and Richie gladly accepted him with open arms that clamped around him like a bear trap. Their lips met again, and Eddie really couldn’t get enough of him anymore. In the past he was able to feel some sort of satisfaction that told him to stop, but now he just wanted more. More of Richie’s kisses. More of his hands on his body. More of his smile and his laugh and his stupid jokes. More of the sweetness that made Eddie’s heart melt whenever he decided to show it. There was no more “enough” any more, there was only a hunger that could not be satiated.

“You wanna ride me, sweetheart? Can I prep you for it?” Richie asked while squeezing and feeling up Eddie’s ass through his pants. Eddie nodded and hummed in attempt to hold back a moan. Richie pulled down his pants, and Eddie stood on his knees to help strip himself. Before he returned he pulled off Richie’s pants too, and then reached into his nightstand for lube and a condom. He set them to the side, and then finally returned to his lips like he wanted to the whole time.

“Fuck…mmh…Eds, you’re so sexy,” Richie cooed. His hands squeezing his ass and pulling his cheeks apart.

“Hmm…I love it when you touch me,” he confessed. Richie smiled at that, and then gently stroked Eddie’s hole with a dry finger. He trembled at the friction, and kissed him harder.

“So cute…how’s that feel, sweetheart?” Richie teased.

“Shut up, and actually finger me,” Eddie groaned. Richie chuckled and then grabbed the lube to do as he was told.

“My pleasure,” he said while wetting his fingers. He smoothed the product over Eddie’s hole, and then took his time to tease and ease a finger inside. While Eddie was impatient, he wasn’t stupid. He understood that it would benefit them both if they took the time to properly stretch him out. So he instead of whining for more he merely stroked Richie’s cheeks and continued with his smothering kisses.

“Mm…Eds…” Richie rasped.

“Shut up,” Eddie murmured and continued kissing him on the lips.

“I guess I’ll just keep it at one finger then,” Richie said with a smirk. Eddie rolled his eyes and kissed him once more.

“You can do two now. After yesterday I can’t imagine this taking too long,” Eddie said. Richie chuckled and then kissed the side of his face. His voice rumbled when it was so close to Eddie’s ear, and it made him want Richie even more. He didn’t try to hide his moans when he added the second digit, and he touched down Richie’s shoulders as he was properly stretched.

“It helps that you open up so easily for me. You’re so beautiful. Your body just takes everything I give, huh?” He continued while nosing under his ear. Eddie’s eyes rolled shut, and he could feel the goosebumps Richie gave him just from talking. He nodded and then nuzzled against Richie’s neck to put some distance from his ear.

“Richie…” he whimpered.

“Can I add another?” Richie asked. Eddie nodded.

“Yes! Please,” he begged and started kissing his neck again. He gasped when he added a third finger, and fully wrapped his arms around Richie’s neck while he got used to the stretch. “Fuck…oh shit…”

“I gotcha, baby. You’re doing so good,” Richie cooed and wrapped his free arm around his waist. Eddie’s body sang with Richie’s touch, and he nuzzled affectionately against his neck again. He slowed down the pace of his fingers and traded speed for curling and scissoring them to prep Eddie even further.

“Richie…mmmhh…” Eddie moaned.

“Yeah, baby?” Richie murmured. His lips had been absent for a moment, and when Eddie nosed at his jaw he figured he must’ve been looking at his body instead.

“Put it in,” he huffed. Richie nodded and then kissed the side of his head before grabbing the condom. He ripped it open with his teeth while Eddie pressed gentle kisses to his cheek and his neck.

“Fuck, Eds…” Richie sighed and shook his head.

“Is everything okay?” Eddie asked pulling back. Richie nodded and then looked back at him as he rolled down the condom.

“Yeah. Sorry, just…I’m happy to be doing this with you,” he said sweetly. Eddie furrowed his brows and then kissed Richie on the lips again. It lingered, and Eddie held Richie’s cheeks while letting their lips tangle and grab each other. They didn’t typically kiss like that. Their kisses were always heated with a bite to it, but now everything was so much more intentional and comforting. He just wanted to kiss Richie all day and fall asleep with his kisses around his face.

“Me too,” Eddie murmured when they finally parted. Richie nodded, and then helped guide Eddie settle on his lap. He held his cock perfectly still for Eddie to sit on, and as he sank down his length he couldn’t help but groan and crumble as he held Eddie close by his waist. Eddie cradled his head as he easily took his entire length, and then happily rolled his hips against it.

“Fuck, Eddie…god, you’re so fucking good,” Richie wheezed. Eddie smiled at that, and tilted his head up for another kiss.

“Yeah? You like that?” He cooed. Richie nodded and fully leaned back against the headboard to move his hips with him.

“Yes…so much. I fucking love your ass, baby. You’re so sexy and you’re so fucking hot. You always look so cute when you take it. Wanna watch you cum everyday. Wanna fuck you everyday. Make you feel good everyday…ahh, fuck,” he rambled. Eddie drew a wide circle with his hips, and Richie groaned in response. He grabbed Eddie’s ass when he did it again, and shoved him harshly into his next thrust. Eddie whimpered and let his forehead rest against Richie’s.

“God, you’re so fucking stupid sometimes. You say the dumbest things but I still want you just as bad. I can’t believe you fucking bought me flowers,” Eddie went on. Richie’s brows pinched and he cupped the side of Eddie’s face.

“Of course I would…Eds, you’re so amazing…it’s what you deserve,” Richie told him. Eddie bit his lip before it could even try to tremble, and then he smashed their mouths together for another less than graceful kiss.

“Mhh…fuck you…” Eddie gasped. He started to lift and drop himself on Richie’s cock, and Richie didn’t take long before he helped him by grabbing his hips and hammering his own up into him. His head fell and he leaned it against Richie’s shoulder instead.

“I gotcha…I gotcha, baby…do you like that?” Richie murmured and then kissed the side of his face. Eddie nodded while pathetically trying to muffle his moans into Richie’s shoulder and chest.

“Rich…fuck…” was all he could manage, and he desperately clung to the other man as he got closer and closer to his climax.

“You sound so cute like that…fuck, I always knew you’d have the most adorable fucking moans. Every time I pissed you off when we were in school your voice would go all shrill and I could only think about how you’d sound with my dick inside you,” Richie confessed. Eddie’s hands found their way through Richie’s hair again and he managed to look at him with furrowed brows.

“Christ, Richie, even when we were kids?” He asked. Richie laughed, and slowed to a stop to nod. Eddie caught his breath and continued his hips in a desperate attempt to get that stimulation back. “Don’t stop. Please, I was getting close,” he begged. Richie laughed again, and then shifted his feet against the bed to get a better angle.

“To answer your question, yeah. Even as kids,” Richie confirmed while he started at a slower pace that before. Eddie whimpered and pressed his hips down into each thrust despite Richie’s strong hands trying to keep him in place.

“You’re such a fucking pervert. What took you so fucking long?” Eddie asked.

“Nerves? I’m a fucking coward? I thought you hated the idea of hook ups?” Richie listed while struggling with Eddie’s determination. He sped up a little to try and please him, but Eddie only wanted more.

“I would’ve let you fucked me in high school,” he told him. Richie stopped dead in his tracks.

“Wait, what?” He asked.

“Richie,” Eddie whined while trying to bounce on his lap.

“You seriously would’ve…in high school?“ he questioned. Eddie sighed and then finally gave up.

“Yes? Why do you think I suggested we try making out so many times? I already knew I was gay,” Eddie said.

“Oh…wow, I really am stupid,” Richie said. Eddie pouted and tried to move his hips in a more subtle and tempting way.

“It doesn’t matter anymore, okay? Please, Richie. You make me feel so good. I want more,” he cooed. Richie nodded and then kissed him sweetly.

“Of course, sweetheart. I’ll make you feel better than good,” he promised. 

     Eddie nodded, and then gasped as he was suddenly pushed onto his back. Richie crawled over him, and then easily slipped back inside him like he never left. The speed and force of Richie’s cock entering him made his back arch in shock, and when it was immediately followed up with smooth thrusts he was back to that bliss he had earlier. Richie kissed all over his neck, and pulled him into each thrust by grabbing his waist. Within minutes he was shaking and trembling as his orgasm approached, and when he came he felt so much pleasure he could only sob once it was over. He flinched from the after shocks, and loved the warmth of Richie all over him as he came next. He rocked his cock so deeply inside him, and when he finally came Eddie’s brain was taken over by the idea of Richie cumming inside him without a condom on. That was the second time he had thought about that, and he was beginning to become concerned with where his brain was going.

“Fuck…Eddie, holy shit,” Richie groaned. Eddie guided Richie’s lips back to his, and they kissed as Richie experienced the last of his orgasm.

“Mh…Richie…” Eddie cooed. Richie let his head fall against Eddie’s chest while he caught his breath, and happily wrapped his arms around Eddie’s waist.

“It was the flamingos,” he sighed. Eddie frowned.

“What?” He asked.

“The flamingos…on my lucky shirt. That’s what did it for you, huh?” He said. His voice too tired to tease. Eddie couldn’t help but smile and shook his head.

“God, you’re so stupid,” he sighed.

“I’m not hearing any denial,” Richie pointed out. Eddie kissed the top of his head.

“Shut up, Richie.”

Chapter Text

     They ended up ordering take out for delivery and watching shitty movies on Eddie’s couch for the rest of the evening. Richie called and paid for the food despite Eddie’s protests, but he had the extra cash to give a decent tip to the delivery driver once they came. It was a little bit awkward again when they were getting dressed again and settling down, but as they ate their chow mein and orange chicken on the couch Eddie felt a little bit better. He kept some distance between them while they ate, but he definitely felt a pull that made him want to be closer despite his internal protests. It was quiet except for the movie, and as they finished their food that pull only pulled harder. There was no way for Eddie to approach it without feeling a sense of shame. Even with Richie being fully open and welcoming with his arm on the back of the couch, Eddie felt a little too seen when he inched closer and tried to fit into his position. He very much felt like the guilty cat crawling onto the keyboard despite knowing it shouldn’t be there. The only difference was that the only one telling Eddie he shouldn’t be curled up by Richie’s side was himself for some strange reason.

     Taking a surreptitious deep breath, Eddie swallowed his pride and finally crawled over to make himself comfortable against Richie’s chest. He fit a little too perfectly against his side, and his arm a little too snug across his chest. The arm Richie had across the couch easily curled around Eddie’s shoulders, and he had a feeling Richie had been waiting for him the entire time. He sighed at that thought and then relaxed his head against Richie’s chest. His fingers anxiously fiddled with his nails, and he tried to calm his racing heart as Richie gently stroked his shoulder. It was such a sweet gesture, and after everything that had happened in the past thirty-six hours or so it just felt like more than a gesture.

“You okay?” Richie asked after some time had passed. Eddie blinked up at him and then nodded before returning his head to Richie’s chest.

“Yeah. Just…kinda tired,” he answered.

“Did you wanna head to bed? You have work tomorrow, right?” He questioned. Eddie nodded and went from his fingers to his sleeve to play with.

“Yeah, I work. We can continue watching though. It’s not like I’m exhausted. Just…full,” he replied.

“Yeah, Chinese food does that to you,” Richie agreed with a chuckle. 

     Eddie was silent for a moment and then felt his heart tremble when Richie held him tighter and kissed the top of his head. Another simple gesture that wasn’t so simple considering everything. He buried his face into Richie’s shirt, and tried his best not to have a complete melt down over how nice it felt to simply be held with no expectations or sex required in exchange. Just an affectionate squeeze, and gentle lips atop his head. It was enough to make him cry, but he held it back because he was simply too embarrassed to think about crying in front of Richie for the third time. Instead he focused on the movie again while trying to will away the pain of healing.

“This was a good choice. Good movie,” Richie said. Eddie hated how much he loved Richie’s stupid sense of humor.

“You picked it out,” he replied.

“Oh yeah. I guess I did,” Richie said with a smile. Eddie looked up to see that smile that he heard in his voice, and was overwhelmed by how close their faces were. He immediately gave into a kiss on the lips, and then let out a shaky breath as Richie combed his fingers through his hair.

“Why were you so surprised earlier?” Eddie asked. It had been eating away at the back of his head, but he was too blissed out and subdued from his orgasm until now to ask. Richie frowned.

“Surprised about what?” He questioned.

“About the fact that I would’ve hooked up with you in high school. Why was that so surprising to you?” He reiterated. Richie blinked and then grabbed the remote to turn down the movie. They had both seen it multiple times, so neither of them cared to miss parts.

“Because you’re you, Eds. I was surprised you even wanted to hook up with me again after Bevvy’s party. I thought you only hooked up with me the first time because you were absolutely shit faced,” Richie said.

“That’s not really an answer, Rich,” Eddie told him. Richie pursed his lips and then nodded.

“That’s fair. Yeah. Uh…I dunno, Eds. It might depress you to hear the exact reason why,” Richie said honestly.

“I was literally crying my heart out yesterday about feeling like I’m not allowed to get married and have a family,” Eddie deadpanned.

“I mean when you put it like that it’s hard to argue,” Richie said. Eddie rolled his eyes and then gently touched higher on his chest.

“I wanna know, Richie,” he insisted softly. Richie sighed and then nodded.

“Because I never thought I was good enough for you,” he said bluntly. Eddie was quiet for a moment.

“You…what?”

“I always thought you’d be grossed out by me, y’know? You’ve always been a germaphobe because of your mom, and you were always talking about how nasty I am and shit. I just figured I had no shot. Also because you’re super fucking hot and I’m…well…I mean, you’ve seen me,” Richie went on. Eddie frowned hearing that last part.

“Richie…that’s absurd. I’ve always liked you. I just…haven’t had the easiest time with my own shit is all,” he said. Richie was quiet now instead. “Also, I have seen you. I happen to be extremely attracted to you. I don’t even know what you mean by that.”

“C’mon, Eds. It’s no secret that I’m a total goof. Bowers could smell me from a mile away. He acted like I was some sort of freak, y’know? I may have grown into my glasses, but I am probably the least sexy thing on the planet,” he scoffed. Eddie sat back to properly look at him, and furrowed his brows.

“Is that really how you feel about yourself?” He asked. Richie blinked and suddenly looked sheepish.

“Uh…I mean…yeah? I thought we all knew that in our group. Richie is the weird funny one that looks like a hairy toe, oh ha-ha! That stuff,” He replied. Eddie shook his head.

“Richie, no one in the group thinks you’re ugly. No one would ever talk about you like this,” Eddie told him. Richie’s eyes were stuck on Eddie for a moment, but he quickly looked away as he reached under his glasses to wipe at them.

“Oh…gotcha…um…” he stammered in a watery voice. That prompted Eddie to reach for his face, and then guided his head so their eyes could meet. His eyes were bordered with tears, and his glasses did a good job of hiding the redness too.

“Richie…” Eddie sighed as he affectionately stroked his cheek. He tried to look away, and Eddie let him go long enough for him to wipe his tears again.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean…y’know. I was just…um…a little overwhelmed,” he murmured. Eddie felt his heart sink, and decided to crawl into Richie’s lap to hug him. He straddled his hips, and fully embraced him with his arms around his neck and his head pressed against Richie’s. The other man accepted him with open arms, and held him tightly as wet tears continued to fall on his shoulder.

“We love you, Richie. I’m sorry you thought that,” Eddie cooed. Richie sniffled and then kissed Eddie’s neck.

“No, I’m just being dramatic. Sorry.”

“It’s okay…”

“You really don’t think I’m gross or anything?” Richie asked. Eddie sat back to look at him and shook his head.

“No! Of course not! If I actually thought you were gross I wouldn’t let you anywhere near me. Richie, you’re my best friend. Of course I have love for you. I never really thought you were gross. It was all just a stupid joke and being scared of stupid shit because of my mom,” Eddie assured him. Richie looked up at him, and Eddie wiped away one of his tears.

“Yeah?”

“Yes. Richie, if I ever actually thought you were gross, we wouldn’t have made out so many times in high school,” he pointed out.

“I thought you just wanted to experiment…and that sex with me was too repulsive for you to consider,” Richie told him. Eddie shook his head.

“No, I just…I felt like I couldn’t. Y’know…I couldn’t ask for something like that because… because I knew I was gay and I was told I’d fucking go to hell if I liked boys,” Eddie explained. Richie nodded.

“Yeah, I remember all that shit. My parents weren’t as hardcore as your mom was, but fuck that was rough growing up,” he agreed.

“Richie, I never thought sex with you was gross. I was more disgusted with myself than anything, but…I just wanted you so bad I had to try something,” Eddie said. Richie’s hands gently stroked at Eddie’s waist, and he caressed Richie’s face in return.

“You really wanted me?” He asked shyly. Eddie nodded.

“Yes…have you seen yourself? I wanted you so bad it was embarrassing. I was waiting for you to make another move because if we let it happen on accident then I wouldn’t have felt so guilty. That night at Bevvy’s party…” Eddie sighed. He swore to himself that he’d never share this secret with anyone, but he couldn’t bare to keep it hearing what Richie was telling him. “I wasn’t actually as drunk as everyone thought I was, okay? I just pretended to be so it wouldn’t look weird when I kissed you a midnight,” he admitted. Richie blinked at him with wide eyes.

“You did that on purpose?” He asked. Eddie nodded, and then touched over Richie’s shoulders.

“Yeah…and then I purposefully tried to drag you to my apartment and…I basically planned it all. I didn’t know how else to approach you because we were both sleeping around and I thought there was a weird reason you didn’t ask me since we used to make out like once a week until we went to college,” Eddie said.

“I thought you were seeing someone. I didn’t know it was casual until you started pulling me to your bedroom and you told me,” Richie said.

“I wanted you so bad that night. I still do. You drive me fucking crazy sometimes, Rich,” Eddie said in a more grumpy than seductive way.

“I do?” Richie asked sounding surprised. Eddie nodded.

“Yes! Why do you think we’ve been having so much sex lately?”

“Because you were sad?” Richie guessed. Eddie sighed and shook his head before hugging him again and kissing his neck.

“Because you’re always there for me, Richie. Even when I don’t think I need you, but I do,” Eddie said. Richie ran his fingers up Eddie’s spine, and he kissed Eddie’s shoulder in return.

“Eds…”

“I feel so alone all the time, y’know? Like…like I’m the only one who’s going to burn. I’m the only sinner and it’s my fault for choosing to be like this. I feel like I don’t deserve happiness, and then you come along and make me feel fucking amazing,” he went on. Richie held him closer, and Eddie wanted to cry too from the intimacy. It was somehow more intense talking about this than an hour ago when Richie’s cock was balls deep inside of him.

“I…I’m just spending time with you,” Richie said.

“You’re holding me, Richie. You’re talking to me. You’re treating me like a person. That’s harder for people to do than you realize,” Eddie said.

“Eds…”

“I’ve had so many guys that just leave. We do whatever we want, and then they just fucking leave me by myself without any excuse or reason. Hooking up is just so exhausting. When I’m with you…it feels like I’m an actual human being with feelings, y’know?” He continued. Richie nodded and pressed his face against Eddie’s neck. It felt good to just hold each other and indulge in the intimacy instead of try to get away from it. He had tried to run from it for so long because he knew that he wanted it. He wanted it more than anything.

“I get that…you’re my only main squeeze that actually cared about me. Everyone else was so guarded. Acting like a relationship was too serious. It’s too much. It’s not cool and all that shit. It might not be the safest to go out in public these days, but we can at least exist together, right?” Richie said. Eddie nodded and then pulled back again to look down at him.

“I’m really sorry, Richie,” he whispered. Richie frowned.

“For what? Eds, you’re…you’re amazing,” Richie replied. Eddie shook his head.

“I was trying so hard to be distant like that. I’ve been so scared of doing the things that I want to do that I’ve been pushing away the things I want the most. I’ve been pushing away the people I want the most. I’ve been trying to act like there’s nothing between us except for sex for the past two years when thats just so wrong,” he rambled while cupping Richie’s face again. He furrowed his brows as Eddie spoke, and ran his fingers through Eddie’s hair.

“Eds…Christ,” he sighed.

“I have this feeling that I can’t be happy. That I’m so immoral and fucked up that I don’t deserve the same things as straight people. I feel so anxious when we get close, but it feels so good at the same time. Watching Bev and Ben get engaged like that…it hurt. It hurt so bad. I felt so fucking empty watching that. I felt like it was just another reminder that I’ll never get something like that. It doesn’t matter if it’s legal or not, y’know? I’m just…morally bankrupt,” Eddie continued as his own tears fell. Richie reached to wipe them and then gently pulled him down for a kiss.

“You’re not morally bankrupt, Eds. You’re just a person,” he murmured.

“I’m just…I’m sorry that my own self loathing made you feel like I thought you were gross. It’s really just me being depressed and sad. I never thought about how my own shit would affect you,” Eddie explained. Richie shook his head.

“Hey, I get it. I get the self loathing, and the morality. All the guilt and the sadness, a—and thinking about what you do and don’t deserve. I get it. It’s not fucking easy to navigate, okay? Please, don’t blame yourself,” he cooed. Eddie took a shaky breath and then nodded.

“Okay…as long as you don’t ever say shit about yourself like that again. Even to yourself. I have seen you, Richie. I like what I see, and I’m not just saying that to make you feel better, okay?” He said. Richie cracked a smile and then nodded.

“Okay. I’ll work on that,” he replied. Eddie nodded again, and then pressed another kiss to his lips.

“I do like you, Richie. I like you a lot. It’s almost terrifying,” he said. Richie held him tight around his waist and kissed him sweetly.

“I like you too, Eds…”

     For the next couple hours, they spent their time making out on the couch in that exact position. The movie ran out, but they continued without a care in the world. It felt nice to touch and kiss and hold each other without any sexual motivation. They were kissing just for the sake of kissing, and they had sex too recently to actually get anything out of it besides the warmth and the comfort of being close and intimate with each other. Eddie couldn’t stop his fingers from running and twisting through Richie’s hair, and he loved how easily Richie’s hands fit with his body. He held Eddie’s waist like he was the most beautiful thing in the universe, and the chills he brought from running his fingers up and down his spine were absolutely addicting. It was easy to lose track of time when they were so lost in each other, but eventually they were interrupted by Eddie’s phone going off. He pulled off to rest his head against Richie’s shoulder, and groaned before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone.

“Hello?” He answered without checking the caller ID.

“Hey! How’d the date go?” Stan asked. Eddie felt himself blush, but was distracted by Richie pressing soft kisses to his neck.

“Good. Uh…I think it’s technically still going,” Eddie replied.

“Really? It’s pretty late. You said he was coming around four, right?” Stan asked.

“Uh…” he trailed off and then held the speaker away from his mouth. “When did you get here?” Eddie asked Richie.

“Mm…like four thirty,” Richie answered.

“He got here at four thirty. What time is it now?” Eddie spoke into the speaker again to talk to Stan.

“It’s like ten o’clock, Eds. Don’t you have work tomorrow?” He said.

“Oh shit. Yeah I do,” he said. He instantly scrambled out of Richie’s lap to turn on the lights. He checked his mechanical clock on the wall, and it was definitely past ten. “Shit, when did it get so late?” He cursed.

“Fuck, is it past ten already?” Richie asked blinking at the time.

“Stan, I have to go. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how late it was,” Eddie huffed.

“It’s okay. I’ll text you tomorrow,” Stan said.

“That sounds good. Sorry!” Eddie said again before hanging up.

“Was that Stan?” Richie asked as he stood up. Eddie nodded and then turned to face him.

“Yeah, he was asking about our date. I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize it got so late,” he said. He then walked past Richie to start cleaning up their mess, but was stopped when he tried to turn and rush to the kitchen.

“Hey, it’s okay. Don’t worry,” Richie assured him and took some of the trash out of his hands.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. You should probably just go home and get some rest,” Eddie suggested. Richie shook his head.

“It’s okay. It’s just a few boxes,” he insisted.

“You’re so stubborn,” Eddie sighed and then leaned down to close the boxes that still had food in them. Richie laughed from his kitchen and returned to give Eddie a kiss on the cheek.

“You say that like you’re not stubborn too,” he said. Eddie blushed and held up the two boxes of left overs.

“Do you want the white rice or the stir fry?” He offered.

“You can have them. It’s okay,” Richie said. Eddie rolled his eyes and handed him the stir fry.

“Shut up and take the fucking food,” he replied. Richie laughed and then accepted the box.

“Only because you told me to,” he said. Eddie shook his head and then walked past him to put his rice in the fridge.

“Do you have everything? Keys, wallet, shoes? Clothes?” Eddie asked. Richie nodded and held up his keys.

“Yup. I’m all set,” he replied. Eddie nodded and then walked out of his kitchen to his front door. Richie met him there, and they looked at each other for a moment before meeting for another kiss on the lips.

“Sorry again…I didn’t realize how late it was getting and it was just nice to…forget about things for a while,” Eddie murmured. Richie nodded.

“I get it. I’m not upset,” he assured him. Eddie smiled and then kissed him one more time.

“I’ll see you later. Drive home safe, okay?”

“Okay. I’ll text you,” Richie said. Eddie shook his head.

“Don’t. I work tomorrow, remember?” He said.

“I’ll still text you. Just so you know I’m thinking about you,” Richie insisted. Eddie blushed and gently pushed him towards the door.

“Go before I change my mind,” Eddie threatened. Richie raised his brows.

“Oh? And what would you do if you changed your mind?” Richie questioned. Eddie opened the door for him and then left him with one last lingering kiss.

“Like you need help figuring that out,” he cooed. Richie chuckled and stole another kiss before finally stepping out.

“I’ll be dreaming about it all night then,” he said. Eddie rolled his eyes and leaned against his open door as Richie reluctantly stepped backwards.

“Actually get some rest. I don’t want you to be a zombie tomorrow,” Eddie said. Richie nodded and then waved goodbye.

“I will. See you later,” he said.

“Goodnight, Richie,” Eddie said softly. Richie smiled back.

“Goodnight, Eds.”

     The next day Eddie was certain he was more of the zombie than Richie was. He woke up with a type of grogginess that not even a spry shower could fix. His coffee didn’t light him up like it usually did, and his drive to work felt even more monotonous than it did last time. The long trek to his cubicle was even more empty, and once he got started on his work he was ready to pack up and go back to sleep. Eventually Richie texted as promised, but so did Stan and Beverly. They all must’ve been on their lunch breaks, and Eddie’s was thirty minutes away when the messages started popping up. He saved them for later, and trudged through the last of his work to meet his clock out time. 

     Once he was free he grabbed his lunch that he miraculously remembered, and then left to eat outside like he always did. The first person he was tempted to respond to was Richie, but thinking about wanting talking to him again so soon made him feel pathetic. He could argue with himself for twenty minutes about how it’s common to enter a honeymoon phase and want to constantly talk to the person you are infatuated with, but he decided to cut it short and just call Stan instead.

“Hello. I didn’t think you would want to call,” Stan said.

“I’d rather hear your sass than feel it in your texts. It’s almost easier to ignore,” Eddie replied.

“I take it the date went really well? Considering it was still going on at ten o’clock?” Stan asked sounding smug. Eddie sighed.

“We did that thing again,” he said.

“What thing? God, did you guys just end up having sex again? Is that what you were doing when I called?” Stan groaned.

“No—well, yeah we had sex, but no we weren’t doing that when you called…actually we were making out, but we had sex earlier so we weren’t exactly going at it—“

“Just…tell me what that thing is, okay? I don’t need all of this,” Stan cut him off.

“We opened up to each other again,” Eddie told him.

“Oh…wait, that’s good. How’d it go?”

“It was…good. We cried like fucking babies,” Eddie said.

“Oh? Richie cried in front of you?” He asked.

“Yeah, I bet you don’t feel so special anymore,” Eddie said sarcastically.

“I’m feeling more relieved than anything. What did you talk about? If you don’t mind sharing.”

“I told him I would’ve hooked up with him in high school and he was actually really surprised by that, so I asked him why and that took off from there,” Eddie said.

“Wow. Uh, yeah that would definitely throw Richie through it. I didn’t know what was going on at the time, but he seemed really attached to you.”

“That’s because we were playing tonsil tennis in the clubhouse whenever we were alone.”

“Great. Didn’t need to know that.”

“He brought me flowers,” Eddie said a little quieter than usual.

“Well that was sweet of him. It also sounds like a very Richie thing to do,” Stan replied.

“No one has ever done that for me before…so I didn’t have a vase, and he just…took me to the store and bought me one. Then we spent time trimming the stems and getting the water prepared and putting it together, and…” he sighed. “…it looked really good on my dining room table,” he murmured.

“That’s really nice, Eds. It sounds like it was a nice experience,” Stan said. His voice lacked any of the sass he usually would’ve had, and Eddie appreciated his humility in that moment.

“It was…really nice. Um…it made me really emotional for some reason, so we had sex instead of going to dinner. But we ordered take out after and watched a movie, so it still counts as a date,” Eddie said. Stan chuckled a little.

“That’s fair. Anything can be a date if you wanna call it that. There’s no rules when it comes to this kinda stuff, Eds,” Stan assured him. Eddie took a shaky breath and took a bite of his sandwich.

“How’s Patty doing? Getting ready for the baby?” He asked.

“Yeah, she’s been waddling around. She’s got a couple more weeks, so I’ve been helping out as much as possible. My boss is gonna let me start working from home after she gives birth for a while to help take care of everything. Thankfully she gets maternity leave, but she’s been struggling at the shop recently and helping customers,” Stan answered.

“Well, she won’t have much longer. Let me know if you guys need anything, okay?”

“Of course, Eds. We appreciate that.”

“Anytime…” he trailed off, and then bit his lip. “Hey…Stan?”

“Yeah, Eds?”

“How did…how did it feel when you got married?” He asked.

“When I got married? Uh, which part? It was a pretty long ceremony,” Stan said.

“Your favorite part. How did it feel?”

“Well…my favorite part was when Pat and I got in the taxi and drove off to the airport. We were waving goodbye, and then we finally had a moment alone for the first time as husband and wife. I looked at her and she looked at me and we just…started laughing,” Stan told him. Eddie felt his heart grow heavy, and he smiled a little.

“Yeah? What was so funny?” He asked. Stan laughed a little as he remembered.

“Nothing. It was just…so crazy and so amazing. It was like we couldn’t believe we just got married. Like…we had waited for so long, and now that we were alone we could finally just enjoy it,” he said.

“That’s really sweet, Stan,” he murmured.

“Hey, Eds?” Stanley said. Eddie sighed and tried not to let his throat strain from the threatening tears.

“Yeah, Stan?”

“I think you deserve to know what that feels like. It’s pretty awesome, and if it’s something that you want you should be able to have it,” he told him. Eddie felt his lips tremble, and he bit down on the bottom one as he felt a tear escape.

“Um…th—thanks, Stan. Uh, I’ll talk to you later, okay? My lunch is gonna end soon, and I need to shove this sandwich in my face really quick,” Eddie said. Stan chuckled.

“Alright. Sounds good. I’ll see you later.”

“Yeah…see ya.”

     Eddie took a moment to collect himself, and then finished his sandwich before packing up and heading back to work. The rest of the day he could only think about Stanley’s kind words, and he was stuck trying to fight this sudden idea that he was being selfish for wanting that experience. His mother would always tell him about his future wife and what he should look for. How she should behave and benefit him, and how he should provide and care for her. She told him all about gay people and horrible they were for wanting to defy the word of god. How they were trying to rewrite the Bible and shove their way into definition of marriage. She always talked about them with a scowl and a wrinkle in her nose. As if the mere mention of them made her revolt and gag. He hated thinking about all the hateful things she used to say, but as he remembered it in her voice it made sense where all his guilt and loathing came from. It came from her. His church never mentioned gay people that much, and when they did it was passive. It was his mother who spoke so badly about them.

     By the time Eddie finally got home he felt more exhausted than usual. Mostly from his lack of sleep the previous night, but also from the mental gymnastics he’s been doing since his phone call with Stan. He checked his phone to see the other messages waiting for him, and felt guilty as he read them. Richie sent him two more that made him smile, but the one from Beverly really caught his eye. It was a simple hello along with well wishes and telling him that she missed him after the baby shower. He felt a little guilty when he remembered how quickly he tried to leave after Ben proposed to her, and instinctively called her back instead of text.

“Eddie! I’m so glad you called,” she said as she answered the phone. He smiled hearing her voice.

“Hey, Bevvy. Sorry, I didn’t have time to call you during my lunch. What’s up?” He replied.

“Not much. I’m just missing you. I didn’t catch you after Ben proposed at the shower, and I thought you might wanna see the ring up close. Wanna do lunch sometime this week?” She asked. Eddie hesitated for a moment, but continued as usual.

“Uh, yeah. That sounds really great. You’re still at your boutique, right?”

“Yeah, we can meet at that little cafe with the good coffee,” she said. Eddie knew exactly what cafe she was talking about.

“That sounds good. Sorry I left so early. I was just…a little overwhelmed. I’m so happy for you,” he said.

“Oh, that’s okay. There was a lot going on, so I don’t blame you,” she assured him.

“Yeah, but I’m really happy for you. I know you and Ben have been going pretty strong recently,” he said.

“I mean we’ve been dating for a while, but I was so blown away by that. I really wasn’t expecting that, and it was so sweet he did it in front of the people I trust the most.”

“Ben has always been really thoughtful,” Eddie replied.

“Right, although something else I wasn’t expecting was seeing you with the one and only Richie Tozier hanging off you like that. What’s going on there? Why didn’t you tell me you guys were going to the shower together?” She asked. Eddie laughed nervously and ran his fingers through his hair.

“Oh, that was…uh, I’ll tell you about it over lunch tomorrow, okay? It’s kind of a long story,” he said.

“Ugh, fine. I guess I’ll wait to hear about you. You sound tired anyways,” she hummed.

“I’ll tell you everything you wanna hear, okay? I promise,” he assured her. She giggled.

“Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, Bev.”

“Night, Eds.”

     Eddie hung up after that, and then finally addressed the texts that Richie sent. He had been avoiding them all day, and it was filling him with guilt. Especially because it was getting late, and he was starting to miss him again. Missing Richie always made Eddie feel weird, and whenever he missed him they would inevitably see each other whether it was planned or not.

Richie: Good afternoon, my Eddie spaghetti. I am just letting you know that I am thinking of you

Richie: I’m guessing you’re busy with analyzing all those risks. I’d like to analyze all the risks of not seeing you sometime soon, and a lot of those risks involve me missing you pretty fucking bad

Richie: I guess that was pretty lame…but I hope you’re having a good day

Eddie: Sorry. I turned out to be the zombie today actually, so I didn’t think to reply until now.

Richie: All good! I figured you were either tired or busy.

Richie: I was thinking maybe we could see each other again before the weekend.

Richie: Y’know…just because my schedule is so empty and all. Why not fill it and stuff.

Eddie: What a coincidence. My schedule happens to be kind of empty too.

Eddie: I do have lunch with Bev tomorrow though. She takes priority.

Richie: Of course! It’s Bev. She always takes priority

Richie: Are you doing anything on Thursday?

Eddie: We could do lunch, but Thursday is in the middle of my week so dinner or spending the night wouldn’t be ideal.

Richie: That’s okay. We don’t have to do anything special. I just want to see you.

Eddie: I want to see you too.

Eddie: I was actually thinking about you today.

Richie: How strange. I was thinking about you too.

Eddie: You mentioned that.

Richie: Yes but I was thinking about you after I sent that text.

Richie: I was thinking about you all day.

Richie: And all night last night.

     Warmth blossomed across Eddie’s face. He knew what Richie was referring too, and he would be lying if he said he wasn’t thinking the same things last night. That’s why it was so hard to fall asleep after he left. They had spent just enough time making out that if they had continued just a little longer they definitely would’ve ended up in Eddie’s bedroom again. If they didn’t have to work the next day he absolutely would’ve dragged him there sooner. Remembering just how nicely Richie’s hands touched his body was all Eddie needed to tempt him to reciprocate.

Eddie: What were you thinking about?

Richie: Not much

Richie: Just remembering how warm you felt in my lap

Richie: I think I like you there better. You look cute that way.

Eddie: Do I? As opposed to underneath you?

Richie: I mean you look stunning either way, but you’re a lot more confident when you’re on top of me.

Richie: It’s very sexy.

Eddie: Maybe I should be on top of you more. I can feel you much deeper that way too.

Richie: Ah

Richie: Deeper?

Eddie: Yeah. It feels good like that.

Richie: You mean like my dick?

Eddie: Yes. I’m talking about your dick.

Richie: Right right okay.

Richie: Sorry. I knew we were sexting but I didn’t catch that right away because the horny confused me.

     Eddie smiled and laughed a little when he read that. Of course Richie would misread a sext like that.

Eddie: It’s okay.

Richie: Is this turning you on though? Or should we just say goodnight and fuck off in our respective fantasies for the evening?

Eddie: It’s turning me on a little.

Eddie: I’m in my living room on the couch because I’m so tired from today.

Richie: I’d rub your shoulders for you if I were there.

Eddie: That’s very sweet of you.

Richie: And then your neck.

Richie: Then I’d kiss it too.

Richie: Move my hands down and undo your shirt. Touch you.

Eddie: I’d really like that.

Richie: I’d do anything you like.

Eddie: Yeah?

Richie: Absolutely baby.

     A shaky breath left Eddie’s lips, and he pressed the heel of his palm between his legs. He was still fully dressed, and his office clothes never felt good whenever he was hit and bothered. His erection was more than obvious, and for once he was glad he lived alone so no one would walk in and see him like this. Only Richie could do this to him if he was being honest.

Eddie: What if I told you I was hard right now?

Richie: Hmm

Richie: I’m guessing this is completely 100% a hypothetical and that you’re not actually turned on at the moment?

Eddie: Maybe.

Richie: Well, assuming this is a hypothetical where I am physically with you, I’d spread your knees, open your pants, and then suck the life out of your dick.

Eddie: How theatrical.

Eddie: I think I’d enjoy that. Hypothetically.

Richie: I hope you would. I’d love to hear all the little whimpers and moans you make when I put my mouth on you. I can’t even count the times I’ve sucked you off, but I remember all the cute little noises you make when I do. It turns me on so much to hear you feel good. Makes me want to make you feel even better.

     That longer block of text made Eddie cover his mouth for a moment. Richie was always good with his words when they got like this. It should’ve been illegal for Richie to be able to reduce Eddie into such a pathetic puddle of arousal with the same mouth that made him boil with annoyance and aggravation. He started to undo his pants, but used both hands to type before he pulled himself out of his boxers.

Eddie: What would you do to make me feel even better?

Richie: Oh sweetheart I am so fucking glad you asked me that.

Richie: I’d make you cum in my mouth, and then I’d get you on your tummy and eat you out. I’d fuck you with my tongue until you’re ready for my fingers, and then I’d drag it out and make you beg for more. Tease you until you’re shaking. Lick you until you’re crying. Touch you until you’re all hot and ready for me. That’s when I’d finally take out my dick and fuck you with it.

Eddie: Yeah? You’d fuck me like that?

Richie: Absolutely. I’d fuck you as fast or as slow as you want. I can tell how much you like it when you squeeze around me really tight. Feels so good when I first push in. Your face gets so red and your eyes look so cute. I could watch you with my cock inside you for hours.

     Reading that last message made Eddie’s heart race and his dick throb. Just hearing about how Richie saw him when they had sex was so interesting. He didn’t even know he did that when they had sex, and he felt a little embarrassed about how transparent his desire was. He used both hands to send another message, but then switched to one so he could pull out his erection and finally start to relieve it.

Eddie: I didn’t realize I was doing those things. I’m always so overwhelmed by how fucking big you are.

Richie: I remember the first time you put your hand on me. You looked so cute, and your eyes were so wide. You always look so innocent and sexy when you blow me. Makes me wanna fuck your face even faster. Love the way you grab my hips and moan for more. Your hands look so adorable wrapped around my cock.

Eddie: They only look cute because you’re huge.

Richie: You’re cute because you’re cute. I can’t help that. I just notice how much cuter you look with my dick in your mouth.

Eddie: I wouldn’t mind that at the moment.

Eddie: I like feeling you in the back of my throat.

Eddie: You fill me up perfectly no matter where you’re fucking me.

Richie: Christ, Eds.

Richie: I hope I’m not the only one furiously masturbating to this hypothetical talk or else I’d be very embarrassed.

Eddie: I don’t know about furious, but I’m definitely typing with one hand.

Richie: If I was there your hands would be in my hair holding on for dear life.

Eddie: I’d like that a lot too.

Richie: I can’t wait for the weekend. I’m going to fuck you so good once I get my hands on you.

Eddie: I can’t wait either.

Eddie: I wanna feel your cum inside me.

     Embarrassment immediately took over Eddie’s emotions. That was the third time Eddie had thought about Richie fucking him without a condom, and if he was going to continue these thoughts he definitely needed to get them both tested sooner than later. He continued to stroke himself despite his humiliation, but he was distracted from that when he suddenly saw Richie’s caller ID pop up as his phone rang. His first instinct was to decline the call, but he hesitated and then accepted it instead.

“You want my cum inside you?” Richie asked the second Eddie answered. He blushed.

“Uh…”

“Like you want me to fuck you without a condom and cum inside you? Like a cream pie kind of thing? You really want that?” Richie asked. He sounded extremely eager to hear Eddie’s reply, and that made Eddie feel a little less alone in this desire of his.

“I mean…it’s something I’ve been thinking about recently,” he answered. He had stalled his hand and drew his knees up out of insecurity.

“But does it actually turn you on? Or are you just playing with the idea?” Richie went on.

“It turns me on…I thought about it a few times the past couple days, but I didn’t wanna mention it,” he confessed.

“Should I get tested first? Would that make you feel better about it?” He offered. Eddie bit his lip.

“If you don’t mind getting tested to be safe, then yeah. I should honestly get tested soon too,” Eddie replied.

“But once we’re both tested and safe you’d like it?” Richie pressed on.

“Y—yeah. I…I’d like that. I think I’d like it a lot,” Eddie finally admitted out loud. Richie groaned softly on the line, and Eddie felt a flash of heat hearing his voice so close to his ear.

“Fuck…it would be so messy though,” Richie pointed out. Eddie began stroking himself again and tried to keep his whimpering down.

“That’s fine…I like it when you make a mess out of me. The only time I like to be messy is when you’re the one doing it,” Eddie spoke as loud as he could without breaking off into a moan.

“You’re touching yourself, right?” Richie asked.

“Hm…yeah,” Eddie confirmed.

“You sound so cute when you try not to moan. Does it feel good after all those dirty messages I sent you? Are you thinking about all the lovely things I wanna do to you, baby?” Richie cooed. Eddie’s eyes rolled shut, and he failed to hold back a desperate moan in response. He ran his hand quickly up and down his length, and pressed his lips together to try and prevent anything else from escaping.

“Mm, Richie,” he sighed.

“Why are you hiding from me? You sound so fucking hot. I wasn’t lying, Eddie-baby, I fucking love listening to you when we fuck. I love all your moans. Your lips are always so red from how hard you kiss me. I wanna watch you cum over and over again because you look so cute when I make you feel so good,” Richie rambled.

“‘M not…not cute, Richie. Christ,” Eddie protested. Richie chuckled, and that successfully got Eddie’s mouth to open and let go of another moan.

“You’re the cutest, Eds. You have the cutest eyes. So big and round. You look at me like you’re always begging for more, and I’m always gonna give you more, baby. I’ll give you everything you want. I’ll fuck you anytime you want me to. Whenever you want me, I’ll drop everything and come to you.”

“That’s ridiculous, Richie,” Eddie murmured.

“Maybe, but it’s true. I’ll make you feel bad good as you want whenever you want,” Richie insisted. Eddie pressed his lips down against a whimper and moved his fist faster as he felt himself getting close.

“You’re touching yourself too, right?” Eddie asked.

“Yes. I was rock hard the minute you asked me what I was thinking about last night. Couldn’t stop thinking about you begging for me and trying to fuck yourself on my lap. You’re so hot, and I don’t think you understand that,” Richie said.

“Are you close?” Eddie asked trying to ignore Richie’s compliments.

“Yeah, I’m close, baby. Are you close too?” He replied.

“Mh-hm…r—really close. I-I’m still just in my fucking living room. I’ve n-never jerked off anywhere in my house except for my bathroom and my shower,” Eddie said.

“Maybe I should fuck you on the counter then. Christen your office next. Then fuck you on the couch. Your dining room table,” Richie suggested. Eddie moaned, unable to hide it from how much he enjoyed the idea of Richie fucking him against every inch of his house.

“Richie…oh my god,” he gasped. His body trembled as he came, and whimpered as he continued stroking himself to prolong the orgasm.

“Fuck, did you just…?”

“Yeah…yeah, I just came all over my fucking shirt,” Eddie huffed.

“Christ. Eds, baby…fuck,” Richie cursed. His voice trailed off into a groan, and then a soft moan of relief. “Fuck…”

“Did you…?”

“Yeah…I did,” Richie confirmed.

“I haven’t had phone sex in forever,” Eddie murmured while still catching his breath.

“Me too. I forgot how much I like it,” Richie said. Eddie smiled at that.

“You only like it because you get to talk a lot,” he accused. Richie chuckled.

“You got me there, but if you want me to shut up all you have to do is open your pretty little mouth and moan for me,” Richie hummed.

“If I did that then you wouldn’t have lasted longer than five seconds,” Eddie teased.

“Okay, that’s actually a good point. You’re really thinking for both of us, huh?” Richie agreed. Eddie giggled.

“I guess so.”

“So…uh…I’ll get tested sometime this week, yeah?” Richie asked. Eddie swallowed nervously, and then wiped his hand off on his trousers. He wasn’t going to wear them tomorrow anyways.

“Um…yeah. I’ll get tested too. I can probably get it done tomorrow at the planned parenthood on my way home,” Eddie said.

“I was thinking of them too. I’ll try for tomorrow, but I might not be able to until Thursday,” Richie said.

“That’s okay. Whenever you can is fine. I think they only take a day or two to come back actually.”

“Yeah…anyways, uh…”

“This was nice,” Eddie said quietly. Richie laughed, and Eddie felt his heart skip a beat.

“Yeah, it was really nice. Completely unplanned, by the way, but nice,” he agreed. Eddie smiled at that.

“You? Not planning for things? That’s absurd.”

“Hey, I like to think life has its own plan for me. I’m okay with that,” Richie said with a grin in his voice. Eddie loved the sound of it.

“But we’re planning for Thursday,” he pointed out.

“Yes. Absolutely. Where do you want to eat?”

“Um…probably somewhere with a booth. I don’t think I want a lot of people to see us…” Eddie said.

“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea, actually. Uh…what about that one diner that’s kinda close to your work? The one with the retro decor,” Richie suggested.

“Oh…I can’t remember the name, but I know what you’re talking about. I think I can find it online and send you the address.”

“Great, but if you can’t find it I could always meet you at your work,” Richie said. Eddie hesitated for a moment, and then replied.

“Sure…yeah, that’s fine. We’re all in cubicles, so if anyone saw you they wouldn’t care,” Eddie said.

“Yeah…”

“I should get cleaned up. I made a bit of a mess,” he continued.

“Right! Yeah, don’t worry. Sorry, I shouldn’t have kept you on for so long,” Richie apologized.

“It’s okay. I like talking to you,” Eddie assured him.

“I…I like talking to you too, Eds,” Richie replied fondly. Eddie smiled at the warm feeling in his tummy.

“I’ll talk to you later then,” he said.

“Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Richie cooed. Eddie bit back an even bigger smile, and then nodded to himself.

“Me too…Goodnight, Richie.”

“Goodnight, Eddie spaghetti.”

Chapter Text

“Eddie!” 

     Bev cheered when he entered the cafe. She was already sat at one of the tables with two lattes for them. He smiled when he saw her and then made his way over to sit across from her. Before he could sit she got up to hug him, and he happily hugged her back.

“It’s so good to see you again. I wish we could’ve chatted at the shower,” she said.

“Sorry. I arrived late and left early on purpose,” he admitted as he took his seat. She sat across from him, and then held out her hand for him to see the ring. It was an impressive rock in the center with twinkling little gems along the band.

“No worries. This is just a good excuse to see you one on one,” she assured him. He took her hand to examine it closer, and he was too impressed with the size to feel the same kind of emptiness and envy he felt when he saw the proposal.

“Bev, this is stunning. Where did he get it?” He asked.

“A hand-me-down. It was his grandmothers, and then his mother’s, and they apparently reworked it so it would fit. Apparently his family usually has thick fingers, so it was like five sizes bigger than it is now,” she said.

“It definitely looks custom. It looks like it was made for you,” he said. She blushed and grinned.

“Gosh, I feel so silly. I never really dreamed about a big white wedding or even marriage at all, but of course I was going to say yes,” she told him. Eddie nodded with a smile and let go of her hand to sip his coffee.

“You and Ben are really good together,” he agreed.

“Anyways. Enough about me. I wanna hear about this long story between you and Richie,” Beverly said with a raised brow. Eddie blushed and chuckled nervously.

“Oh, it’s not that crazy…uh…”

“Was it like a date? Or is Richie just dropping hints or something? Because you guys looked really cute. Especially when you were leaning on his shoulder. I always thought you guys would be cute together when we were younger. Platonic or romantic, y’know?” She rambled. 

     He could tell that she was a little bit nervous talking about this. She fiddled with her ring a little bit, and based on her tone he could tell she wasn’t trying to be overbearing but still wanted to be supportive. That was the thing about being gay. Everyone felt like they needed to talk about his sexuality a certain way so they wouldn’t come off as homophobic. He knew that they never really were, but they still weren’t used to talking about same sex relationships either. Bev never cared to talk about boys until Eddie came out, but after a while Eddie stopped talking about them with her because she would always ask when he would become “official” with his hookups. It was getting tiresome explaining over and over again that he wasn’t hooking up with these boys to date them, and that becoming official wasn’t that easy. That conversation was just another reminder that no one wanted to take him seriously.

“It was kind of a date. Stan was bugging us both about our plus ones and settling down, so we decided to go together to get him off our backs,” Eddie explained. She nodded.

“Yeah, I get that. Ever since he married Patty he’s kinda been on about how cool marriage is. I mean, I’m happy to be engaged, but I doubt marriage is seriously going to change much between Ben and I,” she agreed. Eddie nodded.

“Yeah…you remember that crazy New Year’s Eve party you threw a couple years ago?” He asked. She lit up at the mention of her party and then nodded.

“Yes! Oh my god, you were so drunk. I’m pretty sure you kissed Richie on accident,” she said. Eddie shook his head.

“No, I did that on purpose. We actually hooked up for the first time that night, and…we’ve kinda been hooking up ever since,” he confessed. She blinked at him.

“Oh…I didn’t know that,” she said.

“Yeah, sorry about that. I didn’t think it was worth mentioning because it wasn’t that serious, but…I think it’s turning into that? Actually?” Eddie said. She frowned.

“You mean with Richie? It’s getting serious?” She asked. Eddie nodded and blushed thinking about the past few days he’s spent interacting with Richie.

“Yeah. We left early so we could hook up again, and then…we just started talking, y’know? And since then…I dunno. We went on an official date on Monday, and he was really sweet,” he told her.

“Richie can be a sweetheart when he wants to be. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did everything just to make you feel special,” Bev said with a smile. Eddie smiled back and nodded.

“Yeah, he uh…he brought me flowers actually. They’re still on my dining table,” he said.

“Aw, that’s so cute. Flowers always make me feel nice. It’s something cute that I can take care of for a little bit, y’know?”

“Yeah, and…it reminds me of him whenever I see it too,” he murmured.

“Eddie, that’s so sweet. Are you guys like…is it like you’re in a relationship with Richie, or are you just trying it out?” She asked. Eddie shrugged.

“I dunno yet. I think…we’re just taking it as it is. Opening up to each other and…and taking care of each other.”

“That’s good. It’s good to take things slow and take it for what it is. No need to change something unless it wants to, right?”

“Yeah…uh, I have lunch with him tomorrow too,” he told her.

“Oh? Two dates in one week! Richie must really like you,” she said. Eddie blushed and shook his head.

“God, don’t say that around Stan. He’s going to start suggesting we get married,” he said while running his hand down his face.

“I mean, if this fucking state could just make up its mind about basic human rights, maybe,” Beverly grumbled. Eddie blinked.

“What do you mean? Gay marriage was passed last summer,” he said. Beverly’s shoulders dropped and she suddenly had a sad look in her eyes.

“Did you not hear?” She asked. Eddie furrowed his brows.

“Hear what?” He asked. She pressed her lips together in a sad frown, and reached across the table to hold his hand.

“They overturned it like three months ago…some kind of bullshit about it being unconstitutional. People are already outraged and trying to go to court, but…we’re kinda back where we started unfortunately,” she told him. Eddie felt his heart stutter, and his throat catch as his friend gently rubbed the back of his hand with her thumb.

“I…what? That makes no sense. How…how do you overturn something like that? It was already a law,” Eddie said. Bev shrugged and shook her head.

“I dunno. I’m really sorry, Eds. People are just out of the loop right now, I guess,” she said. Eddie felt his entire face twist through the different emotions that came with that news. Betrayal, disgust, shame, and complete and utter hopelessness. He pulled his hand away to cover his face to hide it all, and was surprised that he wasn’t crying like a baby from how overwhelming it all was. The past few days had already been so emotionally taxing that this was really just the cherry on topaz

“God, that’s so fucked up,” he sighed.

“I’m really sorry…hopefully they can sort it out sooner than later. It’s not really popular either,” she said.

“Yeah…hopefully.”

     The rest of Eddie’s day was like walking through hot sand. It got to a point where he was just numb when he returned to work, and when he got home he wanted to go straight to bed. He ate dinner, brushed his teeth, and changed into his pajamas before plugging in his phone to charge and then passing out. There were probably messages he needed to respond to, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. He fell asleep trying to process everything, and felt sick at this terrible conclusion to his possible desire to actually get married one day. It took too much energy to be hopeful, and instead all he could think about was how foolish he was to think he would ever be able to have that. He’d never have a wedding. He’d never get to marry someone he loved. He’d never get that candid moment in the taxi to the airport. All these things he was finally allowing himself to think about were crushed in an instant, and he felt absolutely broken.

     The next day he was like a zombie again. He felt dead tired, and his eyes were still raw and puffy from the crying he did last night. Going through his routine was like torture, but he did it still because he had to. He drove to the office without the radio on, and then went straight to his desk to get to work. His phone buzzed in his pocket about an hour before his lunch time, and he only checked it when he remembered he had something planned with Richie that day.

Richie: Hey, your lunch is at 1 right?

Eddie: Yeah it’s about an hour

Richie: Great. See you soon!

     Eddie stared at the message for a moment and then sighed before putting his phone away and refocusing on his work. His recent developments with Richie felt even more pathetic after what Beverly told him. A part of him always saw dating as useless because he was taught that dating was meant to end in marriage. His mother always said that dating without trying to settle down was just a waste of time, but he couldn’t “settle down” with Richie even if he wanted to. The whole idea of marriage being the most important bond was pounded into him, and he never fully realized how hard it was for him to let that go. It made sense. His mother was obsessed with marriage from how religious she was. He was just unaware how much he picked up on it.

“Guess who?”

     Warm hands covered Eddie’s eyes, and he nearly flinched when he felt someone touching him. Then he registered Richie’s voice behind him, and that managed to relax him instead of freak out. He reached up to pull off Richie’s hands and turned in his chair to smile up at him. Despite his emotional turmoil, he couldn’t deny that seeing Richie again made him feel better. He wasn’t so distraught to try and end things. Especially when he knew he needed Richie to hold onto whenever he felt like he was crumbling.

“Did you text? I thought I had my vibrations on,” Eddie said pulling out his phone. Richie shook his head and held out his hand.

“Nope. I just wanted to surprise you,” Richie said. Eddie pocketed his phone, and then accepted Richie’s hand to help him up. As he stood Richie pressed a kiss to the back of it, and Eddie blushed before turning to shut down his station and grab his stuff.

“I hope you didn’t bother the receptionist too much. She doesn’t deserve to deal with your crap on a Thursday,” he said.

“I dunno what you’re talking about, Eds. I’ve always been the most well behaved gentlemen,” Richie replied. Eddie rolled his eyes and pushed in his chair so they could leave.

“Whatever. Let’s go before you start making a mess. I’m starving,” he said.

“Of course, my love! Right this way,” Richie replied with a smile.

     They held hands in the building, but once they got onto the street they both decided to let go. As much as Eddie wanted to keep their fingers intertwined, he couldn’t help but feel like he couldn’t. Richie must’ve felt it too, because he was just as quick to let their hands slip out of place, but he still stuck close to Eddie’s side. What Eddie wanted the most in that moment was to just walk home with him and take a nap together. Fall asleep with Richie’s warm sturdy arms around him, and then wake up to playful kisses and gentle touches that would overwhelm him in a much more pleasant way than he has been recently. Instead they headed to the restaurant as planned, but as they sat across from each other Eddie was still thinking about just leaving with him and never coming back. 

     They ordered, and chatted a little about work until their food came. Richie was as messy as Eddie predicted he would, and as comforting as Richie’s presence was he still couldn’t shake the vail of sadness and exhaustion from yesterday. It must’ve been noticeable because as he looked up from his burger he was surprised to see the concerned look on Richie’s face.

“You okay?” He asked. Eddie hesitated, and then set down his food before shaking his head honestly.

“No…not really to be honest,” he said. Richie wiped his hand with a napkin and reached across the table to hold Eddie’s hand. He allowed him too, but felt even more hopeless thinking about how much he liked Richie’s fingers wrapped around his.

“What’s wrong? Is it something about work? Is Stan being weird again?” He asked. Eddie shook his head again and then gently squeezed his hand.

“No, uh…I had lunch with Bevvy yesterday, and…she told me that they actually undid the gay marriage law back in November,” Eddie told him. Richie was very still hearing that.

“They did? Wait, is that even allowed? How is that a thing?” He asked before pulling out his phone. Eddie shrugged while Richie googled it, and pushed around one of his fries with his finger.

“I dunno. All I know is that I’m really tired. I just…marriage is such a stupid thing. I dunno why I thought I’d even want it in the first place anyways. Like you said, its such a straight person thing to do,” Eddie said. Richie sighed and sat back in the booth after reading something on his phone.

“Proposition eight. Fucking hell, we can’t catch a break can we?” He grumbled.

“Bev says people are already trying to go to court, but who knows what will come of that? It might take years before they get their shit together and reverse it,” Eddie said. Richie leaned closer again and shook his head.

“I’m so sorry, Eds…I know you were starting to consider it, but…geez, this is so fucked up,” he said. Eddie shrugged.

“It’s okay. I dunno. I probably shouldn’t have considered it so seriously. I mean…I probably only thought about it so much because my mom wanted me to get married so badly. It’s not that special,” he murmured. Richie was quiet, and when Eddie looked up he was once again surprised by the expression across his face. Pity.

“Eds…”

“I’m fine, Richie. Really. It was just…hard to hear is all. Stan got in my head, y’know? I didn’t even wanna get married until he started nagging me,” he assured him. Richie was still quiet, and Eddie felt nervous. “I mean…yeah it would’ve been nice to get married some time soon, but…marriage is just a piece of paper. It’s not that important in the grande scheme of things. I’ll be fine.”

“Eddie…”

“Really. I’m fine,” he insisted.

“I didn’t say you weren’t,” Richie replied. Eddie felt his heart race as Richie continued to look at him that way.

“Then why do you keep looking at me like that?” He asked defensively. Richie looked down at the table and then pressed his lips into a thin line. “Everything is fine, okay? I’m fine.”

“You don’t sound fine, Eds,” Richie said bluntly. Eddie was silent for a moment.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He asked. Richie sighed and reached for his hand again, but Eddie pulled it away.

“Eds, please—“

“We might be close, Richie, but just because we’ve cried with each other a couple times doesn’t mean you suddenly know everything thats going through my brain, okay? I’m okay,” he insisted.

“But you sound really upset by this, and it’s okay to be upset,” Richie said.

“I’m not upset. I already said I’m fine,” Eddie said crossing his arms.

“Really? Because you were just telling me the other day that you were so torn up because didn’t feel like you deserve to get married, and now you’re acting like you’ve always been indifferent to it? Eds, it’s okay to be upset about this. Stop acting like it doesn’t hurt,” Richie snapped.

“Stop acting like you know how I feel, Richie. Maybe I changed my mind,” Eddie grumbled.

“Eddie—“

“I’m going to the bathroom before we start yelling at each other, because I really don’t want to be kicked out just because you decided to be a dick,” Eddie interrupted before getting up. Richie groaned as Eddie walked off, but stayed in the booth as he walked into the men’s room. 

     Thankfully the bathroom was empty, and relatively clean for the men’s room. He washed his hands the minute he walked over to the sink, and shut off the water before flicking the droplets off his fingers. Then he grabbed a paper towel, dried off, and sighed before looking at himself in the mirror. His eyes were heavy and tired, and the rest of his face was weighed down with them. He hated how transparent his own feelings were, and despite his own ability to know he needed Richie he was still trying to push him away. Of all his friends, Richie was the best at detecting when he was upset when they weren’t joking. He was always the first to comfort him, and for some reason Eddie always tried to resist that. 

     What he really wanted was to bury himself in a hole and never come out. He was almost disgusted with himself for even thinking he had a chance to get married. Everyone always told him god said marriage was only for men and women. He wasn’t privy to that privilege, and he’d never be able to fully love a man like a woman loves a man. His love was a “life style” and he was an abomination. It was too easy to sink into, and before he knew it he was crying while staring at his reflection. He jumped when the door open, and wiped his tears before looking down to avoid eye contact with whoever just came in. Then he flinched when he felt a hand on his back, and looked up to see Richie behind him in the mirror. Fresh tears were already falling down his face, so there was no use in trying to hide them. It was impossible to hold back a sob, so he did his best to make it quiet as he let it go. 

     The hand on Eddie’s back moved, and he let Richie pull him into a tight hug. He hugged him back, and let himself cry into the other man’s shoulder. His throat was weak, and more sobs littered his cries even though all he wanted to do was shut up. Richie didn’t make it any easier to resist when he rubbed Eddie’s spine like he was so good at doing. It was almost humiliating when he choked in response to the gentle kiss Richie pressed to the side of his head.

“It’s okay, Eds. I gotcha,” he murmured. Eddie wheezed in response, and buried his face into Richie’s jacket.

“I’m so stupid,” he croaked.

“You’re not stupid, Eddie. You’re a person,” Richie assured him. He hiccuped from resisting so much and breathing so hard.

“I’m stupid for thinking…I could ever…Christ…” Eddie’s voice was strained. His throat was on fire whenever he tried to speak, and the sobbing took precedence when he opened his mouth.

“Just breathe, okay? Focus on that,” Richie cooed while squeezing him tighter. Eddie felt comforted by the affection, and let out the cries that desperately wanted to be heard.

“I do want it…I do want to get married one day! I want a partner…a family…I want that,” he finally admitted out loud.

“Eddie…” Richie sighed.

“I wanna know what it feels like…how it feels when someone asks you to marry them. I wanna…I wanna have a crazy wedding and th—then get in the taxi to go to the airport. I wanna have that,” Eddie went on.

“I do too. A lot of us do. Baby, you’re not alone,” Richie assured him.

“It’s not fair…” Eddie whimpered. Richie sniffled and kissed the top of his head.

“It really fucking isn’t, Eds…I’m sorry…I’m so sorry, baby…”

     They spent a good five minutes like that with nothing but Eddie’s sobs and cries. No one else walked in, but that could’ve been because they heard Eddie bawling his eyes out. He only hoped that wasn’t the case because he would be so embarrassed if someone else heard him cry besides Richie. When the tears finally started to subside he pulled away to grab another paper towel and wipe the rest away. He returned to Richie’s arms for a final hug, and then let Richie take his hand and lead him back out to their booth. They sat side by side instead of across from each other, and Eddie felt safe enough in their secluded corner to lean his head on Richie’s shoulder. He finished up his burger and fries in silence, and Richie didn’t bother to try and start up a conversation either. The silence was much needed, and just being able to physically touch and rely on Richie was enough for the moment. The waitress returned with their bill, and smiled wider than the first time they saw her. Richie handed her his card for her to run, and then kissed the top of Eddie’s head again once she left.

“You okay?” Richie asked. Eddie nodded.

“Yeah…as okay as I can be right now,” he replied.

“That’s okay. Can I do anything to make the rest of your day better?” He asked. Eddie thought for a moment, and then finally looked up at him while still resting his cheek on his shoulder.

“If you don’t mind…I could use some company when I get home from work,” he said. Richie smiled at that and nodded.

“Okay. I get off soon actually, so you text me when you’re headed home and I’ll see you there,” he replied. Eddie mustered a smile, and then reached up to kiss him on the lips. Richie reciprocated, and then gently caressed his cheek when they pulled back.

“Here is your card back, sir. By the way, I just wanted to say that you guys are such a cute couple. We’re so happy to serve you here,” the waitress said as she returned with the receipt and Richie’s credit card. They looked to her, and Eddie blushed as Richie chuckled nervously.

“Oh, thanks. Sorry if we’re drawing any attention,” he said taking the card and the paper. She shook her head.

“Not at all. We are a fully accepting business. Everyone is welcome,” she assured them.

“Thank you,” Eddie murmured in a quiet voice.

“That’s really nice to know,” Richie added. She nodded and then grabbed their empty plates.

“No worries. I hope I’ll see you guys again soon!” She said before walking back to the kitchen. Eddie reached into his pocket to pull out some cash, and then left out her tip before following Richie out of the booth.

“Oh, it’s okay. I already tipped her,” Richie assured him. Eddie shook his head.

“She deserves more.”

     Saying goodbye was hard after that. Eddie still just wanted to ditch and fall asleep with Richie on his couch, but he had so much more work to do in the office. They kissed again inside the building, but made sure they were out of sight of Eddie’s coworkers. He knew he was protected from being fired for being gay by law, but he also knew some of his coworkers weren’t happy with the fact that he was openly gay. Thankfully his boss was kind about it, and anytime he got a complaint he waved it away and said it wasn’t worth his time. Still, Eddie didn’t want to push it, so he let Richie kiss him on the lips once and then again on the cheek before putting that distance between them again. They said their goodbyes, and Eddie promised he would text before heading home.

     The rest of the day was even worse than the first half of the day. Mostly because of his break down, but also because he just missed Richie even more. He got through all of his work rather early, so he asked his boss if he could leave. After looking through everything he did for the day, his boss approved and Eddie immediately went back to his cubical to pack up and text Richie. It was worse but it went by quicker since Eddie was so focused trying to distract himself when he first came into work that morning. He got into his car, and then sighed with relief when he saw Richie’s response saying he would see him in a bit. He started the car, and then finally drove home.

“I beat you here!” Richie said as Eddie got out of his car. He smiled as he shut the door, and said nothing as he walked over and immediately fell into another hug. Richie held him just as tightly, and they lingered for a moment as Richie kissed the top of his head.

“Thanks for being here,” Eddie murmured.

“Of course. There’s no place I’d rather be,” Richie replied just as quietly. Eddie pulled back and then lead him inside.

“It’s a good thing my boss likes me. I finished my work early, but if I didn’t do so good all the time he would’ve made me get started on tomorrow’s projects for the last hour,” Eddie said. Richie chuckled and pulled off his jacket to hang on Eddie’s coat stand.

“Of course he does. You were always the teachers pet when we were in school,” Richie reminded him.

“That was because adults were more pleasant to be around than kids. This is because I’m good at my job,” Eddie argued.

“I never said you weren’t, but you do appeal to authority for some reason,” Richie replied.

“It’s probably because I can actually hold my tongue and do as I’m told,” Eddie teased with a little smile. Richie smiled back and gently pulled Eddie closer so he could kiss him. He let him, and then wrapped his arms around Richie’s neck when their lips lingered for a moment.

“And where’s the fun in that?” He cooed. Eddie rolled his eyes and then kissed him again.

“Go turn on the TV. I need something to numb my brain,” he said. Richie laughed and nodded.

“Sure thing. I could use that too, actually,” he agreed before letting him go and walking to the couch. Eddie went into the kitchen to get some food, and rummaged through his fridge for dinner. He found a frozen lasagna, and quickly read the cooking instructions before stepping out to ask Richie about it.

“How does lasagna sound?” He asked.

“Absolutely delicious. It goes great with my heartburn medication,” he joked. Eddie smiled at that and then turned to preheat his oven.

“I’ll have the milk on hand,” he called back. Richie chuckled, and the sound of the Cheers theme song started playing from his living room. He set the timer, and then followed the instructions before placing the lasagna into the warming oven. With that taken care of, he joined Richie on his couch, and easily curled up against his side like he did a couple days ago.

“I like this episode,” Eddie murmured. Richie nodded.

“I know. That’s why I put it on,” he said.

“Bullshit. You don’t know my favorite Cheers episodes,” Eddie argued. He sat up to grab the box set cover from the ottoman, and read the back of it while returning to Richie’s side. His arm wrapped around his shoulders again, and Eddie almost hated how easily Richie made his house feel like a home.

“We watched it when it came out, remember? We watched every episode at nine on the dot. We had to watch it at my house because your mom was such a bitch about staying up late,” Richie recalled.

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you remember all my favorite episodes. You probably guessed,” Eddie accused.

“Babe, you loved this fucking episode. You went crazy looking for it during the reruns. I remember you looking down the list for it when Stan got you this box set,” Richie insisted. Eddie pursed his lips to feign doubt, but Richie was completely correct.

“Whatever. You’re just lucky this time,” he said stubbornly. Richie laughed, and then kissed the top of his head.

“You’re so cute when you’re stubborn,” Richie murmured. Eddie rolled his eyes and put the box set down to properly cuddle against him.

“Shut up.”

     They watched about two episodes before the oven timer went off and Eddie had to get up to take out the lasagna. He cut them each a generous slice, and then returned to Richie’s side with their dinner. They ate together, and then set their plates on the ottoman as they continued to watch more episodes. It was a little too easy to slump against Richie’s tummy, and they eventually ended up with Richie flat on the couch and Eddie laid on top of him. He was close to dosing off as Richie rubbed his back, and only snapped out of it to play the next episode of the season. It started to get late, and when Eddie noticed the sun had set he finally pulled out his phone to check the time.

“Fuck…it’s almost ten again,” he sighed.

“Christ. We gotta stop doing that,” Richie mumbled. Eddie hummed in agreement and put his phone away to push himself up. He stopped to kiss Richie on the lips before he got all the way up, and then paused to let Richie cup his face. They looked at each other while the bright light from Eddie’s TV hit the side of their faces, and Eddie felt a distinct ache as he looked down at the other man.

“You are so beautiful, Eds,” Richie murmured. Eddie felt himself blush, but stopped himself from denying him. Instead he took Richie’s hand and kissed his palm.

“You’re beautiful too,” he replied. Richie shook his head and then gently caressed his cheek.

“I mean it. You’re really amazing. I always thought…I never would’ve imagined I could do these things with you,” Richie went on. Eddie frowned and then leaned down to kiss him once more.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to figure it out,” he replied. Richie’s hand moved through his hair, and he repeatedly stroked his soft brown strands. He shook his head again.

“Don’t worry about that, okay? There’s nothing easy about any of this,” Richie assured him. Eddie sighed and then pressed yet another kiss to his lips.

“This part is easy…the other stuff is getting easier too, but being close to you is the easiest,” Eddie said. Richie smiled at that and nodded.

“Yeah…that’s always been easy,” he agreed.

     That made Eddie smile back, and then meet him for another kiss. This time they let it last, and Eddie felt a bit of relief in the physical aspect of their relationship. Like they said, it was easy. Kissing and touching and holding was so familiar. He was still getting used to the emotional aspect of it, so the sex was like a much needed break. Except the sex had only been getting more and more intense, but he still liked it too much to stop. He kissed Richie harder as he remembered the last time he touched him, and then pulled back so he could straddle him. Familiar hands covered his thighs as he settled on top of Richie, and he felt his skin buzz for more before he leaned down again. Their lips met, and Eddie happily allowed Richie to touch and gently squeeze his hips bones. His body easily warmed up in response, and it was nice to feel that comfortable heat after the crazy day he had.

“Mm…Eds…” Richie murmured between kisses.

“Yeah?” Eddie replied. Richie’s hands ventured up his waist. He had gotten rid of his coat earlier, but he was still in his slacks, button up, and tie from work.

“Are you sure you wanna start this? It’s getting late and you’ve already had a long day,” he reminded him. His voice was smooth and deep when he talked so quietly, and it only made Eddie want him more.

“I just…I need you right now,” Eddie whispered while touching down Richie’s chest.

“That’s okay. I gotcha. I just wanted to make sure, okay?” He hummed. Eddie nodded and then kissed him again.

     Without another word, Eddie started to undo the first few buttons of Richie’s shirt. He trailed his kisses over his cheek and down his neck, and drew them out when he got over his neck. Richie gently squeezed his hips in response, and he happily arched back into his grip. There was so much more excitement to their sex life since they started trying to take things seriously. Every touch felt like it was more than just a touch, and every kiss eluded to so many more. He didn’t even hesitate to start sucking a hickey below Richie’s collarbone, and the way he grabbed and squeezed his ass in response was more gratifying than anything else they’ve done before. He sat up to look down at him, and then gently nudged his hips forward when he saw the way Richie’s eyes dripped down his body. Richie bit his lip and briefly closed his eyes before grabbing Eddie’s hips and watching his face as he nudged his own back.

“Richie…” Eddie moaned softly. The heat pooling in his stomach directly fueled the hardness in his pants, and he was eager to reciprocate again.

“You’re seriously so fucking gorgeous,” Richie huffed as Eddie’s body moved so seductively on top of him. He furrowed his brows hearing that, and gripped Richie’s shoulders to grind down harder.

“Mm…you should say that the next time you’re inside me…I’d cum so fucking fast,” Eddie suggested. Richie’s brows pinched from the friction between them and nodded in agreement.

“Yeah? You’re so hot when you cum. I seriously can’t get enough of you,” Richie said. Eddie bit back a moan, but didn’t stop himself from rocking his hips perfectly so their cocks pressed directly against each other. Richie groaned, and then took Eddie by surprise as he sat up and held Eddie in his lap.

“Rich! Oh—”

     He was cut off by his lips, and he gladly kissed him back as nimble fingers got started on his belt. Eddie helped him pull it out of the belt loops, but quickly dissolved into nothing but soft quiet moans as Richie squeezed him through his pants. He tried to do the same, but Richie was much too focused on him for his fingers to work properly against the bulge he wanted so desperately. Instead he let Richie attack his neck and undo his fly so he could simply reach in and pull Eddie out of his underwear. His lips were distracting, but Eddie was definitely happy to feel Richie’s hand wrap around his length and start stroking him. He was already a little wet from his precum, and Richie only used that to go faster. His moans got louder without him meaning too, and that made Richie kiss his jaw harder.

“You sounded so fucking cute over the phone,” Richie growled. Eddie whimpered as he remembered that entire conversation, and tilted Richie’s head up to kiss him on the lips.

“It was hard to stay quiet…y—you always know what to say to make me want more,” Eddie stammered. Richie groaned and kissed him back as he focused his hand on Eddie’s head. “Mmh! Richie!”

“I had to call you after you sent that message. Holy fucking shit, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It turned me on so much when I read it, I had to make sure it wasn’t a typo,” Richie rambled. Eddie shook his head and then rocked his hips into Richie’s fist.

“Not a typo. I want you. I want you to cum in me. Want you to fuck me so good and leave it all behind. Give it to me so good I’m shaking, and then fill me up. I want you so bad,” Eddie replied. 

     Richie moaned and let go of his length in favor of grabbing his waist. Eddie was about to complain, but gasped instead as Richie pinned him to the couch and kissed him hard on the lips. He pushed his tie to the side, and then his shirt out of the way so he could kiss down Eddie’s tummy and return to his dick. Every kiss made Eddie shake and tremble, and as Richie took Eddie in his mouth he was completely restless. He cried out desperately, and let Richie cover his length before bobbing his head and sucking on the tip. His fingers raked through his dark messy hair, and he whimpered pathetically at the pleasure Richie provided him. He rocked his hips into his mouth on accident, but Richie only seemed to grip them and encourage him. It wasn’t like his own movements weren’t aggressive enough to over power him, and Eddie was already so close to cumming just from the minimal contact from his mouth. Within minutes of Richie sucking him off he was shivering from his orgasm, and Richie happily swallowed him down. He kissed his tummy again while he recovered, and he eventually kissed Eddie’s neck again. Their lips met once more, and Eddie let them continue as he heard the sound of Richie’s belt clanking. He parted once to see Richie’s hand down his pants, and then kissed him one last time.

“Richie, stand on your knees,” he cooed.

     Richie grunted, and reluctantly let himself go to push himself up. He did as he asked, and then resumed stroking himself as Eddie looked up at him. The loud groan that left his throat just from the way Eddie looked at him was enough to embolden him to grab the base and wrap his lips around him. Richie finally let go of himself for good, and Eddie happily took over by immediately trying to match the pace he set with his hand but with his mouth instead. Every move he made was paired with a moan, and strong fingers quickly found their way in his hair. He gently squeezed Richie’s balls while he blew him, and then focused on stroking him as he slowed down to suck and kiss on the head.

“Fuck! Oh my god, Eds,” Richie growled. 

     Eddie held his mouth open for Richie to see his tongue, and jerked him off faster while rubbing the pink muscle against his tip. Richie took his cock in his own hand, and then rocked his hips into Eddie’s open mouth. Eddie happily let him fuck his face, and touched down his thighs as he eagerly opened his throat for him. He groaned again, and Eddie whimpered hearing his deep sex-filled voice so loud and clear in his living room. Richie held the sides of his head as he fucked his mouth, but he quickly stopped when Eddie pulled off and then started stroking him again.

“Fuck…” Eddie gasped. His throat was starting to get sore from how big Richie was, but he didn’t want to stop until he was cumming down it.

“You seriously look so fucking adorable when you’re sucking my cock, baby. Your mouth gets so fucking red it’s so cute. Your hand feels so fucking good,” Richie rambled, his voice weak with his impending orgasm.

“Cum inside me,” Eddie urged and showed off his mouth again. Richie groaned and grabbed himself again so all Eddie had to do was wait for him to finally climax. He held the back of his head so gently, and jerked off so furiously until he finally came in Eddie’s mouth and groaned.

“Fuck! Oh god…Eds…oh my god,” Richie wheezed. Most of it made it into Eddie’s mouth, but some got on his cheeks. He merely wiped it off and sucked it off his fingers.

“Fuck…” Eddie sighed in agreement before kissing his tummy again. He put Richie’s cock away into his boxers, and then looked down to do the same to himself. Richie sat down again, and when Eddie looked up at him he was met with another kiss.

“Thank you, baby. Your mouth is so amazing,” Richie murmured before kissing his cheek and down his neck too. Eddie hummed happily at the warmth and then pulled Richie closer to hug him.

“Thank you…I needed that,” Eddie murmured. Richie nodded and let Eddie slump against his chest and nuzzle under his chin.

“Of course. Anything for you, sweetheart,” he cooed. Eddie smiled and kissed his neck.

     Time only moved forward after that, and it was closer to eleven then it was to ten. Eddie wanted to stay wrapped up in Richie’s arms all night, but he reluctantly let him go so he wouldn’t have to rush home in the morning. They cleaned up dinner together, and Eddie gave Richie an extra slice of the lasagna for his lunch the next day. Richie accepted the Tupperware with a kiss, and they stayed in each others embrace in the middle of Eddie’s kitchen for a little longer. His only motivation to send Richie home came when he checked the time again, and sighed at the change in the hour.

“We need to sleep. It’s getting late, and I don’t want to wake up feeling dead again,” Eddie said. Richie nodded in agreement and leaned down to kiss the top of his head.

“We all need our beauty sleep, sweetheart,” he said. Eddie rolled his eyes and led Richie to the front door.

“Drive home safe, okay?” He said. Richie nodded, and then gave him a real kiss on the lips.

“I will as long as you get some sleep. I don’t want you falling asleep at your desk tomorrow,” he murmured sweetly. Eddie mustered up a smile, and then nodded before kissing him back.

“Okay…I’ll see you later,” he cooed. Richie nodded and then turned to grab his jacket.

“Definitely. We’re getting tested tomorrow, right? Or did you get that done already?” Richie asked. Eddie blinked, and then shook his head as he remembered their previous discussions on the topic.

“Not yet. I’ll get tested tomorrow after work,” he said. Richie smiled wide at that, and then cupped his face to kiss him firmly.

“Great. It sounds like we’re gonna have a fun weekend. I might call in on Monday,” he said. Eddie blushed, but smiled before shaking his head.

“I’ll kill you if you skip work just to have sex with me,” he threatened. Richie laughed and then kissed his forehead.

“It’s not just for the sex, okay? It’s a big factor though,” he replied.

“Oh yeah? Why else are you here then?” Eddie asked crossing his arms. Richie opened the door and then shrugged.

“Your TV is nice,” he replied. Eddie gently pushed him out the door, and they laughed as he stumbled over the steps.

“I’ll text you when I’ve done it,” Eddie said. Richie nodded.

“Me too. Maybe we can have another digital hook up too,” he said with a wink. Eddie tried his best not to laugh and covered his face to try and hide it.

“God, just call it phone sex,” he sighed.

“I’m not hearing a no,” Richie pointed out. Eddie let his hand down as he leaned against his doorframe.

“We’ll see,” he replied. Richie nodded with a grin.

“Still not a no,” he winked. Eddie waved him off.

“Go home, asshole,” he said. Richie laughed and reached for his hand to kiss the back of it.

“Goodnight, Eddie spaghetti,” he said sweetly. Eddie smiled back at him.

“Goodnight, Richie.”

Chapter Text

“Kaspbrak?”

     Eddie turned around in his chair to see his boss leaning against his cubicle opening. He had a neutral expression, so Eddie wasn’t immediately worried, but he didn’t feel good about being addressed so early in the day. He took a moment to collect himself and actually respond, and thankfully his boss was as patient as he always was.

“Y—yessir?” He stuttered.

“Come to my office. We’ll have a little chat,” he summoned. Eddie felt his stomach drop. Oh shit. He could’ve sworn no one saw him being too romantic with Richie yesterday. He only hoped he wasn’t in trouble for that.

“Sure,” he murmured and got up to follow him. He passed a few of his coworkers, and hated the feeling of their eyes on him as he entered his bosses office.

“Go ahead take a seat if you’d like, but honestly you won’t be here for long,” Dennis said. Eddie took the seat in front of his desk, and sat quietly as Dennis sat across from him.

“Is…everything okay?” He asked.

“Oh yeah. No worries. I just got a couple complaints from the usual bunch. They said you were making out with some dude, but making out to them is probably a peck on the cheek. I’m just calling you back to make them think we talked about this. I’ll email them once you leave and tell them you did nothing wrong and to leave you alone,” he explained. Eddie sighed and rubbed at his face.

“I’m really sorry, Dennis. I thought we were out of sight. It was just a little kiss goodbye,” he said. Dennis waved him off.

“Please. Don’t apologize. These guys just have nothing better to do. Honestly, if they were as dedicated to their work as you are then they wouldn’t have had time to look up and notice anything that’s going on. Let alone put in the effort to look around the corner,” he assured him. Eddie nodded.

“Thank you. I appreciate that a lot.”

“Listen, Kaspbrak, you are fully welcome here. I am not going to fire you over something that doesn’t affect your work, okay? You’re exceptional! You’re my top negotiator, and you’re amazing with the numbers. All the insurance reps love you. As far as I’m concerned, you and your boyfriend can do whatever you like in my office. Within reason, of course,” he said. Eddie blushed at the word “boyfriend” and then laughed nervously.

“Oh, wow. Uh…” he was tempted to correct him, but decided not to for the sake of keeping the conversation simple. “…thank you. That means a lot to me,” he said.

“Is everything okay? You left early yesterday. I approved it, so I’m not upset. Just curious,” he asked. Eddie blinked and then shook his head with an uncomfortable frown.

“Oh, just…nothing important. I was just…I didn’t realize they overturned the equal marriage thing again until recently. It was just on my mind, but I’m better today,” he said truthfully.

“Wait, they overturned that? I thought they just approved it. That’s crazy,” Dennis said. Eddie shrugged.

“I dunno. They apparently banned it again back in November. I’m sure someone’s working to reverse it again already,” he said.

“I would hope so. Makes no sense to undo something like that. Especially since most people are okay with it these days. Listen to the people, am I right?” He said. Eddie smiled and nodded.

“Right…anyways. That was all.”

“Why don’t you take tomorrow off, okay? I don’t wanna make you deal with any of these weirdos in the office after I send them this email,” he suggested.

“That’s okay, Dennis. I can handle it. They’ve never bothered me too much,” Eddie said. Dennis shook his head.

“I insist. Look at it as a reward for that big deal you helped us close the other week. You deserve a good weekend. I can handle things tomorrow without you,” he assured him. Eddie took a deep breath, and then gave in with a little nod.

“Okay…sure. Thank you,” he replied. Dennis smiled and then turned to his computer.

“You can go back to your cubicle now. I think that’ll convince them that we had a long enough conversation,” he dismissed. Eddie nodded and got up.

“Thanks, and thank you for the long weekend,” he said.

“No problem. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

     Eddie left the office feeling a little better than he entered, and walked back to his desk without any care for the subtle glares he was getting. It wasn’t like he flaunted his sexuality at work, but it wasn’t like he was trying to hide it either. He honestly preferred it that way because before he came out he had quite a few female coworkers coming on to him. It was much easier to reject then by telling them he was gay instead of just saying he wasn’t interested. For some reason “not interested” sounded like “try harder” no matter who he was talking to. Boy or girl. He sat in his chair and sighed before pulling out his phone to text Richie about his extra day off.

Eddie: My boss just gave me tomorrow off. I essentially have a three day weekend.

Richie: Oh? How convenient. I just asked for Monday off.

Richie: It seems we both have the same three days off at the same time.

Eddie: I told you not to skip work just to have sex with me.

Richie: We were supposed to get around to that, okay? You’re supposed to play along.

Eddie: What am I playing along with?

Richie: Y’know like “oh whatever will we do during these three consecutive days that we both happen to be free for”

Richie: That kinda shit

Eddie: I know what we’re doing for those three days.

Richie: Do you? Please, fill me in on our plans sweetheart

Eddie: We’re going to have sex.

Richie: You’re such a romantic, babe. How do you do it?

Eddie: Are you not interested in having sex for three days?

Richie: No, I’m interested.

Richie: Very much interested.

Richie: So interested that we should probably stop talking about it because I am very close to saying something dirty

Eddie: Text me when you go to planned parenthood, okay?

Richie: Yessir! Will do.

Eddie: Good.

     He sighed as he ended the conversation, and then put his phone away to focus on his work. His work was actually pretty minimal for the day, and he was able to get most of it done before lunch. When he came back he started working on what he would’ve worked on the next day since he wouldn’t be there anyways. He got halfway through that by the time he was supposed to clock out, and then got up to pack his things and leave. Thankfully no one bothered him when he left, so he could go straight to his car and head to the nearby clinic.

     Of course, the planned parenthood was actually pretty full once Eddie finally got there. It was rush hour on a Friday, and he could only imagine how long it would take him to get all the blood and urine samples done. He walked up to the front desk and told them why he was there, and they immediately sent him to the lab work station. There weren’t too many people getting their labs done, but there were still enough to make Eddie wait a little bit. He sat in the waiting area with the number that he pulled, and then got up once they called him. They drew numerous vials of his blood very quickly, and then handed him a cup to pee in. He excused himself to the bathroom, and then filled it up to the marked line before washing up and leaving the bathroom to place it in its appropriate drop off place. With that fully taken care of, he walked out of the clinic and texted Richie before he got in his car to drive home. He didn’t check for a response until he got home, and then hated that he smiled when he finally read it inside his house.

Eddie: Just left the clinic. They told me I’d have my results in twenty four hours.

Richie: Same! Good to hear that. Looking forward to safely filling you with my load of baby gunk

Eddie: You’re disgusting. Why do I have sex with you?

Richie: Because I have a big dick maybe? I dunno, that’s just the main feedback I hear.

Eddie: Oh shut up

Richie: You have tomorrow off, right?

Eddie: Apparently, yeah.

Eddie: I just told you that today.

Richie: Right. Yes you did.

Richie: I was just thinking that since we both don’t work tomorrow we could do dinner tonight.

Eddie: Dinner?

Richie: More like, I get us food and then come over so we can eat and cuddle and then maybe get a head start on those three consecutive days of sex?

Richie: Only if you’re into it though

Richie: (which I’m hoping you are)

Eddie: That doesn’t sound too bad actually.

Eddie: What food are you getting us?

Richie: I was thinking something from the steakhouse.

Eddie: Aren’t you fancy.

Richie: Well I figured it would be a nice way to kick off your well deserved long weekend.

Richie: And I do have an affinity for spoiling the shit out of you.

Eddie: I can pay for my food, Richie.

Richie: You can do a lot of things, but I’m the one picking it up so…

Richie: Guess I’m paying for it all.

Eddie: You’re insufferable.

Richie: I know and you like it.

Eddie: Which steakhouse are you going to?

Richie: The good one

Eddie: BJs?

Richie: You know it.

Eddie: Surprise me with something. Anything from there is good.

Richie: Sounds good. I’ll let you know when I’m bringing it over.

Eddie: Okay. See you soon.

Richie: Can’t wait xoxoxoxoxoxo

     Eddie smiled at the hugs and kisses he left, and went into his bedroom to get changed. Usually he took showers in the morning, and while he already took his daily one he hopped in for a quick rinse anyways. He mostly did it to prepare himself for later since Richie was very explicitly telling him he was planning on having sex tonight, but he also just wanted to feel warm and well rinsed after the week he just had. Once he dried off he changed into some comfortable sweats and one of his night shirts. A part of him wondered if he should’ve dressed up a little bit more, but he wanted to be comfortable and Richie said he would be spoiled. If he couldn’t be spoiled in sweatpants then he didn’t care to be spoiled anyways. He returned to his kitchen to grab a glass of water, and felt his phone buzz in his pocket just as he filled up his cup. He checked the ID, and then answered when he saw Stanley’s name.

“Hello?” He greeted.

“Hey, Eds. Is now an okay time to talk?” Stan asked.

“Uh, Richie is going to be here sometime soon, but we can talk until he gets here,” Eddie answered. He took a sip of his water and then leaned against the counter.

“Oh, he is? That’s good to hear. Bev told me you guys had lunch yesterday,” he said.

“Yeah…Uh, it was interesting,” he replied while thinking about the meltdown he had in the bathroom.

“I’m not gonna ask what you mean by that. Uh, I was actually talking to Bev yesterday, and I didn’t realize what happened back in November. I kinda just wanted to say sorry for bringing up getting married so much. I didn’t think they’d ban it again like that,” Stan said. Eddie blinked and then took another sip.

“It’s okay. I mean, neither of us knew. It’s one of those things you don’t really think would ever be reversed, and yet…y’know…they’ll find a way.”

“Yeah. I just feel kinda guilty because I know you’ve been kinda stressed about it. I really wouldn’t have pressured you if I had known.”

“Thanks, Stanley. I trust that, but I appreciate you saying this.”

“Of course. How are things going with Richie, by the way? Are you guys still opening up and everything like that?” He asked.

“Uh, yeah. We’ve had…a pretty interesting week. I used to think spending too much time with him would be a headache, but…it turns out he’s exactly what I need right now,” he said.

“That’s great. I’m so happy things are working out between you two. You sound a lot happier than you did last week,” Stan told him. Eddie blushed and then shook his head.

“You’re just saying that…”

“Maybe, but it’s worth teasing you about,” he chuckled.

“Stanley, I’m going to kill you one of these days,” Eddie warned. They laughed together at that, and Eddie felt his phone buzz from a text. “I think Richie is on his way over now. I’ll text you later.”

“Okay. Be safe, okay? And tell Richie I say hi,” he said. Eddie smiled.

“Will do…bye.”

“Bye.”

     He hung up and checked his phone to see Richie’s text. His message told him he would be there in ten minutes, and for some reason Eddie felt nervous all of the sudden. Maybe it was because they basically just dedicated themselves to an entire long weekend to each other, or maybe it was because he was feeling really self conscious about his sweatpants, but regardless of what it was he had no idea what to do about it. He finished his glass of water and then went to the bathroom for a nervous pee, but he was still anxious even after he flushed and washed his hands. In an attempt to distract himself, he looked through his pants again but nothing seemed to fit what he was trying to go for. He didn’t want to wear jeans because he hated the way denim took forever to take off and put on. Trousers were way too formal. His work slacks were strictly not for around the house for his own sanity. His corduroys were a close second, but even if he was fully committed to putting them on he had taken up way too much time debating it when he finally heard the doorbell. He sighed as he stuck to his sweatpants, and then left his room to answer the door.

“Hey,” Richie greeted while holding their food in a bag. Eddie smiled when he saw him, and his nervousness managed to melt away just a little bit.

“Hey,” he replied.

“I have food. Does this gift grant me access to your humble abode?” Richie asked. Eddie feigned thought for a moment before nodding.

“I guess it’ll do for now,” he allowed. Richie chuckled, and then followed him inside. He handed Eddie the bag of food, and then pulled off his coat while he took it to the kitchen. Just as he was pulling the plastic down and unstacking the boxes, he felt warm arms around his waist and soft kissed against his neck.

“I missed you,” Richie murmured under his ear. Eddie blushed and leaned into his embrace.

“We just saw each other last night.”

“Baby, don’t remind me unless you wanna save dinner for later,” Richie cooed. Eddie giggled and shook his head.

“Not a chance. I wanna see what you got me,” he insisted.

“I dunno which one it is,” Richie said. Eddie sighed and then started opening the boxes. One had pulled pork sliders, and the other had steak and mashed potatoes with broccoli. The third box had mozzarella sticks and wings, and the last box had a chocolate chip pizookie. He looked over his shoulder at Richie and raised a brow.

“Dinner, huh? This looks more like a three course meal,” he said.

“I told you I like to spoil you. I got you the steak and potatoes,” Richie told him. Eddie blushed as Richie kissed his cheek, and then let himself smile before turning to grab a couple plates from the pantry.

“You’re lucky that I’m tired, or else I wouldn’t let you do this,” Eddie said. Richie laughed and accepted the plate Eddie handed him.

“I mean, after this week you definitely deserve it,” he murmured. Eddie huffed and nodded.

“Right? Christ, talk about a train wreck,” he agreed.

“How was today, though? Hopefully easier?” Richie asked. Eddie grabbed the plastic silverware that came in their take out bag, and started plating his food.

“It’s good now that I’m home and you brought me food,” he replied.

“Damn. That bad?” He asked. Eddie shrugged, and then grabbed a few mozzarella sticks.

“It was just a little annoying. My boss is great, just wanna say that before I move on, but he called me into his office this morning because some of my less than friendly coworkers spotted us saying goodbye yesterday,” Eddie said.

“Christ, are you kidding? We were barley in anyone’s sight,” Richie sighed. Eddie nodded.

“Exactly. Thankfully Dennis isn’t an asshole and figured they were being dramatic. They told him I was making out with you. How the fuck did they even think they saw that?” He complained.

“Making out? Geez, I wish.”

“That's partially why I have tomorrow off. I guess being gay really does have its perks sometimes, huh?” Eddie said. Richie chuckled while putting together his own plate.

“It really does. That was really nice of him though. He’s not sweet on you, is he?” Richie asked. Eddie frowned.

“Who? Dennis? My boss?” He questioned. Richie laughed and nodded.

“Yeah. He’s not into you, right? Because I’ll duel him for you if he is,” Richie offered. Eddie shook his head and tried not to blush even deeper.

“God no. Dennis is as straight as they come. He’s just not an asshole. He values my work ethic too much to care about who I screw,” he assured him.

“That’s nice. Good to know my plans of screwing you all weekend won’t affect your boss and his opinion of you,” Richie joked. Eddie smiled up at him as he picked up his plate and started heading to their usual spot on the couch.

“He actually said he doesn’t care what we do in the office,” Eddie said before walking off. Richie quickly added the wings to his plate, and then followed after him.

“Really? So he wouldn’t care if I…brought you flowers in the middle of your day?” Richie asked as they settled on the couch together. Eddie raised a brow at him.

“No, but you already got me flowers,” he pointed out.

“Yeah, but not for your cubicle. I’ve seen it in there, Eds, and you need to liven that place up. It’s so boring,” Richie insisted. Eddie rolled his eyes and turned on the TV.

“I’m okay. I’m only there to work,” he assured him.

“Would he care if I brought you lunch and ate with you at your desk?” He asked next. Eddie hesitated for a moment and then got started on his steak. It was already cut up, and the perfect amount of tenderness.

“Probably not, but he’d definitely get more complaints. There’s like three die hard homophobes there,” he said.

“Well maybe I should just waltz in and take you right then and there. That should really shake them up,” Richie said. Eddie’s entire face burned bright red, and he shook his head while flicking through the channels.

“Absolutely not. That’s insane, Rich,” he replied.

“I’m only joking! Mostly, but yeah. That’s a bit much, huh?”

“Way much.”

“But kissing you goodbye is okay?” Richie asked. Eddie nodded.

“Yeah. That’s okay,” he allowed. He looked over at his friend to see him already smiling at him, and let Richie kiss his cheek.

“Good.”

     They focused on the TV, but Eddie was quickly distracted by another text. He set his plate down on the ottoman to pull out his phone, and then frowned at the name across his screen. It’s been months since he last talked to this guy. Why was he hitting Eddie up now?

“Everything okay?” Richie asked. Eddie nodded and reluctantly opened his messages to tell the guy he wasn’t interested anymore.

“Yeah, sorry. I haven’t spoken to this guy in fucking months. He always messages me at the worst times, I dunno why he’s talking to me now,” he grumbled. Richie was quiet for a moment.

“Oh…you mean like a hookup?” He asked. Eddie nodded and sighed before shaking his head at the man’s rude response and then blocked his number.

“I never really liked him. He’s really rude,” he said and tossed his phone to the side to grab his food again.

“Are you…uh…I mean, are you still in touch with…your hook ups?” Richie asked. Eddie blinked at him.

“Uh, no. Not really. I haven’t talked to them for a while. Especially not since you and I…” he trailed off and blushed. Clearly they were going to have to bite the bullet and define what ever the fuck they’ve been doing for the past week.

“I haven’t either! I mean, you’ve been my main squeeze this whole time, but I had another guy I was talking to. I haven’t spoken to him since then too,” Richie said eagerly. Eddie let out a deep breath he didn’t even realize he was holding. For some reason it didn’t occur to him until just then that they were both previously hooking up with other people at the same time.

“Okay…um…that’s…that’s nice to know,” Eddie said. Richie nodded in agreement.

“Yeah. It’s…it’s just…uh…”

“Did you want that to be the norm between us?” Eddie asked. Richie’s eyes went wide.

“Do I…I mean, I wouldn’t mind…uh…you mean where we don’t t—talk to other people?” Richie stammered. Eddie bit back a smile from how ridiculous they were being about this, and then nodded.

“Yeah. Like…we only see each other for a while,” he reiterated. Richie nodded instantly.

“Yeah! Sure, that would be great. I think I’d like that a lot,” he agreed. Eddie couldn’t help but laugh a little, and then lean over and kiss him on the cheek.

“Okay…I guess it’s just you and me now,” he said. Richie nodded and smiled wide.

“I guess so.”

     Despite their previous discussions about sex it was actually much easier to take their time and just enjoy each others company. The dinner that Richie brought was exactly what Eddie needed, and when they finished they shared the dessert together while the TV ran. It was some kind of cop show that was much too funny considering the victim had been burned alive and chopped up into little pieces. Honestly it was easy to tune in and out of, and Eddie found himself more content than he had been in a long time. Richie fed him a couple bites of the cookie, and while he was embarrassed at first, he still accepted it and laughed at how ridiculous it felt. Each one was followed up by a kiss, and Eddie couldn’t quite explain why it felt so good to be the center of Richie’s attention.

“Mm…I should get these into the dishwasher,” Eddie mumbled as they polished off the plastic plate the pizookie came in.

“I can do it,” Richie offered. It was less of an offer and more of him actually doing it. He instantly sat up to gather their plates, and took the fork from Eddie’s hand before he could protest.

“Richie, no it’s okay. I can do it,” Eddie insisted following him into the kitchen.

“It’s just a few plates. I can handle it,” Richie assured him. Eddie rolled his eyes and then turned to clean up the boxes of take out they left on the counter instead. He put them all into the fridge while Richie loaded up his dishwasher with more dishes than he said he would.

“Richie, I swear to god,” Eddie sighed as he shut the door and saw the other man doing his dishes.

“Eddie, my darling, I’m just doing the dishes,” Richie assured him. He shook his head and crossed his arms while he finished up. “Eds, please tell where you put your dishwasher soap,” he requested.

“Under the sink,” Eddie told him before walking across the kitchen to lean against the counter. Richie nodded and checked to find the box of soap, and then poured it into the dishwasher before shutting it and closing it.

“See? Easy peasy,” he said. Eddie rolled his eyes, and stood by while Richie put the soap away and then washed his hands. He dried then it off and then leaned his hand on the counter next to Eddie. “Was that really so bad?”

“Honestly, I’m surprised you did a chore without me asking you to,” Eddie quipped. Richie hissed and held his hand over his heart.

“Oh! You wound me, sweetheart. You forget about my biggest motivation to do anything,” he said. Eddie raised a brow.

“Sex?” He guessed.

“Well…sex with you, maybe,” Richie hummed before stepping closer and kissing him on the lips. Eddie let him, and hummed happily as it lingered into several other kisses. He gently touched Richie’s jaw as he continued, and welcomed the shiver down his spine in response to his skilled tongue.

“They really take their sweet time with those test results, huh?” Richie murmured once they parted. Eddie giggled a little and touched down Richie’s chest.

“We can wait. There’s plenty of things I can think of that we can do in the meantime,” Eddie cooed. Richie smirked before kissing him again.

“What a coincidence. I can think of things we can do in the meantime as well. Maybe we should collaborate there,” he suggested. Eddie bit his lip while touching further down Richie’s body.

“I was mostly just thinking we could have a lot of sex,” he said bluntly. Richie laughed, and Eddie found so much more comfort in his laugh now than he did before.

“Honestly, sweetheart. How do you do it? You’re really romancing my socks off.”

“Like I need to do much to get you out of your socks,” Eddie hummed. Richie chuckled and nodded.

“That’s fair. I am pretty easy when it comes to you,” he admitted. Eddie smiled hearing that and then gently kissed down his neck.

“Easy enough to let me blow you to say thank you for dinner?” He asked.

“Baby, you never have to ask to give me a blowjob, but if you really wanna say thank you then you’d let me eat you out for as long as I want,” Richie told him. 

     Eddie blushed. He didn’t normally let Richie do that to him. Mostly because it was slightly humiliating, but the few times he let him it felt too good for him to allow it to be a regular thing between them. For some reason of all the things they did together that made him the most embarrassed. Maybe it was just “too gay” for Eddie to fully accept that he liked it, but he was starting to hate labeling things as “gay” and “straight” after the week he had. Why should he say no? It wasn’t like it was going to change anything outside of their relationship.

“You don’t have to, by the way. If you don’t want it we can do something else,” Richie assured him while Eddie processed everything. Eddie blinked his thoughts away, and then shook his head.

“Sorry. No, it’s okay. We can…we can do that if you want,” he allowed. Richie furrowed his brows.

“Are you sure? I don’t wanna do anything you don’t want,” he said. Eddie nodded and then reached up to wrap his arms around Richie’s neck.

“Yeah. It’s been a while since you last did it too, so…it’ll be fun,” Eddie said.

“Okay, but I’ll stop whenever you want me to, okay? Just let me know if it’s too much for you,” Richie insisted. Eddie felt his heart flutter in response to Richie’s dedication to his comfort, and pulled him down into a kiss.

“Thank you…I’ll let you know,” he agreed. Richie nodded and then kissed him back.

     Considering the fact that they’ve had more sexual interactions in the past week than they’ve had in the past month, Eddie was surprised he wasn’t tired of it yet. Sometimes he only hooked up a couple times a month because it was busy or because he wasn’t feeling it. He rarely hooked up twice in one day, and having full penetrative sex more than twice a week was not on the table for him. Yet he was still putty in Richie’s hands as they made out for the hundredth time and planned to have penetrative sex for the fourth time since Stanley’s baby shower. He’s never had so much desire for one person before, and he didn’t ever stop to think about how much he’s been holding himself back. In all honestly it wasn’t just sex with Richie. It had always been something else when Eddie fooled around with him. He just didn’t want to address it and buried himself in his work and other people to avoid it. The reality was Eddie had so much love for Richie he couldn’t contain it, and every time it leaked out he couldn’t help but panic about it.

     It used to be easy to believe that everything they did together was “just” sex. Every kiss and touch was nothing more than physical affection, and every orgasm was just a result of being touched in the right way. Eddie never paid attention to how sweet Richie’s kisses really were. He never tried to think about how thoughtful his hands were when they traveled down his body. His brain tried to distract him whenever it was impossible to ignore how focused Richie was on him. How desperate he was to please him and adore him. The past week alone was enough to show Eddie that there was more to his relationship with Richie than just sex, but in that moment as they kissed in the middle of his kitchen it was palpable. It was clear. They were in love.

“Mmh…Richie…” Eddie sighed. He was already overwhelmed but the large hands on his hips, but just thinking about how deep his emotions went was another layer of too much.

“Yes baby?” Richie asked. Eddie took a few deep breaths and then rested his face against Richie’s neck.

“Sorry…just…not used to this part yet,” he admitted.

“Which part? Should we stop for a minute?” He offered. Eddie shook his head.

“No, it’s okay. Just…the part where this means something, y’know? ‘M just not used to acknowledging it,'' Eddie assured him. Richie stroked his hair and kissed the top of his head.

“This has always meant something to me…you mean so much to me, Eds,” Richie told him. Eddie nodded in agreement.

“You mean a lot to me too,” he murmured. He then lifted his head again and pressed a kiss to Richie’s lips. “I think you should probably eat me out on my bed instead of my kitchen counter,” he whispered. Richie smiled at that and let Eddie take his hands to lead him away from the kitchen.

“I’ll do it anywhere you want me too,” Richie said. Eddie giggled and pulled him down the hall to his bedroom.

“For some reason I don’t doubt that,” he replied. 

     Richie held his hips, and then backed him up until his legs met the bed and he sat down on the edge of it. He touched Richie’s stomach, but didn’t get to stay long before Richie kneeled between his legs and started pulling at his sweatpants. Eddie lifted his hips to help him pull off the garment, and ran his fingers through Richie’s hair as he started kissing his bare thighs once it was off. He caressed Eddie’s hips and his legs as he kissed further and further up his thigh, and then stopped at the edge of his boxers to pull them off too. His hands instantly went to rub and soothe the red lines left behind from wearing the elastic band all day, and then gently pushed on his tummy to get Eddie on his back. The force was weak, but Eddie cooperated so he could continue. Kisses drifted over his hips and his belly, and then eventually feathered around the base of his cock. It was mere moments before Richie kissed up his length and then swallowed him down. Eddie gasped at the warm hot feeling of Richie’s mouth, and whined as he smoothly ran his lips up and down his dick.

“Richie…Richie, oh my god…” Eddie’s voice broke into a whimper, and he happily hooked his legs over Richie’s shoulders. The hands on his hips moved to grab at his thighs, and he loved the way Richie’s fingers fit so perfectly against his skin.

“Mhh…fuck, you’re so cute,” Richie said when he pulled off.

“That felt really good,” Eddie said while trying to calm his shaking. Richie smiled at that and then pushed his legs back until they touched his chest. 

     Knowing what was coming next, Eddie braced himself. No matter how much he tried to prepare himself for it, nothing could stop the pressure from Richie’s tongue against his hole from feeling so fucking amazing. It was useless every time he tried to keep himself calm beforehand, but he still tried time and time again to not instantly turn into a complete and total mess. His fingers curled into the comforter, but no matter how tight he clenched his jaw he couldn’t hold back the moan that clawed at his throat when Richie finally put his mouth on him. He teased him with a few kisses, but eventually grabbed his cheeks to spread them and ran his blunt tongue over his hole. Eddie furrowed his brows and let out the most pathetic whimper he had ever created as Richie continued to lap and lick him like it was the easiest thing ever. The warmth and the wetness of Richie’s tongue made his entire body flutter and flush, and he simply couldn’t keep his legs still.

“Richie! Ahh…oh god…” he cried. The other man kept pushing his legs back against his chest, but he couldn’t stop them from jerking and flinching every time Richie sucked on his rim.

“C’mon, baby. You always do this,” Richie said with a little chuckle. Eddie tried to cooperate, but couldn’t help himself when Richie flicked his tongue back and forth like that.

“Ahh! ‘M sorry,” he whined. Richie pulled back, and Eddie mourned the loss of sensation. He gently kissed Eddie’s neck, and used his fingers to rub his hole in the meantime. It felt good, but it wasn’t as good as his mouth.

“I’m gonna flip you over, okay? Then I can get to you really easy and make you feel really good,” Richie told him. 

     Eddie nodded, and moved with Richie’s hands as they worked to turn him around. He was completely flat against his mattress with his bare ass hanging off the edge. In any other circumstance he’d feel completely silly, but when Richie pushed up his shirt and started kissing down his back he was more than happy to be there. He didn’t have to do much to make Eddie’s chest heave against the blankets, but it got worse when Richie started to push in and fuck him with his tongue. It always slipped in so much easier than his fingers, and the warmth always made it feel so much better. The sensation was so unique and amazing, and his only complaint was that he could only go so deep with his tongue. He moaned and cried against the sheets, and buried his face against them as Richie used his fingers to rub behind his balls at the same time. No words came out of his mouth. Only helpless little mewls and moans to hopefully fuel Richie’s movements and actions. His free hand was consistently groping up and down Eddie’s thigh and ass, and that alone was enough to make Eddie antsy.

“Richie…Richie…” he sobbed.

“Fuck…” Richie gasped as he came up for air. “God, you’re already so fucking loose for me,” he rasped as he used the fingers behind Eddie’s balls to rub at his wet hole.

“Fuck me! Fuck me, please. Fuck me, Richie,” he pleaded. Richie groaned behind him, and then stood up to grab his hips and lift them. Eddie pushed back against him, and moaned happily when he felt the bulge in Richie’s pants fit so perfectly between his cheeks. The stuttered moan that rumbled in response told Eddie that he liked it, and he was quick to grind his hips back to push against Richie’s obvious boner.

“Christ, Eds. You’re a fucking menace,” Richie growled and nudged his hips back in response. 

     Eddie moaned at the pressure, and then gasped as Richie pulled his hips even higher and pushed him more onto the bed. He crawled forward as he was shown, and glanced behind him to see Richie pulling off his shirt and undoing his pants. While he worked on that, Eddie scuttled to his nightstand to grab his lube and a condom. He turned around again to see Richie crawling after him, and he moved down the bed to meet him in the middle. In the past he had been reluctant to let Richie kiss him after rimming him, but he was simply too turned on to deny it this time. Their lips met, and Eddie hummed at the contact. Richie towered over him as he leaned between his legs, and interrupted their kissing so he could pull off Eddie’s shirt as well. He kissed down Eddie’s chest once it was bare, but then pulled back once more to flip him over again. Eddie gasped as his hips were twisted around, and obediently got on his knees while Richie grabbed his ass again.

“God, your ass is fucking amazing, babe,” Richie huffed. He kissed one of his cheeks and down his thigh before spreading him open again and returning his tongue over his hole. Eddie wanted to scream, but directed it into the blankets as he let Richie completely take him apart.

“Ah! Fuck! Richie, oh my fucking god!” He wept into his comforter.

“Yeah? You like that, baby? You like it when I put my mouth on you like this? You’re always so fucking adorable when I eat you out. Wish you’d let me do it more. Wanna watch you lose it every time,” Richie cooed while aggressively rubbing his thumb against Eddie’s hole. He never slipped it in, but he was pressing hard enough to drive Eddie crazy.

“Richie…baby, please…please, I’m ready…please, I want you so bad…please…ahh…” Eddie blubbered while holding on for dear life. 

     Richie kissed down his spine, and then completely pulled away to grab the lube and the condom that Eddie dropped. Eddie’s legs were shaking as he tried to keep himself up, but he was dangerously close to flopping over while he waited for Richie to get the condom on. His only saving grace was the gentle hand on his hip that led to both of Richie’s hands grabbing and pulling him closer. Eddie gasped, and then shivered when he felt the tip of Richie’s cock against his hole. He was wrapped, and generously covered with lube that easily spread between his cheeks. The way he rubbed his head back and forth against Eddie’s rim was torturous, but he only had enough brain power to whimper and whine instead of speak. He gripped the sheets again, and tried to steady his breathing while Richie continued to tease him and run his fingers over his waist.

“You look so stunning like this,” Richie sighed. Eddie pressed his lips together tightly, and tried to push back against Richie’s dick. He only held Eddie still in response, and he moaned in protest.

“Mhh…Richie…please…” he managed.

“Just a second, okay baby? You do your best to breathe. You look so cute when we’re desperate for it,” Richie told him. Eddie moaned again hearing him speak like that, and arched his back even deeper to present himself perfectly.

“Please…baby, please…I want you…I need you…fuck me, Richie…fuck me so good, baby,” Eddie begged. Richie groaned above him, and then slowly pushed in an inch or two. 

     The first push was always the best, and Eddie’s body immediately sang with the intrusion. He moaned with satisfaction instead of grief, and he stretched his arms out more to push back against Richie’s length. His hands were tight around his hips, but they alternated between squeezing and massaging his hip bones as he eased deeper inside him. It really didn’t take long before they were completely flushed against each other, and Eddie felt satisfyingly full as Richie adjusted to his tight heat. Instead of days, it felt more like weeks since they had sex like this. Richie’s length was familiar, but it was so much more overwhelming and amazing than Eddie remembered. They were also crying the last time they were fooling around like this, so he felt a lot more comfortable with the emotional side of things this time around.

“Fuck…Christ, Eddie, you feel so fucking good,” Richie groaned. He felt a sense of pride as Richie’s words sank in, and bit his lip before pushing back against Richie. “Fuck.”

“Richie…” he breathed.

“God, you’re squeezing me so fucking tight, baby. Holy shit, it’s like you don’t wanna let me go,” Richie went off. Eddie nodded, and then moaned when Richie started to grind their hips together.

“Mm…Rich…baby, gimme more,” he requested. Richie adjusted his grip, and then began rocking in and out. It was infuriating, but Eddie was so overwhelmed by it that he was glad Richie started out slow.

“Like that, baby? Is that enough for you?” Richie asked. Eddie could hear the slight smirk in his voice, and it was clear that they both knew it was absolutely nowhere near enough. He shook his head.

“No…I want more. Faster,” Eddie replied. Richie obliged, and Eddie groaned in frustration at how minimally he cooperated.

“Like that?”

“Don’t…don’t fucking tease me. Fuck me,” Eddie snapped. His voice was still weak from the sex, but he managed to speak firmly for his demands.

“Oh, I’m sorry sweetheart. Am I not fucking you fast enough?” He asked. 

     Eddie groaned again and this time tried to push his hips back to set his own pace. He could only go so fast like that, and when he did Richie stayed completely still. He whined in frustration, and tried to peek over his shoulder to see what the hell Richie was doing. The moment he looked over Richie’s brows were tense and his lip was caught between his teeth. His hands were still on Eddie’s hips, but Eddie could see the slight tug he was giving to encourage Eddie’s hips. His entire chest was flushed, and his knuckles were beginning to turn white as he grip tightened. He was close to breaking, and Eddie had a good idea how to make him snap. He returned his face into the sheets, and then slowed down enough to tease Richie’s length. The other man groaned behind him, and Eddie slowed down even more.

“Fuck, you’re so perfect,” Richie rasped. Eddie moaned in response to his compliment, and then gasped as Richie gently rubbed his thumb around his rim while they fucked.

“Richie…” he mewled. He pushed back completely, and actively tried to squeeze around Richie as he rubbed. That made Richie’s fingers curl into his waist, and grab his skin while he choked his length.

“Ahh…oh my fucking god,” Richie growled. Eddie circled his hips, and then gasped when Richie finally started to move again.

“Richie! Fuck!” He cried out. 

     His pace was immediately faster than before, and he used both hands to grip Eddie’s body and move it with a lot more strength and effort than before. Eddie happily worked with him, but his grip was so strong he was nearly useless as Richie fucked him faster and faster. All he really could do was moan and cry like a bitch in heat. Whimpers and cries flowing from his lips like a fountain, and his eyes running from how intense it all was. Even when he wasn’t sobbing his eyes out he was still crying. It was such a strange and recent phenomenon, but it strangely made the sex even better as Richie railed him into the sheets. He let himself sob with pleasure, and felt his impending orgasm dying to be released.

“Richie…Richie, I’m gonna cum,” he warned. Richie groaned hearing that, and kept his pace as Eddie was quickly losing it.

“Yeah? You’re gonna cum for me? Just on my dick?” He asked. Eddie whined and then nodded. His legs were already weak, but they were shaking again as he orgasm approached fast.

“Yes! Yes, oh…Richie!“ he cried out. 

     His body twitched and jerked as he came, and he whimpered as the after shocks made him continue shivering and shaking. Richie slowed down after he came, and then pulled out completely. He gently rubbed Eddie’s back before gently rolling him over so he didn’t need to stay on his knees. Eddie obliged, and laid back while Richie pulled off the condom and looked down at Eddie. His eyes were still hazy and cloudy, and it was clear he hadn’t cum yet when Eddie saw how hard he was breathing and how red his cock was. Before Richie could reach himself, Eddie took him in his hand and jerked him off. Richie groaned and moved closer to crawl over him and kiss Eddie on the lips. He welcomed the other man on top of him, and gladly kissed him back while wringing out his climax. It didn’t take long before he shuddered and came as well, and Eddie gasped at how hot his cum felt against his stomach. Richie gasped for breath, but still had enough energy to take some of his cum on his fingers and then press it to Eddie’s lips. He obliged in opening his mouth, and then eagerly sucked off the drops from his fingers. Richie groaned one more time and then kissed him on the lips once he sucked off all he could.

“Mmm…it’s so warm…can’t wait until you cum inside me,” Eddie cooed between kisses. Richie moaned weakly thinking about that, and buried his face into Eddie’s neck as his body worked through the remaining energy running through it. Eddie gently pulled him down so he wasn’t standing on his knees, and Richie happily collapsed on top of him.

“Fuck…god, Eds…you’re seriously so fucking perfect,” Richie heaved. Eddie kissed the side of his head, and happily wrapped Richie up with his arms and his legs.

“You too…that was so good,” he agreed.

“We get to do that all weekend, right? Or do you wanna kick me out already?” Richie joked. Eddie giggled and shook his head. He held him tighter to demonstrate just how much he didn’t want that.

“No…I think I’ll keep you for a little bit longer,” he teased. Richie chuckled and then nosed at Eddie’s neck before kissing it gently.

“I have no complaints there.”

“Good. You don’t really have a choice,” Eddie said. Richie wrapped his arms around Eddie’s waist and happily kissed the skin at his disposal.

“That is fine with me.”

“Ugh, we should shower,” Eddie suggested when he felt the cum sticking to their stomachs. Richie nodded in agreement and then pushed himself up. “And I should wash my comforter,” he murmured when he noticed his own puddle of cum on the wrinkled up blanket. Richie nodded and then helped guide Eddie to sit up.

“Yeah, that might be a good idea,” he agreed.

“Get the water running for me?” Eddie requested. Richie smiled and leaned down to kiss him.

“I’d love to.”

Chapter Text

     Eddie was happy. In fact, he would go as far as to say that he was really happy. He was scared to say it out loud, but he could safely think it to himself as he let Richie shampoo his hair and gently rub his knuckles against his scalp. He let himself think that as they rinsed off their suds together, and he thought that as they dried off and got into bed together. Richie pulled his boxers back on while Eddie grabbed another blanket to cover his mattress from his closet. They covered the bed once they were both ready to sleep, and then crawled under it once it was all neatly put together. His happiness only persisted as Richie slipped his arm around him from behind, and sleep was quickly tugging at his eyes as he enjoyed being held so tightly. This was what he wanted. This was what he was missing. This is what made him feel whole. For the first time in a long time, Eddie didn’t feel completely empty inside. Instead he was simply happy.

     Thankfully, that happiness continued when he woke up. Everything was so warmed and when he shifted he was happy to feel Richie pressed up against him. They had flipped throughout the night from their previous spooning, and Eddie woke up to find his face buried in Richie’s chest. He liked that position a lot, but didn’t allow it to happen often before the beginning of that week. It was now strange to him how much he denied himself in the past simply to follow some weird standard that didn’t even apply to him. He couldn’t be with a woman, so he couldn’t enjoy the men he was with. He couldn’t conform to society’s expectations, so he wasn’t allowed to be happy or experience joy. It was more than liberating to think about all the joy he was experiencing whilst in the arms of a man, but the satisfaction came from the fact that the man he was with was his best friend that he had held onto for decades. For so long Richie was always unattainable, but he didn’t even realize that he was the one holding Richie out of arm's length. He hadn’t even been consciously doing it. He just always thought he wasn’t allowed to be that happy. That all he was allowed to do was suffer.

“Pst…Eds,” Richie whispered against the top of his head. Eddie could have opened his eyes, but he decided to nuzzle closer against Richie’s chest instead.

“Hmm…”

“Are you awake?” He asked. Eddie shook his head. “Good. I’m going to make you breakfast then,” he said. Eddie frowned at that, and then finally opened his eyes as Richie pulled his arms off. He looked up, and Richie froze before smiling.

“Why are you doing that?” He asked.

“Good morning to you too,” Richie said before kissing his forehead. Eddie closed his eyes momentarily, but pried them open again as Richie continued to pull away.

“Richie, no. It’s too early. Come back,” he murmured.

“If I’m naturally waking up then it’s closer to the evening than it is the morning,” Richie pointed out. He gently held Eddie’s hands to his chest instead of around his torso, and then began crawling out of bed. Eddie sat up to watch him, and then groaned and rubbed his eyes.

“Seriously, just come back to bed. I have cereal and shit. We can eat later,” he insisted.

“You keep at it, sleeping beauty. I’ll be back in no time,” Richie promised. He came around the bed to kiss Eddie’s forehead again, and Eddie pouted before giving in and letting himself fall asleep again once Richie left him.

     The second time he woke up he felt a gentle hand caressing his cheek. His eyes fluttered open to see Richie sitting on the edge of his bed with a cup of coffee in his other hand. He smiled before he could stop himself, but he decided to let himself show a little of the happiness he’s been feeling lately.

“Good morning. Again,” Richie said. Eddie nodded and then finally pushed himself up to get out of bed.

“You should’ve stayed,” he sighed. Richie handed him the warm mug, and Eddie happily accepted it from his hands to start drinking.

“I could’ve, but there wouldn’t be pancakes waiting for you in the kitchen if I did,” he pointed out. Eddie raised a skeptical brow at him, and then took another sip.

“If I hadn’t seen you cook before I’d be very doubtful of that,” he admitted. Richie laughed at that.

“Sweetheart, you wound me,” he said. Eddie rolled his eyes and handed back the mug so he could get out of bed.

“You’ll survive.”

     Before he went to the kitchen for breakfast, Eddie decided to finally take the soiled comforter from last night to the washing machine. He started it up rather quickly, and then joined Richie at the table. Not only did he make pancakes, but he made bacon too. His mug was waiting for him next to Richie, and the warm sun was filtering through his sliding glass back door. Everything looked so put together, and the smile on Richie’s face when Eddie finally joined him filled him with even more joy. He smiled back and kissed his cheek before sitting down and drinking more of his coffee.

“How’d you sleep?” Richie asked. Eddie hummed into his mug and then set it down.

“Good. Better than most of this week,” he said. Richie’s smile widened at that, and he took a bite of his breakfast.

“What a coincidence. Me too,” he replied.

“Mm…that’s just because you like warm things,” Eddie teased.

“I mean, that would explain why I like your mouth so much,” Richie went along. 

     They both giggled at that, and Eddie took his first bite of the pancakes Richie made. He dressed them with butter and syrup, and what was so sweet about that was it was done exactly how Eddie liked it when they were kids. An even layer of butter, instead of a big chunk in the middle, and enough syrup to cover it without completely soaking the pancake. Little things like that made Eddie the most happy, and what made it ever so slightly annoying was how Richie knew how much he liked it. It was annoying, and yet it made Eddie’s heart swell with nostalgia and happiness. Maybe annoying wasn’t exactly the right word for it.

“Do you ever think about how close we were as kids?” Eddie asked. Richie nodded.

“All the time. I kinda miss it sometimes. College was rough, y’know?” He replied. Eddie paused for a moment, and then looked over to see Richie drinking his orange juice.

“I miss it too,” he said. Richie met his eyes and then set down his cup.

“Glad to hear I’m not the only one,” he hummed.

“I think Stan misses it too. He won’t say it, but I can tell sometimes he wishes we could all hang out like we used to,” Eddie said. Richie chuckled.

“Yeah, it’s hard to hang out like teenagers when we’re all closer to thirty than we are to twenty,” Richie said. Eddie nodded.

“That and we’re all adults with conflicting schedules,” he added.

“That’s true.”

“Y’know what I miss the most?” Eddie hummed.

“I have a pretty good feeling you’re gonna tell me,” Richie replied. Eddie smiled as they looked at each other and ignored their breakfast.

“I miss all the times I snuck out to hang out with you,” he said. Richie blushed. His brows raised ever so slightly, as if he was surprised to hear that.

“Really? I thought you’d miss riding on the back of silver all the time,” he said.

“I mean, that’s a close second,” Eddie teased. Richie rolled his eyes, but his smile only got wider.

“There’s no way you miss that the most. You’d get so cranky and nervous. You’d spend the whole time we walked back to my house ranting about all the things your mom was gonna do to you if she found out,” he reminded him.

“I mean, yeah. It was extremely risky, but that’s what made it so fun. I only complained so you would cuddle with me to calm me down,” Eddie revealed. Richie blinked at that.

“Wait, you did?” He questioned. Eddie nodded.

“And I’d pretend to be cold so you would sit closer to me,” he went on. Richie shook his head.

“No way. Now you’re just making this up,” he denied.

“I’m serious! Do you think I’d actually ask you to cuddle? I could barely ask you to kiss me without making up a bullshit excuse and getting all nervous,” Eddie pointed out.

“Yeah, but that’s different from purposefully shivering to make me cuddle you,” Richie insisted.

“How?” Eddie challenged.

“Everyone wanted to try kissing, but there’s no way you were actually trying to get me to cuddle you. You were just cold,” Richie argued.

“But I wanted you to make me not cold,” Eddie argued back. “Whenever we were with anyone else, I’d only shiver next to you.”

“Sorry, Eds, but I’m not buying it,” Richie said, crossing his arms. Eddie rolled his eyes and leaned his elbow on the counter.

“You’re a very warm person, Rich. Is it seriously so hard to believe I wanted to cuddle with the warmest person in the room?” He questioned. Richie pursed his lips.

“Maybe.”

“Whatever. Believe what you want, but I’m telling the truth,” Eddie sighed.

“Y’know what I miss the most?” Richie asked.

“Playing tonsil tennis in the clubhouse?” Eddie guessed.

“Close second, but it’s related,” Richie said. Eddie raised a brow. “I miss thinking of excuses for why we were always so early to meet up at the club house. We always agreed to get there an hour early to make out and stuff, and when they came in we had to run away from each other and look like we weren’t even interacting with each other.”

“Oh yeah. I usually let you do the talking because you never know when to stop,” Eddie said.

“Yeah I picked up on that. That’s why I started just saying that we were making out. They always thought it was a joke,” Richie recalled. They laughed together at the memories, and Eddie briefly bit his lip thinking about just how many times they met there for the pure purpose of fooling around.

“It was really fun back then. Y’know…the making out and stuff. I remember liking it a lot,” Eddie said. Richie nodded in agreement.

“Oh yeah. That was basically the only thing that got me through the week. I’d also furiously masturbate thinking about it. I loved doing that with you,” Richie reminisced. Eddie blushed a little, but kept his focus on Richie while he continued eating.

 “So you got off thinking about me?” Eddie asked. Richie nodded like it was nothing.

“Like almost every night. Especially after the days we actually kissed. I couldn’t not think about you,” he confessed.

“You’d get so hard so fast whenever we made out. It was kinda cute,” Eddie reminded him. Richie blushed and shook his head.

“I’d only get hard whenever you literally crawled into my lap, okay? I wasn’t that much of a virgin. Sue me for popping a stiffy whenever the hottest person in the world sits on it,” Richie replied. He was playful, but clearly defensive. What really caught Eddie’s ear was the last thing he said.

“You think I’m the hottest person in the world?” He asked. Richie stalled his chewing, and then swallowed his food before speaking.

“I mean…you’re definitely in my top five.”

“Who else is in your top five?” Eddie asked.

“Tom Cruise,” Richie said instantly. Eddie waited, but he had nothing else to say.

“Is that it? Me and Tom Cruise?” He questioned.

“There’s more I just can’t think of them right now,” Richie said. Eddie giggled.

“You haven’t even met Top Cruise. Not even any of your past hookups?” Richie shook his head.

“God no. I only hooked up with people when I was sad and lonely. They weren’t ugly, but they were nowhere near my top five,” he said.

“Which is currently just me and Tom Cruise,” Eddie pointed out. Richie nodded.

“You’re above Tom Cruise, by the way,” he said.

“I feel like I should be flattered.”

“Eh. Hard to compete. I’ve actually seen you in real life, and Tom Cruise isn’t exactly my type. He’s just hot.”

“What is your type then?” Eddie asked.

“You,” Richie answered with a grin. Eddie rolled his eyes.

“Whatever. It was still funny how quickly you’d get a boner when I sat in your lap,” he insisted.

“It didn’t seem funny to you whenever you’d rub your entire ass against it,” Richie teased.

“Excuse you, I was not rubbing my entire ass on you. I was teasing you,” Eddie corrected.

“We must have very different definitions of teasing then, because there were some moments where if we weren’t wearing clothes we would’ve been having full on sex,” Richie said. Eddie’s blush got hotter and he shook his head.

“No, you’re remembering that wrong. I only felt your boners against my thigh, I never had it between my legs or near my butt,” he said. Richie laughed and then shook his head.

“I swear I had it right against your ass one time. We were both like a minute away from cumming, and then someone opened the trap door and we scrambled,” he persisted. 

     Eddie shook his head and then got up. Richie watched him, and then welcomed him in his lap as he straddled the chair. He brought their groins as close as possible, and moved his hips to demonstrate.

“My butt is nowhere near your dick, okay? The only way it would’ve been like that is if you purposefully put it there, or if you were laying completely flat—which you weren’t,” Eddie claimed. Richie smiled and then bit his lip before gently touching Eddie’s thighs.

“I dunno. We were closer than this because we were kissing. Maybe we should make out and see where we end up,” he suggested. Eddie blinked and welcomed the hands slowly making their way to his butt.

“You can kiss me all you want, but even if we can find a position where that’s physically possible there’s no way we did that when we were teenagers. The only person who was touching my butt back then was me,” Eddie said stubbornly. Richie nodded and then began gently pinching at the full flesh below his boxers.

“But I can kiss you?” He clarified. Eddie blushed, but nodded before leaning down to meet him.

“You didn’t even need to ask,” he sighed. Richie laughed, but kept it short so their lips could finally meet.

“You’re so much hotter now, by the way,” Richie murmured.

“Well, I would hope so. Teenagers are only attractive to each other and weirdos,” Eddie scoffed. Richie nodded in agreement and let his hands move up to squeeze him under his boxers.

“I’m just saying you’re sexy, baby,” Richie said. Eddie arched his back slightly in response to Richie’s touch, and kissed him again.

“You are too…just so you know. I find you…really attractive,” Eddie told him. Richie bit his lip and squeezed him again.

“You’ve mentioned a couple times that you want me,” he murmured. Eddie shook his head and touched over Richie’s chest.

“Not just that. I mean that I like the way you look, and I like you the way you are. You’re just…you’re really hot, Richie,” he told him. That seemed to catch his attention, and he eased up on Eddie’s ass to look up at him.

“I…oh…”

“I don’t really say it a lot, but I’m very much physically attracted to you. I’m not hooking up or sleeping with you because it’s easy. I’m doing it because I like you and because I like your body. I like the way you touch me, and it honestly turns me on so much when you fuck me. I like how wide your shoulders are, and how strong your arms are. I fucking love your hands and your fingers. They feel so good when you use them to hold me and touch me. It’s so sexy,” Eddie rambled. He was pushing up Richie’s shirt as he spoke, and Richie allowed him to take it off completely. His hands instantly went for his hairy chest, and Richie looked absolutely flabbergasted as Eddie touched his soft belly.

“Christ…fuck, I didn’t know that. I just…wow. You really like all of this?” Richie asked. Eddie nodded and then reached down to grab Richie’s passive hands on his hips. He guided them up his waist and under his shirt, and let go after he showed Richie how he wanted to be touched. His fingers gripped the flexible skin at his sides, and then continued squeezing down until he got to his ass again.

“I love it. You always make me feel so good when you touch me,” Eddie cooed.

“I love making you feel good,” Richie hummed. Eddie smiled at that, and then arched his back to push his ass into Richie’s hands.

“Then do it,” he challenged.

     It only took a moment for Richie to stand up and get Eddie on the table. He pushed away his breakfast first, and then lifted Eddie to replace it like he weighed nothing. Eddie’s legs instantly wrapped around him, but he didn’t have a chance to say anything before Richie’s mouth was on him. He rolled his hips forward, and Eddie moaned weakly as their cocks ground against each other. With only two thin layers of their boxer shorts between them, it felt absolutely fantastic. He held onto Richie’s shoulders, and tried to move his hips with his movements. He was slightly successful, but mostly just distracted from the deep kisses and the grabbing hands on his ass. It all felt too good for him to resist, and despite the nagging at the back of his head saying they’d be making an absolute mess if they actually fucked on his dining room table, he couldn’t bring himself to care.

“Fuck me. Fuck me right here,” Eddie blurted when Richie started kissing down his neck. He groaned and then kissed him on the lips.

“Babe, the lube and the condoms are back in your room,” he said.

“Then go get it,” Eddie replied. Richie groaned, mostly out of pleasure, and then kissed him one last time.

“I’ll be right back, okay? Stay right here,” he instructed. 

     Eddie nodded, and then let Richie turn and run to his bedroom next to the kitchen. While he was gone Eddie ripped off his shirt and shimmied off his boxers. He grabbed his coffee mug and the glass of orange juice to set on the counter, and sat back into place just as Richie rounded the corner with the foil packet and the bottle. He stoped dead in his tracks when he saw the lack of Eddie’s clothes, but didn’t stay for long before marching over and kissing him harshly on the lips. Eddie happily accepted it, and laid himself back for Richie to see.

“Finger me. I want you now,” he demanded. Richie nodded and opened the bottle to wet his fingers. He warmed up the product and then immediately eased in a finger.

“God, you look so fucking good,” Richie huffed. Eddie bit his lip at the stretch, and pulled his legs closer to his chest.

“Mmh…skip to two,” he said.

“Are you sure, baby?” Richie asked. Eddie nodded.

“Yes. I’m still so loose from last night. You fucked me so good, Richie,” he said. Richie groaned and then obliged.

“You were so cute last night too. I fucking love eating you out. Your voice gets so weak and your body gets so tense you start shaking so easily. Love the way you moan my name and beg for more. Love the way you fucked yourself on my dick. You’re so fucking hot,” he went on. Eddie whimpered at the memories, and happily accepted the two fingers.

“Mmmhh…I love how you moved my body like that. I love how tight you were holding me while you fucked me. It felt so fucking good,” he replied. Richie moaned and then leaned down to kiss him while he finger fucked him. “Mmh! Richie!”

“God, you have no idea how fucking close I was to begging for you in high school. I wanted you so fucking bad, but I was so convinced you would’ve slapped me if I even asked,” Richie rasped.

“I was waiting for you to say something, dumbass,” Eddie said. He then gasped as Richie pushed in a third, and let his head fall limp against the table while Richie attacked his neck.

“I could barely look at you some days. Felt too guilty because of how often I thought about you naked. I wanted to fuck you so fucking bad back then. I still do every single day. I couldn’t stop thinking about you naked on my bed and asking me to fuck you. God, it was so hot I could barely go to sleep without jerking off six times,” he rambled. Eddie bit his lip to try and hold back his moans, but that didn’t stop him from whimpering and digging his nails into Richie’s shoulders.

“I…I-I thought about you…I thought about you pinning me down and—“ he interrupted himself with another moan as Richie used his free hand to squeeze his ass. “P—pinning me down in the clubhouse and fucking me there,” he finished. Richie pulled back to look down at him and blinked with wide eyes. His glasses were skewed and fogged, so Eddie pulled them off. He felt his heart catch as Richie looked down at him, and tried to think of how many times he’s actually looked him in the eye without his glasses on. He’d be surprised if the number didn’t fit on one hand.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Richie huffed. Eddie shook his head, and then tried to be gentle as he cupped Richie’s face with his shaky hands.

“No. I thought about it every time we messed around,” he said.

“Baby, if you told me that back then, you’d have to fight me off with a stick,” Richie said. Eddie licked his lips.

“I also thought about you sneaking into my bedroom and fucking me after my mom went to sleep. I kept thinking about how hard it would be to keep quiet, a—and how you’d have to fuck me from behind so I could hide my moans in my pillow,” Eddie told him.

“Fucking Christ, Eds,” Richie groaned and then kissed him on the lips. Eddie moaned happily, and then slapped his hand around for the condom. He finally found it, and pressed it to Richie’s chest.

“Fuck me now. Fuck me right fucking now,” Eddie demanded. 

     Richie nodded and took the packet from Eddie’s trembling fingers. He tore it open with his mouth, and then stepped back for a second to properly put it on. Eddie held his legs back while he waisted, and loved the way Richie’s eyes devoured the position he willingly put himself in. He pushed against the back of Eddie’s thighs to show his flexibility, and Eddie easily moved with him until he felt the head of his cock resting against his hole. His entire body tensed up at the contact, but he relaxed himself after that initial reaction to accept the first push inside him.

“Richie…oh my god,” Eddie breathed. Richie had his lower lip trapped between his teeth, and continued pushing forward as Eddie pushed his head back against the table.

“You’re still so tight, baby. You’re fucking perfect. I love fucking your tight little hole. Don’t you love it too, sweetheart?” Richie purred. Eddie whimpered pathetically. He never imagined Richie being so good at dirty talk like this when they first fooled around, but he wasn’t surprised by it anymore either. The first time they hooked up he was so turned on by the things Richie whispered in his ear he couldn’t control himself. He nodded.

“Yes! Yes, I love it. I love it when you fuck me, Richie. I want it all the time. I love the way you fuck me until I’m crying. No one does it like you,” he obliged to Richie’s subtle demand.

“That’s right, baby. No one fucks you like I do,” Richie cooed and shoved the rest of his length inside him. 

     Eddie’s jaw dropped, but his scream was silent as his body went rigid from how intense Richie’s cock felt inside of him. His back arched off the table, and his eyes squeezed shut tight for a moment. He thought he might’ve had the wind knocked out of him, but he could still breathe. It just took him a moment to remember to let it out. He gasped and whimpered in a shaken voice as his chest deflated and his body tried to accept the new shape inside of him.

“Rich…Richie…oh my god…o—oh,” he sobbed while balling his fists by his sides.

“Fucking hell,” Richie growled.

“Richie?”

“You’re squeezing me so fucking tight, baby. I can feel you throbbing around me…it’s so hot, holy shit,” Richie groaned. His hands were tight on Eddie’s waist, and that only made Eddie desperate for more.

“Mmh…Richie, please. Fuck me. Fuck me, please. I wanna feel you move too,” Eddie begged. Richie moaned weakly, and then happily obliged to Eddie’s request. He started with shallow thrusts, and leaned down to kiss him on the lips before going faster. The longer their lips stayed connected the faster Richie began to move, and Eddie happily clung to his neck to make him go faster and faster.

“Fuck…fuck…Eds…” Richie moaned between kisses.

“Mhh…harder…fuck me harder…harder, baby,” Eddie whispered against his lips. Richie did so and fucked him so hard that the table audibly hit the chairs and squeaked against the dining room floor. He had to lean back to go that fast, and while Eddie missed being close he was also more than happy to be watched and observed as he completely lost his mind from how amazing he felt.

“Fuck, you’re so beautiful,” Richie sighed. Eddie had enough of his mind to blink up at him and let his eyes flutter in response to Richie’s compliment. He groaned while watching Eddie fall apart, and reached down to stroke his length too.

“Richie!” Eddie shouted.

     He only had to jerk Eddie off for less than a minute to make him cum. The orgasm was so intense it made his legs twitch and his chest convulse while his cum dribbled over his tummy. He continued to moan and cry until Richie came after him, and held his legs back when he pulled out and ripped the condom off to cum over his stomach too. They both took a moment to catch their breath, and before either one could say anything Richie was crouching down to lick up the mixture of their cum across Eddie’s belly. Eddie bit back another moan as he watched, but let it go when Richie massaged his legs that were still propped up.

“So beautiful. You are so fucking beautiful. Goddammit, Eds,” Richie rambled while continuing his mouth up to Eddie's neck. He let him, and then let Richie cover him with a hug and kiss him on the lips again.

“You really just fucked me on my dining room table,” Eddie sighed. Richie chuckled.

“Which should we do next? The kitchen counter? Your couch? Maybe your office?” Richie hummed.

“I think we should shower next. Then clean the table before we even think about eating on it again,” Eddie said. Richie nodded and stood back to offer him a hand. Eddie took it, and then let Richie kiss him when he sat up.

“I think that’s a good idea.”

     By the time they were clean again Eddie’s comforter was ready to be put in the dryer. He did so, and then got dressed before helping Richie clean up the mess they made in the kitchen. The other man was still in his boxers, and Eddie didn’t think much of it at first since they were preoccupied with cleaning. However it did poke at his curiosity when Richie picked up his shirt from the floor and slipped it back on. It then occurred to him that Richie only came with dinner and the clothes on his back.

“Did you not bring anything else?” Eddie asked. Richie blinked at him and then slipped his glasses back on.

“What do you mean?” He asked. Eddie pointed to his clothes.

“Clothing. Is that all you have?” He reiterated. Richie looked down at his shirt and frowned at the syrup stain already next to his collar.

“Uh…yeah. I was mostly focused on getting you a really fucking awesome dinner, so I kinda just left without thinking…also I figured we wouldn’t do much else besides…y’know,” Richie ended that with a smirk, and Eddie blushed as he crossed his arms.

“What if I wanted to do something else besides that?” He challenged.

“Do you?” Richie challenged back. Eddie shrugged.

“It would be nice to go out,” he said vaguely.

“Well, I’d be more than happy to stop by my apartment very quickly and grab something fresh to wear. What were you thinking?” Richie asked. Eddie felt a little caught being asked that. He more so expected Richie to argue with him about going out, but it made sense that he was willing to do it.

“I dunno…maybe…we could go see a movie?” He suggested. Richie nodded and walked over to kiss him on the forehead.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea. Let me put my pants on and I’ll be right back,” Richie assured him.

“We could go together. It would save you gas so you don’t have to come back for me,” Eddie suggested. It’s been a while since they were at Richie’s place together. The last time they hooked up there seemed to be the last time they did it for no reason. Even then that’s when everything actually started to mean something.

“Are you sure? It’s kind of a mess right now,” Richie warned. Eddie rolled his eyes.

“It’s always a mess. Let’s just go together,” he said. Richie chuckled.

“Okay, fair. Yeah. Let’s go together.”

     Richie got dressed in the clothes he wore last night, and then walked with Eddie out to his car. They climbed in together, and sat comfortably through the drive to Richie’s apartment. It was a rather big contrast to the last time they were driving to Richie’s apartment, and also an even bigger contrast to the drive to Eddie’s house after their affairs that evening. Just remembering how thick the air was between them after exchanging such intense emotions made Eddie feel weird again. The past week Eddie had slowly become more and more comfortable with the acknowledgement of their feelings for each other, so it was almost strange that it was so unnatural at one point. He still felt a little bit of awkwardness, as if there was something they still weren’t addressing, but it was much more subtle than the last time.

     When they arrived at Richie’s apartment Eddie finally understood what Richie’s definition of a “mess” really was. He had empty coke cans across the various counter spaces and end tables, and the sink was getting close to over filled with dishes. To be fair, they had been spending a lot of time at Eddie’s house but he hadn’t seen Richie’s place this backed up since they were in college. He lingered to look at the coffee stains on his kitchen counter while Richie made a beeline for his bedroom. A part of him was tempted to start cleaning since Richie had been so helpful with his own chores, but decided that he’d rather not start a project that would most likely take the rest of their day together. Cleaning together didn’t sound terrible, but he did want to focus more on relaxing this weekend since he didn’t get a long weekend very often. So he decided to join Richie in his room instead.

     The bedroom was marginally better than the rest of the apartment. There were only a few energy drink cans on his nightstand, and his clothes were mostly in his dirty bin and not on the ground. He was already in a fresh new outfit, and was picking out a couple more for the next two days they had together. Eddie sat on the edge of his half made bed behind him, and simply watched as the other man slapped down a couple tee shirts on top of his dresser. He couldn’t help but smirk a little when he noticed the bright patterns across the material, and then looked up at Richie’s face when he turned around.

“I got two shirts and two underwear, is that good?” Richie asked. Eddie frowned.

“What about pants?”

“Babe, everyone knows jeans are good for at least three days,” he argued. Eddie raised a brow at that.

“Bring at least one extra pair incase you spill anything on yourself. I seriously don’t have anything that could fit you if you fuck up like that,” he pointed out. Richie sighed and turned to his drawers to do exactly that.

“Okay, two shirts, two underwear, and a pair of jeans. All good?” He asked. Eddie nodded and smiled.

“Good,” he confirmed. Richie paused for a moment and then smiled as he looked down at Eddie sitting so perfectly on his bed.

“You’re so cute. Y’know that?” He said while coming closer. Eddie tilted his head back to let Richie kiss him on the lips, and then gently touched his arms.

“It’s not like you tell me that every five minutes,” Eddie hummed. Richie chuckled and kissed him again.

“I’m just thinking about how often I thought about you in my bed when we were younger, and how I’ve basically fulfilled one of my biggest fantasies since eleventh grade,” Richie said while keeping close.

“That’s a pretty pathetic fantasy,” Eddie teased. Richie nodded and then kissed him once more.

“It really is, huh?” He agreed. 

     Eddie shook his head and then cupped his face to reunite their lips. Kissing Richie always felt different from kissing his other hookups. It was obvious now why that was, but even as Richie gently guided him down on his back he was taken aback by just how affected he was by him. They kissed a little bit deeper with Richie’s knee between Eddie’s thighs, and Eddie only parted so he could scoot back and pull Richie down closer to him. Soft supple kisses trailed down Eddie’s throat while Richie slipped his arm around his waist to hold him closer. Eddie’s body was thrilled to feel his touch again despite getting off to it less than an hour ago, and quickly danced with all the caressing Richie indulged in. Their lips continued while Richie settled between Eddie’s legs, and he hummed when Eddie ran his fingers through his hair.

“Mhh…you really are so cute,” he murmured. Eddie’s breathing was starting to get tense, and he blinked up at Richie with hazy eyes that hopefully screamed at him to get back to what he was doing.

“Now you’re just saying that,” Eddie huffed. Richie chuckled.

“I’m serious. You’re so cute. Especially when I touch you like this…” he trailed off to demonstrate by pushing against Eddie’s spine so their bodies were closer. Eddie couldn’t help but enjoy that. He had to open his mouth a little wider to accommodate for the air he needed to not be lightheaded and the moan that was oozing out his throat. “…so fucking cute.”

“I’m beginning to think that the word ‘cute’ to you is synonymous with you wanting to fuck what you’re describing,” Eddie quipped. Richie chuckled and then shrugged.

“I dunno. I’ve never called a hook up cute before. Just you. Because you’re adorable,” Richie said.

“Well, we’ve already established that we aren’t like our other hookups,” Eddie pointed out. Richie nodded in agreement and then nosed at his jaw.

“Exactly…you mean so much more to me,” he cooed. Eddie’s hands gently touched over Richie’s shoulders and down his biceps, and he enjoyed feeling Richie’s body while he kissed Eddie’s jaw.

“We literally just had sex not to long ago though,” Eddie pointed out. Richie laughed against his collarbones and then kissed him on the lips 

“Is it a crime that I simply enjoy kissing you and nothing else?” He asked. Eddie blushed.

“No…just…I dunno…” he stammered. Richie kissed him again and used the hand not feeling up his body to cup his face while he let it linger.

“Did you want more?” Richie asked. Eddie’s heart was out of control every time Richie turned him on like that. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to fulfill what they did earlier, but the making out was definitely tantalizing and enjoyable.

“…I think this is enough for now. Twice in one hour is a lot even when I was in my twenties,” Eddie said. Richie laughed and nodded in agreement.

“Exactly…”

     He returned to Eddie with less vigor and more tenderness. Both his hands caressed Eddie’s cheeks, and then returned to his waist after a couple loving strokes down his jaw. The tops of Richie thighs became the perfect resting place for the bottoms of Eddie’s as he moved closer. The position was extremely reminiscent of their morning together, but this time there was a different tension. It wasn’t as sexual, but more so romantic. As if the fact that they were avoiding talking about their romantic feelings for each other created such a strong desire for them to express it another way. Eddie knew Richie wasn’t exactly the best with his feelings and he especially wasn’t keen on talking about them. Still, Eddie didn’t know if he was quite ready to address it yet. He was just coming to terms with the fact that he was in love with him, so he definitely needed a moment to process that and feel it before he started blurting all his feelings out. Each kiss only made Eddie feel more and more, and his chest started to feel tight as Richie kissed his cheek and under his jaw for a moment before returning to his lips.

“I thought about stuff like this too,” Richie murmured. His mouth was so warm and wet from their activities, and Eddie only wanted more of it. Richie’s body has always been comforting to Eddie, but his kisses were something else.

“Stuff like what?” Eddie hummed. Richie smirked and then sweetly kissed down his neck.

“This. Just…kissing and talking…hanging out while we’re wrapped around each other. I always thought it would be nice to do this with you,” Richie explained. Eddie blushed as his fingers fidgeted with Richie’s shirt over his shoulders.

“Yeah? No sex dreams?” Eddie teased. Richie chuckled and then shook his head and then pulled back to look down at him.

“No…just you and me,” he murmured. Eddie blinked up at him, and pushed himself up to meet Richie’s lips. He moved with Eddie until they sat up right together, but it was a little awkward so Eddie stood up on his knees instead. He wrapped his arms around Richie’s neck, and then kissed him again.

“Mmh…Eds,” Richie sighed. His hands slipped over Eddie’s hips, and he pulled him closer so their bodies were touching.

“It’s nice…just…you and me. I like that,” Eddie said. He gently touched Richie’s face as he said it.

“I like it too…I’m glad it’s just you and me,” he replied. Eddie smiled at that and then kissed him again.

“We should probably get to the theater before they sell out of tickets for tonight,” he whispered. Richie laughed and then kissed Eddie’s cheek.

“Of course. What are we doing here? Wasting time?” He teased. Eddie giggled and indulged in one more kiss.

“We might as well be. Saturday’s are busy at the theater,” he pointed out.

“Damn, how could I forget that?” Eddie rolled his eyes and then patted Richie’s shoulder before pulling away to get off the bed.

“C’mon already.”

     The theater wasn’t too busy when they stopped by, and there were actually a few good movies playing. There were a couple romance movies, but mostly action and comedy movies. Richie insisted that Eddie picked the movie, and he picked the one action movie that wasn’t rated R. They bought the tickets for later in the evening, and decided to grab some lunch in the meantime. Eddie didn’t let Richie pick, but that was because he suspected he would’ve tried to buy them a multiple course meal again. Instead they went to whichever fast food place was closest, and ate inside. Thankfully it wasn’t too busy, or else Eddie wouldn’t have felt so comfortable with Richie holding his hand and playing with his fingers. The subtle and gentle demand for his attention made him blush, but they quickly pulled their hands away when the server came with their trays. Thankfully the kid didn’t say anything, but Eddie noticed a little color on his cheeks. He offered a smile, and the kid smiled back before awkwardly muttering something like a thank you and scampering off.

“You scared him,” Richie said. Eddie frowned.

“I did not. What are you talking about?” He asked as he opened the box to his burger.

“He ran away faster than he could say ‘thanks for coming’,” Richie chuckled as he went immediately for his fries. Eddie sighed and turned the carton away from him.

“Honestly, if you’re going to steal my fries every time then why don’t you just order your own?” Eddie asked.

“I don’t want a whole thing! I just like a couple to get me started,” Richie defended. “Unless we’re at a diner. Those fries are much superior.”

“Whatever. I’m not letting you take anymore of mine,” Eddie said stubbornly. Richie smiled at that and then opened his burger to pick off the onions and pickles. “Y’know you can order it without onions and pickles, right?” Richie shrugged.

“I don’t wanna bother them. Plus, it adds flavor when it sits there for a moment,” he explained. Eddie shook his head.

“I really can’t wrap my head around you sometimes,” he sighed.

“You can wrap other things around me though,” Richie teased, wiggling his eyebrows with a grin. Eddie blushed and rolled his eyes.

“Funny how I can wrap my legs around you better than my head,” he replied. Richie laughed with his first bite half chewed, and while Eddie wanted to be disgusted by it he was too enamored by Richie’s loud and obnoxious laugh. It’s always been attention grabbing, but Eddie never really noticed how much more it grabbed at his heart.

“You’re so funny, Eds. If you ever visited me at work they’d fire me and ask you to write instead,” he said, his food still in his mouth. Eddie rolled his eyes and finished chewing before replying.

“I seriously doubt that.”

“Well, I’m sure they’d look more into your resume, but they just do that as a formality.”

“Right. I’m sure all the time I’ve spent at my current job wouldn’t put them off at all,” Eddie hummed.

“Not when you knock out one liners like that. We struggle with that sometimes,” Richie said.

“Clearly,” Eddie replied. Richie laughed again, and Eddie found himself smiling. He then glanced over Richie’s shoulder to find the same kid from before looking at them. At first he was worried they were about to be asked to leave, but once their eyes met the kid merely blushed and turned his head.

“What are you looking at?” Richie asked, glancing over his shoulder.

“Uh…that kid. I think he’s watching us,” Eddie said. Richie hummed and then turned back to his food.

“Probably never saw two fags being average human beings before,” he said. Eddie sighed. That was probably the most annoying thing about coming out. Having to listen to people tell him they never would’ve guessed he was gay because he was so “normal”.

“Maybe…I’ll be right back,” he murmured. Richie said nothing as he watched Eddie get up and walk to the register again. The same kid was told by his other co-workers to go to register, and he approached Eddie from the other side of the counter. He looked nervous, and avoided Eddie’s eyes as he cleared his throat.

“Hi…uh, how is everything?” He asked.

“It’s good. I just wanted to order another small fry,” Eddie said. The boy nodded and started to ring him up. “Every time we go out, my boyfriend always takes from my fries. I just don’t understand why he doesn’t order his own,” he said as casually as he could. The kid finally looked up at him, and his face was much more red.

“O—oh. Um…yeah. My mom does that to my dad all the time,” he said. Eddie offered him a smile and then handed him a couple dollars.

“That’ll cover it, right?” The boy nodded. “Great. I’ll just be at the same table.”

“It—it’ll be right out, s-sir!” He stuttered.

“Thanks,” Eddie said and then walked back to the booth with Richie.

“What was that about?” Richie asked.

“I wanted to see something. That’s all. I don’t think he’s being homophobic,” Eddie said.

“Oh? How could you tell?” Richie asked feigning interest.

“He looked…scared, but like not scared of me. He looked like he was going through something else,” Eddie described.

“Maybe he’s gay and he doesn’t know how to go about that,” Richie suggested. Eddie shrugged.

“Maybe…who knows. I ordered you fries, by the way,” he said. Richie pursed his lips and then glanced at Eddie’s tray. His carton of fries was half empty. He sighed. “I guess I ordered myself fries.” Richie opened his mouth to defend himself, but he stopped when he noticed the kid approaching them again.

“Um…your fries, sir,” he murmured. Eddie smiled.

“Thanks. I appreciate it,” he said. The kid nodded as he set down the tray and then looked over at Richie too.

“No problem…um…” he lingered, and then looked back at Eddie who patiently waited for him to continue. “…do you guys…do people bother you a lot when you go out?” He asked. Richie blinked in surprise, but Eddie merely took the fries off the tray to add to his own.

“In all honesty, we don’t go out very often. Earlier this week we were at a diner, and the waitress was actually really supportive. Then again, on the same day my co-workers filed a complaint for giving Richie a kiss goodbye. It’s not very predictable,” he said honestly. The kid nodded.

“I just…I’ve been trying to ask out this guy, but…I have no idea where we could go that’s like…actually safe,” he said. Eddie took the receipt to the fries he just ordered, and pulled a pen out of his jacket. He then wrote down the name of the diner he went to with Richie and handed it to the kid.

“Here. That’s the diner we went to. Make sure you have someone you can call in case you feel unsafe, and bring pepper spray with you,” Eddie advised while handing the kid the receipt. He accepted it with a shaky hand, and nodded.

“I will…thank you so much,” he said. Eddie nodded back and smiled.

“Good luck. Remember to have fun, okay?”

“O-okay!” He replied before running off again.

“Wow. That was cute,” Richie said. Eddie blushed and then finally looked at the other man.

“What? He was nervous,” he said defensively. Richie smiled at that.

“Yeah, and you handled that pretty well,” he pointed out. Eddie shrugged and returned to his burger.

“Well…I was once a nervous teenager who didn’t know who I could trust…I just did what I would’ve wanted someone to do for me at that age,” he explained. When he looked up Richie was still watching him, and his heart raced under the other man’s eyes.

“You’d make a really good dad, Eds,” he said simply. Eddie stopped mid-chew, and suddenly ached at the idea of having a kid one day. It felt like such a wild fantasy, but he couldn’t deny he loved the idea of loving and guiding another human being in a way he didn’t get to experience. A better way than he experienced. He hoped that if that fantasy ever came true that Richie would be there with him through it.

“Shut up,” he grumbled. Richie chuckled and reached for more of his fries. Eddie merely flicked his hand away and took the fry he was reaching for. “Stop that.”

Chapter Text

“How long is this movie?” Richie whispered.

“Shh…” Eddie replied.

“There’s like five other people in this theater, Eds. C’mon,” Richie argued.

“Five other people who paid to see this, Rich,” he whispered back.

“It’s getting boring though. I thought this was an action movie. Honestly, the chick flick looked more interesting,” Richie went on.

“Shut up.”

“But I’m bored ,” Richie insisted.

     Eddie sighed and shook his head before finally taking his eyes off the screen and looking at the other man. The film reflected in Richie’s glasses, but he could clearly see the painful expression on his face. In all honesty Eddie was getting bored of it too. He thought that it would be a safe bet since it was PG-13, but perhaps the other R rated movies would’ve been more entertaining. His first thought was to walk out, but as he glanced around he noticed the other people in the theater were all in the lower half. In fact there was no one else in their row, and there was no one else for three more rows in front of them. They were sitting in the very back, and Eddie was actually hoping something like this would happen. He looked back to Richie to see him trying to toss popcorn into his own mouth, and decided to take the bucket away from him.

“Now you’re just trying to make me bored,” Richie complained. 

     Eddie rolled his eyes, and then looked around one more time before pushing up the arm rest between them and resting his head on Richie’s shoulder. The other man became stiff at such a blatant instance of PDA, but he was quick to settle into it and wrap his arm around Eddie’s shoulders. He touched Richie’s chest in return, and smiled when he felt Richie’s lips against the top of his head.

“I guess I can sit through the rest of this…it’s not too bad,” Richie murmured. Eddie tried to be quiet as he giggled, and then tilted his head up to look at the other man.

“Really? What changed your mind?” He whispered. Richie glanced around like Eddie did previously, and then leaned down to kiss him on the lips.

“Nothing much,” he replied before daring to kiss him again. 

     Kissing in public was definitely something new that they were experimenting with, and while it always made Eddie nervous it was always worth feeling the affection from the one man he wanted it the most from. Their lips lingered through the kiss and after it, and when Richie ran his fingers through Eddie’s hair it was that much easier to indulge in a third kiss. Each kiss made Eddie’s heart race faster, and he honestly should’ve stopped it there for their own safety. He attempted to, but he was quickly tempted back and let Richie kiss him once more. It was only when Richie touched his waist instead of his face that Eddie finally snapped out of it. He put some space between them, and took a deep breath before speaking again.

“We should be careful, okay?” He murmured.

“There’s no one really around us, right? What’s the harm? It’s just you and me,” Richie pointed out. Eddie’s brows furrowed in concern.

“I know, I just…I’m scared, okay? Someone might see us and grab an employee to escort us out. They do that when they catch people making out all the time. I dunno how nice they’ll be to us,” Eddie pointed out. Richie frowned, and then gently touched Eddie’s lip with his thumb.

“I mean…you’re definitely right, but I still want to,” he said. Eddie sighed and gently kissed him one more time.

“I know. I do too,” he assured him. Richie huffed and then kissed Eddie’s forehead before hugging him.

“Fine. I guess I’ll go back to being bored,” he said. Eddie rolled his eyes and fully wrapped his arms around Richie in return.

“It’s okay. I’ll be bored with you,” he assured him.

“Well, if we’re both bored then why are we still here?” Richie asked incredulously. Eddie giggled.

“Because we paid for this, okay? It might get good,” he argued.

“Ugh…if you say so…”

     It didn’t get good at all. The entire movie was pretty boring, so when the credits started to roll they didn’t hesitate to get up and leave. Richie held their bucket of popcorn, and they decided to hold hands as they walked out of the theater. They only got a couple stares when they entered, so they risked continuing it on their way out. Eddie wanted to get the kernels out of his teeth, so he went to the bathroom while Richie finished off the bucket so they could get a free refill. He actually used the bathroom first, and then washed his hands before pulling out his floss. As he threw the string into the garbage his phone went off, so he pulled it out and answered it.

“Edward Kaspbrak speaking,” he answered.

“Edward, I’m so glad I caught you. I work with planned parenthood, and I’m calling regarding a recent STI and STD screening you did. Can you confirm your birthday for me please?” A cheery woman spoke on the line, and he felt relieved to finally hear from someone.

“May thirteenth, nineteen seventy six,” Eddie replied.

“Perfect. Well, I’m very pleased to tell you that you have a clean bill of health, and we didn’t have any positive tests from your samples. Did you have any questions for me while I have you on the line?” She asked.

“Not at all. Thank you so much,” he said.

“No problem, hun. Have a great rest of your day.”

“You too,” Eddie said before hanging up.

     There was a little drop in Eddie’s stomach when he realized he just got the green light to do what he had been dying to do all week. His chest felt a little bit tight thinking about what that meant for how their relationship will develop, but he found that he liked the idea of falling deeper and deeper in love with Richie. He had to remind himself constantly that he was in fact in love with his best friend. It was so easy for him to try and ignore it and push it aside, but that only made it harder to pretend that he didn’t. He did. He was very much in love with Richie. He didn’t want to ignore it anymore because being in love with him felt so good. For the first time in his life he felt free to be with someone and share his love for them. Why should he ignore that? Especially when Richie was so eager to reciprocate it.

     Eddie took a deep breath so he could get a grip, and then walked out of the bathroom to meet up with Richie again. The bucket of popcorn he was holding was already refilled, and while Eddie wasn’t surprised by that he was surprised to see Richie talking with a girl. She was pretty, and much shorter than Richie. Then again, that wasn’t very difficult to achieve. The man was very tall, and it was easily one of his attractive qualities. It wasn’t the most attractive thing about Richie, but it definitely made Eddie’s knees weak when he towered over him and had to lean down to kiss him. The girl couldn’t have been much taller than five foot, so Richie definitely had to tilt his head down to speak to her. As Eddie approached he didn’t think much of it, but as she touched his shoulder he was suddenly hot with anger. He walked over, and felt nauseous as he heard a little bit of their conversation.

“You’re just so tall, it’s crazy. I bet you could just pick me up, huh?” She said while twirling her hair. Richie looked absolutely uncomfortable, and chuckled nervously.

“Oh, uh. I’m not exactly up for grabs right now,” he told her.

“You already have a girlfriend? Ugh, lucky her. The good ones always get snatched up,” she said with a whiny pout.

“Uh, I wouldn’t say girlfriend…oh there he is. Hey, Ed—“ he was cut off when Eddie grabbed his face and pulled him down for a kiss. Some of the popcorn spilled, but Richie managed to save it and kiss him back at the same time. He touched Eddie’s waist with his free hand, but Eddie didn’t let him get far before pulling off and then turning to blink at the girl now gawking at them.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t see you there,” he said blandly while running his hands possessively down Richie’s chest. She blinked back a couple times before crossing her arms and turning her attention back to Richie.

“Wait, you’re gay?” She asked him. He was still recovering from the kiss Eddie laid on him, but nodded regardless as he took a deep breath.

“I…yeah. I’m gay,” he confirmed.

“Why didn’t you say that sooner?” She demanded to know.

“Why do you care?” Eddie challenged. Her face turned bright red as she glared at Eddie.

“You guys don’t have to be so gross about it, y’know? You could’ve just told me that you’re not interested and I would’ve gotten the hint,” she said. Eddie raised a brow at her.

“Gross? What was so gross just now?” He questioned. She rolled her eyes.

“Like you didn’t do that on purpose to show off,” she accused.

“Babe, let’s go, okay? People are looking,” Richie whispered. Eddie looked around, and suddenly felt sheepish at the attention they were drawing. He nodded and then took Richie’s hand as they walked past the girl.

“Oh, and for future reference, no one likes PDA from anyone, okay? So don’t pull the gay card on me, asshole,” she sneered as they passed. Eddie said nothing as he glared at her before clinging closer to Richie’s arm and following the other man out of the building. 

     He was quiet as they got to his car, and even more quiet as he sat in the passenger seat. He held the bucket of popcorn as Richie drove, and merely looked at it as they drove in silence. They pulled into Eddie’s driveway without a word, and Eddie couldn’t bring himself to look at the other man. Richie put the car in park and then killed the engine before looking at him. They stayed where they were for a moment, but then Eddie opened the door and headed to his front door. It took a moment, but eventually he heard the sound of Richie opening his car door and following him. He immediately went to set the bucket down on the counter, and realized as he set it down that his hands were shaking. He tried to hold them still, but he really couldn’t until Richie came up next to him and held his hands with him. 

“You okay?” He murmured.

“I’m sorry. That was…really stupid,” Eddie murmured. Richie shook his head and squeezed Eddie’s hands.

“No…no, baby. You didn’t do anything stupid, okay? I’m glad you did that, okay? She was getting really annoying,” Richie assured him. Eddie sighed and felt his lower lip quiver.

“I didn’t think…I wasn’t trying to make everyone look at us like that. I was just…I dunno,” he stammered.

“Babe, they were looking because that girl was being loud and rude. Honestly, no one was really looking at us. They were mostly looking at her,” Richie assured him. Eddie let his head rest against Richie’s shoulder.

“She said I was gross…” he murmured.

“Eds…” Richie sighed. He let go of Eddie’s hands in favor of pulling him into a hug. Eddie hugged him back and the tears were starting to flow. “You weren’t being gross, okay? If anything she was the one being gross for thinking she had any right to flirt with me like that. She seriously wasn’t pleasant at all,” he assured him. Eddie sniffled.

“I just…I feel so bad now. I probably should’ve done nothing and just…ask you to leave with me,” he said.

“No, I’m honestly really glad you did it. I mean that, okay? She was being annoying, and you showed her she didn’t have a chance. She was probably so upset because she took one look at you and knew she wasn’t nearly as amazing as you are,” Richie assured him. Eddie looked up at him with wet eyes, and let Richie wipe away one of his tears.

“It wouldn’t be dangerous to kiss her in a movie theater though,” he pointed out. Richie frowned at that.

“I…Eds, please don’t. I don’t care about all that, okay? I care about you. I want you and only you. It doesn’t matter how easy it is to date girls, okay? I don’t fucking like girls! I’ve never liked girls, and I never will like girls. I’ll definitely never like girls for as long as I can have you, okay? Don’t compare where this random girl doesn’t even compete. You’re the only one on my mind right now,” Richie said. More tears rolled down Eddie’s face, and he sniffled again before kissing Richie on the lips.

“Me too…You’re all that I want right now,” Eddie said. Right now, and for as long as they’ve known each other he wanted Richie. He wanted Richie more than anything.

“You have me, Eds. I promise you, I’m not going anywhere. In fact, you’re kinda stuck with me,” Richie said. Eddie smiled at that, and giggled as Richie smiled with him. “You’re not gross…okay, baby? If you’re gross, then I’m the disgusting man who’s into that.”

“You are pretty disgusting sometimes,” Eddie teased. Richie laughed and then kissed the top of his head.

“I know you like it, Eds,” he replied. Eddie looked up at him and let his smile relax a little before touching his chest.

“Maybe a little bit,” he said coyly.

“Uh, correct me if I’m wrong, but I think I sensed some jealousy in that kiss? Maybe a little bit sounds a little bit downplayed,” Richie poked while touching Eddie’s waist. He wasn’t subtle with his hands at all, and the way they curved around Eddie’s body was as addicting as ever.

“Call it what you want, but I was just trying to get her away,” Eddie said. Richie chuckled and leaned down to kiss him sweetly.

“Well that was definitely one hell of a way to do it. I’m not complaining about it either,” he murmured. Eddie smiled before kissing him back.

“Mm…I knew you’d like it too.”

“What can I say? You make me weak in the knees, Eddie-baby,” Richie cooed. He fully wrapped his arms around Eddie’s body, and pulled them closer to each other.

“Yeah?”

“Absolutely. I was dying waiting for you to come back. You gave me just the pick me up I needed.”

“I got a rather good pick me up in the bathroom,” Eddie confessed. Richie pulled back and blinked in confusion.

“Uh…what?” He asked.

“I got a call from planned parenthood,” he revealed. Richie’s eyes went wide with excitement.

“Yeah? What did they say?” He asked.

“I’m perfectly clean,” Eddie answered with a happy smile. Richie sighed and grinned before leaning down and kissing him.

“Fuck, I’m so glad to hear that. I mean, I wasn’t thinking you’d be positive because you’re you, but it’s always good to hear about a clean test,” he rambled.

“What about you? Did you get a call?” He asked.

“I got an email. Y’know you can check your email on your phone? It’s fucking insane. Anyways, they sent me an email with my results, and I checked it before that girl came over and bothered me. I wanted to tell you when you came out, but…uh…anyways, I am fit as a fiddle, my darling,” Richie went on. Eddie smiled at him and pulled him down for another kiss.

“You know what that means, right?” He murmured. Richie reached to cup Eddie’s face, and happily kissed him back.

“Mmh…yeah, but I kinda wanna hear you say it,” he replied. Eddie giggled and moved his head to speak closer to his ear.

“That means that when we have sex without a condom…you can cum inside me,” Eddie cooed. Richie bit his lip and pushed them a little closer.

“You really want that, sweetheart? It’s really messy,” he warned. Eddie nodded.

“I want it…I want you. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it all week,” he said. Richie pressed their foreheads together as he groaned quietly.

“I couldn’t get the idea out of my head once you said it. I don’t think I’ve ever skipped on a condom before,” Richie confessed. Eddie nodded in agreement.

“Yeah…growing up in the eighties was scary like that. I’ve had guys walk out on me because I insisted on it,” Eddie told him. Richie nodded.

“Me too. I feel comfortable with you though,” he said, Eddie blinked up at him and nodded back.

“I’m comfortable with you too…”

     They shared a sweet kiss after that, and just as Eddie was about to pull Richie by the hand he was suddenly swept off his feet. His first instinct was to scramble and cling to Richie’s neck, and as he settled down he was embarrassed to hear Richie laughing. He carried Eddie like he was nothing, and for some reason the only time Eddie was fully aware of their size difference was when he was physically confronted with it. His heart continued to race as Richie stepped towards his bedroom, and he let out a frustrated sigh.

“Christ, you fucking scared me,” he grumbled. Richie chuckled again, and happily held Eddie tighter as he got them through the door.

“But it’s pretty impressive though, huh?” He said with a grin. Eddie rolled his eyes, and was glad that Richie had the decency to set him down on the bed gently instead of throw him.

“Depends on your definition of impressive. I’d say you’re more so a show off,” Eddie accused. Richie dropped his jaw in feigned offense, and put his hand on his hip to exaggerate his response further.

“What? Me? Show off? For you? Never,” he said. Eddie couldn’t help but smile, and then pull him closer by his jacket. Richie obliged, and leaned down to kiss him on the lips.

“I never said it was a bad thing,” he cooed. Richie’s smile returned, and he happily reunited their lips once more.

“Then allow me to show off some more, sweetheart,” Richie said. Eddie bit his lip and pushed his jacket over his shoulders.

“What kind of showing off did you have in mind?”

“The fun kind,” Richie said while helping Eddie strip him. 

     They tossed the jacket to the side, and then Eddie turned to crawl further onto the bed. He got to the center, and then turned around to lean back on his palms. Richie was watching him the whole time, and Eddie was very much aware of that. The other man got on the bed as well, and then reached for Eddie’s feet to pull off his socks. He let Richie do so, and felt his heart pick up as he kissed his calf through the fabric of his pants. Warm hands drifted over his thigh while Richie kissed up to his knee, and then they disappeared to reach for his fly instead. Eddie laid back and let Richie undress him, and couldn’t help but giggle a little when the denim got caught around his ankles. Richie laughed with him and then casted the pants away once he freed Eddie’s feet. He then crawled over him and greeted Eddie with a kiss on the lips.

“Hello,” Eddie greeted once they parted. Richie’s smile was just as warm and addicting as ever, and Eddie wanted to melt when he realized he was the source of the other man’s joy.

“Hey there,” Richie replied.

“I never really laughed with my other hookups. They always took everything so seriously, y’know?” Eddie noticed. Richie nodded.

“Yeah, it was almost like a business meeting with some people. I actually lost a few fuck buddies because I kept trying to make them laugh during awkward moments,” Richie confessed. Eddie snorted and then covered his mouth to try and stifle his laughter.

“Oh my god! You did not,” he doubted.

“I swear on my life, spaghetti. The sad part is that I always made them laugh anyways, but then they’d try and convince me I’m not funny,” he insisted. Eddie giggled and shook his head.

“You’re not funny.”

“You’re literally laughing right now. I dunno what you define as funny, but laughter is usually involved,” Richie pointed out.

“You’re probably funnier than the people who break off hook ups because the other person makes them laugh,” Eddie gave him. Richie chuckled and nodded.

“Yeah, exactly,” he agreed. 

     He leaned down to give Eddie another sweet and longing kiss, and Eddie happily accepted it while running his hands up Richie’s chest. He got to his shoulders and then slipped them up his neck and tangled them into his hair. Richie hummed with satisfaction as Eddie’s fingers met his scalp, and he lowered himself closer between Eddie’s legs. He cupped Eddie’s face and caressed his cheek while he continued their lips. His body was so warm and like a blanket as he covered Eddie, and he fit so perfectly between his legs that Eddie was beginning to wonder how he ever tolerated having sex with anyone else. Their kisses were interrupted when Richie pulled back and started to remove Eddie’s shirt, and once he succeeded Eddie made sure to sit up and take his shirt off as well. Once they were both topless Richie pushed Eddie onto his back again and promptly ran his hands down his body.

“You’re so fucking gorgeous, baby,” Richie huffed under his ear. Eddie squirmed, and squeezed Richie’s bicep. It was crazy to think he used to have noodle arms when they were kids, but Eddie could only feel soft unflexed muscle now.

“Mmh…Richie,” Eddie managed. His brain was already hazy from their body heat and Richie’s charming words.

“I gotcha, Eds,” he whispered while using both hands to smooth down Eddie’s sides until he reached his ass. 

     Eddie tilted his head back in response, and Richie instantly covered his neck with kisses. He ran his fingers through Richie’s hair again, and relished in the hazy lust brewing between them. Richie eventually kissed back up to his lips, and Eddie ran his hands down to his pants. He unzipped them, but instead of pushing away the fabric he merely slipped his hand past Richie’s boxers and fully grabbed his cock. The other man groaned at the contact, and rested his forehead against Eddie’s. He continued to squeeze him and feel him up, and Richie could only moan while Eddie stroked him in his pants.

“Eds…fuck…” Richie managed.

“Y’know what I really like about having sex with you?” Eddie hummed.

“Mhh…my big fat giant horse cock?” He guessed. Eddie rolled his eyes but smiled anyway.

“Close…I like how easy it is for me to make you feel good like this. I like watching you when you’re inside me. Love the way you watch me back,” Eddie cooed. Richie moaned pathetically, and kissed Eddie’s jaw in response.

“You look so good like that. How could I not?” Richie replied. Eddie kissed his cheek, and then finally got started on pushing down his pants and his boxers.

“I’m gonna look even better when you fuck me raw. I can’t wait to feel you, baby,” Eddie spoke softly yet desperately.

     His body has been craving the sensation of uninterrupted skin against skin for so long. He was always curious how things would feel without protection. That and he couldn’t ignore the importance of the trust they were putting in each other. They were both clean, but even then the concept of being that close and connected with someone was held back with more than just health risks and human decency. To Eddie this wasn’t just going in unprotected. It was a way to show how dedicated he was, and a way to show just how far he wanted to go. He wasn’t looking forward to the mess, but enduring the mess was apart of why he wanted it so much. He was already a mess as Richie kissed him and pulled off his boxers, and when he finally parted to grab the lube he ached for him to return as soon as possible. Richie returned with a smile, and kissed Eddie as he settled between his legs again.

“Maybe I should eat you out again. Make it extra special, right?” Richie teased. Eddie blushed, but managed to nod shyly.

“You can do that…I wouldn’t mind it,” Eddie allowed. Richie’s jaw dropped for a moment, but he quickly snapped it shut with wide eyes.

“I…yeah? You’re okay with that? Even though we just did it yesterday?” He questioned to clarify. Eddie nodded again.

“Yes…it feels really good actually. I only tried to limit it because…because it made me feel dirty and ashamed. It was too good for me to enjoy whenever I wanted to, and…I think I’m tired of denying the things that make me happy. So…yeah. I’m okay with that,” he said. Richie nodded in agreement and kissed him one last time on the lips before pushing up his legs to give him better access.

     While he meant every word that he just said, Eddie still felt a little stiff and hesitant as Richie kissed down his body. He only spared a couple kisses to Eddie’s neglected dick, and then gently pushed his cheeks and balls out of the way. Eddie held his legs to his chest, and moaned into his knees as Richie ducked down and ran his tongue over Eddie’s hole. Heat flashed through Eddie’s body at the stimulation, and he moaned pathetically when Richie kissed and sucked around his sensitive flesh. His fingers easily sunk into Eddie’s thighs, and he even wiggled them under Eddie’s back to prop him him and fit better with Richie’s mouth. Each lap of his tongue made Eddie moan, and when he finally pushed it inside him he could only sob with pleasure.

“Richie! Oh god…fuck…” he cried. 

     Richie spread his cheeks again and pushed the appendage just a smidge further. He pulled out to lick again, but quickly returned it to slowly fuck Eddie with his tongue. Eddie moaned with each thrust, and let go of one of his legs to grab Richie’s hair. Once he twisted his fingers into those dark locks he felt kisses up his tummy. The other man wedged his way between Eddie’s legs again, and kissed Eddie on the lips while he rubbed at the left over spit left behind over his hole.

“Is that good, baby? You like it when I fuck you with my tongue?” He rasped between kisses. Eddie nodded while propping himself up on his elbows, and let Richie slowly ease a finger inside him. Lube was definitely a smoother experience, but for one finger spit was enough.

“So good…feels so good…you make me feel so good, Richie,” Eddie replied. Richie kissed over his cheek and under his jaw, and then grabbed the lube with his free hand before pulling his finger out.

“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this,” he confessed. He squeezed out the lubricant and warmed it up between his fingers while Eddie blinked up at him.

“Yeah?” He asked breathlessly. Richie nodded.

“I didn’t…I mean, I never thought we’d actually…it’s different, y’know?” He stammered awkwardly. Eddie offered a smile and nodded.

“It is, isn’t it?” He replied. Richie smiled back and then gently spread the lube over his hole.

“I’ve definitely thought about it before. Especially after our first time, but after you mentioned it over the phone…” he trailed off and watched Eddie’s face as he pushed two fingers in. Eddie’s face pinched with pleasure from the stretch, and he bit his lip to stop himself from saying anything embarrassing. The last thing he wanted to do was vomit out his love confession while they were having sex.

“God, you’re fucking gorgeous,” Richie sighed. Eddie whimpered at that, and curled his fists into the sheets. His words combined with his fingers pushing against his insides were so much, and he feared he wouldn’t be able to keep his tongue to himself.

“Richie…mmh…” he struggled.

“Seriously, Eds. You’re just…so fucking amazing. You’re like every good thing rolled into one person,” Richie continued. He pressed their foreheads together as he stretched him out, and Eddie flung his arms around Richie’s neck. He kissed him hard, and let all the moans and whimpers leave his throat as Richie laid him on his back and added a third finger. “You’re still so loose from this morning too. Fuck, I can’t believe we did that on your kitchen table. You looked so good with the sunshine on your body from the window,” he rambled.

“Richie…Richie…put it in,” he demanded. Richie groaned and curled his fingers one last time before pulling out and rubbing the leftover lube down his hard cock. It looked red and painful, and his hand was shaking as he coated the slick product down his length. Eddie couldn’t stop watching, but eventually looked away to see the glassy look in his lover's eyes. He watched Eddie with an equally tense expression in his brows, and Eddie instantly cupped his face and soothed him with a kiss.

“Th—this means a lot, right? I’m not crazy. This means something, right?” Richie asked to clarify. Eddie nodded.

“Yeah…yeah, this means something Richie. Everything we do together means something. This is just as special, baby,” Eddie assured him. Richie moaned and then kissed him hard.

“Good…good…fuck,” he wheezed. 

     Eddie gently touched Richie’s wrist to slow him down. His goal of lubricating his dick had drifted into nervous stroking until he was fully masturbating. As hot as it was to watch Richie crumble in front of him, Eddie was much more eager to feel Richie inside of him while he did. He delicately pushed his hand away, and then gently guided him closer between his legs. Richie was still shaking a little, and Eddie tried to soothe him with another kiss.

“I got you too, Rich. I’m right here,” Eddie whispered. 

     Richie nodded and then stroked Eddie’s hip as he tried to line himself up. Eddie ended up helping him, and got the tip to line up with his hole. Feeling the bare skin touch him was thrilling, and seeing how much it was affecting Richie already was more gratifying than anything else they’ve done together. He was so much warmer without the condom on, and as he gently rubbed the head of Richie’s cock against his hole they were both weak to the feeling.

“Fuck…god, you’re fucking perfect,” Richie huffed. Eddie blushed hearing that, and moved his legs back to give better access.

“Am I crazy or does this already feel fucking amazing?” Eddie asked. Richie chuckled and shook his head.

“You’re not crazy, baby. This is…fucking incredible,” he said. 

     Eddie smiled at that and let Richie kiss him again. He was distracted by his lips, and wasn’t prepared for Richie to take over and guide his length inside Eddie’s body. He gasped at the first push, and then moaned pathetically from the delicious friction that came from their skin touching. Usually the latex made everything so smooth, but skin had texture. The feeling of Richie’s bare member felt better than any ribbed rubber or detailed dildo Eddie had ever used. Everything felt so much hotter without that pesky layer of plastic, and he was overwhelmed by how amazing Richie’s cock felt inside him.

“Oh my god…oh my god,” Eddie breathed. Richie was still catching his breath, but nodded in agreement.

“Holy shit…” he managed. He pushed in another couple inches, and Eddie whimpered.

“Richie…Richie…oh god, Richie! Fuck, that’s so good,” Eddie said. Richie nodded again and nudged his hips closer again. 

     The friction was so unfamiliar but addicting at the same time. Of course the lube still made it glide enough to be pleasant, but there was something about the drag of Richie’s cock that drove Eddie absolutely crazy. His mind was melting from the pleasure, and his mindless moaning only encouraged Richie to push deeper until he was completely encased inside Eddie. They were both struggling not to completely lose it while they tried to adjust, and Eddie was the first to try and rock his hips for more. Richie groaned in response, but started pulling out to push back in regardless.

“Fuck!” Eddie gasped.

“Mmh…yeah? Does that feel good, sweetheart?” Richie asked while slowly pulling out again. Eddie nodded.

“Yes! It’s so good! You fuck me so good, Richie,” he said.

“Christ, you’re so fucking cute. Even when I’m fucking you, you’re adorable,” Richie cooed. Eddie almost lost it all as he listened to Richie’s sweet words. He wanted to confess everything. He wanted to tell Richie about how much he loved him and how desperately he wanted to love him for the rest of their lives together. He wanted to stay with him and start a family together. He wanted Richie, and he wanted Richie more than anything else in the world.

“Richie…ahh…” he whimpered.

“I love how fucking beautiful you look taking my cock like this. Love how tight you squeeze around me. Love how you fucking suck me in and told tight every time I pull out. Wanna fucking watch you fall apart every day. Wanna fuck you so good like this every fucking day,” Richie rambled while slowly fucking Eddie faster and faster as he spoke. Everything already felt so intense, but the fact that Richie kept saying the word “love” was pulling at Eddie’s heart. He wanted to reciprocate, and show Richie that he wasn’t the only one who loved it.

“Me too…aah! Richie…I love it all too…I love it…love it so much…love it when you fuck me…love it…” Eddie managed without spilling over and confessing what he truly meant.

“Fuck!“ Richie groaned. He took a moment to thrust his hips especially hard and deep before speeding up. Eddie cried out at the sudden change of pace, and mewled pathetically for more as Richie hammered his hips inside him. There was a subtle burn from their skin rubbing directly against each other, but it was more thrilling than irritating. In fact Eddie loved the burn. He loved Richie.

“Richie…Richie, I’m gonna cum,” Eddie announced. 

     His gut was filled with heat and pressure from his impending orgasm, and the second he announced it Richie immediately grabbed his dick to start stroking it. Eddie’s body curled like tinsel, and his climax struck like a whip. He cried out weakly while Richie jerked him off through his climax, and whimpered as Richie continued fucking him into over stimulation. It was so much more intense without the protection, and Eddie felt his heart beat with anticipation for Richie to cum inside him. Just as he was shaking and getting close, he suddenly pulled out and started jerking himself off. Eddie’s jaw dropped, and he quickly pulled Richie’s hand off.

“What are you doing?” He demanded to know. Richie blinked out of his haze for a minute and took a couple deep breaths.

“Babe, it’s messy, okay? I don’t want you to regret it,” Richie told him.

“Why would I regret it? I want it,” Eddie huffed. He was still struggling to catch his breath from his orgasm, but he knew that he wanted this.

“Eds, I dunno—“

“I don’t want you to cum anywhere else. I want you inside me,” Eddie cut him off before kissing him again. Richie let him, and moaned as Eddie touched closer to his throbbing cock. It couldn’t have been comfortable being so exposed after being so nicely wrapped up in Eddie’s warm body. He gently pushed Richie back, and the other man obliged by sitting down. Eddie climbed into his lap, and then reached behind him to guide Richie back where he belonged.

“Fuck…Eds…oh my god,” Richie gasped.

“Never decide what I will or won’t regret for me…ever,” Eddie said firmly. Richie’s brows furrowed with pleasure, and grabbed at Eddie’s hips as he easily sunk down on his length again.

“Shit…” he moaned.

“Do you understand me?” Eddie asked while caressing his cheek. Richie nodded, and moaned as Eddie began bouncing on his lap. “Good…good…mmhhh…Richie, please. I want you to cum inside me. I wanna feel it. Wanna feel you. Want you so bad,” Eddie rambled. 

     He wasn’t getting hard again, but it still felt good past his orgasm. It felt even better when Richie moved his hips too, and it felt fantastic when he dug his nails into Eddie’s hips and manually shoved him down on his cock. He could feel how hard Richie was, and it was thrilling to feel his throbbing member so hot and close to him. His heart was racing, and Richie’s groans and moans only made it beat faster and harder until it stuttered with Richie’s hips as he finally finished. He gasped for breath as he clung to Eddie’s waist, and Eddie happily accepted the other man’s arms around him as his body shivered from the aftermath. They stayed close like that for a while, and Eddie felt happy and satiated with the added warmth inside him.

“You okay?” Richie murmured. Eddie nodded and stroked his hair as Richie nuzzled his neck.

“Yeah? Are you?” Eddie asked. Richie nodded.

“More than okay,” he sighed. Eddie smiled hearing that, and tilted his head up to kiss him.

“Good…”

     They stayed wrapped up in each other for a little bit longer, and slowly unwound from their previous activities. Eddie happily nuzzled against Richie’s neck, and realized once again that he was genuinely happy. While he was relieved to finally find joy in his life, he couldn’t help but feel a little nervous about the butterflies Richie put in his stomach. Did Eddie make Richie happy like this? Was he just as hopeless as Eddie was? Did he genuinely want something more or was he just trying this out to be lonely and it makes sense because they’ve known each other for so long? Eddie believed that if he met Richie yesterday he’d still manage to fall for him all over again. Did Richie feel the same?

     Before Eddie could get too deep in his thoughts he was interrupted by Richie gently lifting his hips. At first he followed, but he immediately panicked when he felt hot liquid dripping down his thighs. The sensation was only comparable to pissing his pants, so he was rightfully freaked out. He gasped and blushed as he tried to look at his legs behind him. Sure enough, Richie’s cum was pouring out of him and it’s usual whiteness was diluted with lube. He clenched to stop the flow, but was already embarrassed by the small amount that escaped.

“Oh my god, that’s so gross,” Eddie groaned.

“I told you it would be,” Richie pointed out and kissed his cheek.

“Mmm it feels so weird. We need to shower immediately,” Eddie announced. He reached back to wipe up the stream of fluids, and did his best to maneuver out of Richie’s lap without accidentally letting it all go.

“You need help there?” Richie offered.

“No! Don’t you dare touch me. You’ll distract me and get cum all over the carpet,” Eddie insisted as he carefully crawled off the bed. Richie chuckled as he watched and Eddie flipped him off as he waddled to the bathroom. “Don’t come in. I don’t want you to watch me shitting out your semen.”

“C’mon honey, we have popcorn,” Richie protested playfully. 

     Eddie flipped him off again and then closed the bathroom door. He didn’t lock it because he did trust Richie not to peek, and then he made his way to the toilet to let the rest dribble out of him. It was a rather awkward part of this process that he didn’t really think about it, but once he cleaned himself up the best he could without a shower he felt better. He washed his hands, and then opened the door to see Richie laying flat on the bed instead of sitting. He leaned against the door frame as Richie turned his head to look at him. His glasses miraculously stayed on the whole time, and Eddie recalled how he looked without them earlier that morning. There was a difference, but Richie looked good either way. The look in his eyes when he touched and fucked Eddie was the same regardless of the glass panels between them. That was all Eddie cared about.

“Are you coming?” Eddie asked. Richie smirked at that.

“I think your toilet is the best equipped to answer that question,” he teased. Eddie rolled his eyes and then turned back into his bathroom to turn on the shower. He was testing the water, and as he waited for it to get warmer he felt arms around his waist.

“Glad you could make it,” Eddie hummed. Richie nodded against his neck and then kissed it gently.

“Me too…I kinda like spending all this time with you,” Richie murmured.

“Kind of? I hope you’re being conservative there,” Eddie scoffed. Richie chuckled and held him tighter for a proper hug.

“Well, maybe a little more than kind of,” he whispered. Eddie turned his head, and let Richie lean down to kiss him on the lips.

“…I kinda like it too…it’s nice,” Eddie agreed.

“Now I’m definitely getting you flowers for your cubicle. I can’t just cum inside you and then not do that,” Richie joked. Eddie bit back a smile as he thought about Richie visiting him at work just to give him flowers. It was entertaining to imagine how much it would piss off his coworkers, but it was more so sweet to think of how much Richie wanted to treat him well.

“I might just let you now because of that,” Eddie hummed. Richie smiled and pressed their foreheads together.

“Good…because I was going to do it anyways,” he said. Eddie giggled and let Richie kiss him again.

“Mm…we’re wasting water,” Eddie scolded.

“Well then, let’s continue inside,” Richie said. 

     Eddie nodded and then stepped into the stream of water. Richie followed him and Eddie never felt so at home in his own house before. He’s always felt like there was something missing, being so single and alone in a nice house. He didn’t think he needed someone else to be whole, but it wasn’t doing any good keeping to himself like that for so long. He trusted Richie, and that was all he needed to feel at home.

     They washed each other, and Eddie rested his head on Richie’s shoulder once they were completely clean. The other man held him tight and kissed the top of his head. It felt so good to be touched both sexually and not sexually, and Richie’s hands fit with him so perfectly. The past week taught Eddie that he wanted so much more out of his life than he was previously aspiring for. He was so focused on work and distracting himself from all the hatred he had for himself. For almost decades he was denying himself happiness and joy, and finally indulging that felt so wrong at first. He remembered feeling so panicked and awkward after Stanley’s baby shower, but he was so glad he endured it to get to where he was with Richie now. He endured it, and now he finally felt happy.

Chapter Text

“Are you getting hungry again?” Richie hummed. 

     Eddie blinked his eyes open. They went straight from the shower back to bed, and Eddie nearly passed out the minute he cuddled up to Richie’s chest. He was about to say no in favor of cuddling longer, but felt the creeping ache of hunger in his stomach persuade him. He nodded instead, and then gently pushed himself up. They were still naked, and it was kind of nice to be so bare with each other and not try to be sexy about it. He adjusted his hair as Richie sat up and crawled out of bed first. He pulled up his boxers, and then held out a hand for Eddie to take. Eddie accepted it, and felt himself smile as Richie leaned down to kiss him when he got to his feet. He put on his own boxers, and then grabbed Richie’s shirt while Richie walked ahead to his kitchen. When he followed after him he was pulling out the leftovers from the previous night.

“Leftovers sound good?” He asked. Eddie nodded and stretched his body. Richie pulled out Eddie’s food first and microwaved it. He smiled as he noticed what Eddie was wearing, and then leaned against the counter. Eddie opted to jump up and sit on the island across from it, and smiled back as Richie looked at him.

“See something you like?” Eddie asked. Richie chuckled.

“You know I do,” he hummed.

     The microwave beeped, and Richie took out Eddie’s food to hand to him. He grabbed a fork as well, and Eddie gratefully accepted the utensil and the food Richie gave him.

“Thank you,” he said. Richie replied with a kiss on the lips.

“Of course,” he murmured. Eddie kissed him back, and then let Richie turn and warm up his own food.

“What did you tell your boss to get Monday off?” Eddie asked. Richie sighed and leaned against the counter again as he waited for his own food.

“Oh nothing. I don’t tell them about my personal life. I just tell them when I can’t come in and if they ask I tell them it’s for personal reasons,” Richie replied. Eddie hummed and then took a bite of his steak.

“And they just accept it?” He questioned. Richie shrugged.

“I’m one of the best writers and editors on staff. If they don’t they know I’ll threaten to quit,” he explained.

“Hm. Maybe I should try that. Dennis says I’m one of the hardest workers,” Eddie said. Richie chuckled stiffly, and then grabbed his own food as the microwave went off.

“You sure this Dennis guy isn’t into you? He’s coming on pretty strong,” he joked. Or at least he wanted it to sound like a joke.

“I already told you he’s straight. He’s not my type anyways, so even if he was I wouldn’t do anything with him,” Eddie assured him.

“What is your type, spaghetti? Tall? Maybe a little funny? Giant horse cock?” Richie guessed with a sly smile. Eddie blushed and rolled his eyes.

“You seriously need to drop the horse cock joke,” he said. Richie chuckled and then shrugged.

“What can I say? It’s pretty funny.”

“It would be more funny if it wasn’t actually true. You’re not small by any means,” Eddie grumbled. Richie fully laughed at that, and set his food down after a couple bites to walk up to Eddie. He stepped between Eddie’s legs and gently rubbed his knees as Eddie took another bite.

“I’m flattered, baby. Really, it warms my heart,” he said. Eddie set his plate to the side and let Richie lean closer and kiss him.

“Mm…was it just me or was that really fantastic earlier?” Eddie asked once their lips parted. Richie shook his head.

“Not just you, Eds. It was…it was really something else. I’ve never felt so close before,” he confirmed. Eddie nodded in agreement and gently touched Richie’s bare shoulders.

“Right…I really liked it actually. I like being that close with you. Even if it feels weird after we’re done,” he said. Richie laughed, and Eddie laughed with him.

“Well, I like being that close with you too,” Richie murmured before kissing him again. Eddie let him indulge, and felt his body heat up again quickly. He was so reactive to his lover's touch and his kiss. It was almost pathetic how willing he was to go again despite the soreness starting to bloom inside him.

“Richie…mmh…” Eddie hummed between kisses.

“You’re so cute when you moan like that…love it when you say my name,” Richie cooed. He then kissed down Eddie’s neck, and Eddie moaned again feeling his lips flutter against his skin.

“Get the lube. Now,” Eddie ordered. Richie smiled against his jaw and slid his hands higher up Eddie’s thighs.

“Already? We haven’t even gotten started on the foreplay,” he teased.

“We had foreplay earlier when you fucked me. Go get it,” Eddie repeated firmly. 

     Richie nodded and then kissed him once more before turning to jog to the bedroom. He was much faster this time since he only needed to grab the lube, so Eddie had only gotten his boxers half way down when he returned. Eddie blinked at him with sheepish eyes, but Richie merely bit his lip and set the lube down to finish pulling them off. He pulled off his own and then reached for the shirt Eddie was wearing, but Eddie quickly stopped him and shook his head.

“Fuck me while I’m wearing your shirt,” Eddie cooed and guided Richie’s hands to his hips instead. Richie groaned and gripped his hip bones tightly before nodding.

“Fuck, that’s so hot, baby,” Richie sighed. Eddie grinned, and then picked up the lube.

“I’m still loose, so don’t waste any time,” Eddie said. 

     Richie nodded again and squeezed out the product to coat his dick. He then pushed up Eddie’s legs and gently rubbed his hole. His fingers easily slipped in, and Eddie moaned as he started with two. Their lips became incessant as Richie scissored and curled his fingers, and he was able to easily add a third. Eddie kissed him like he would never get the chance again, and he desperately wrapped his legs around Richie’s waist to pull him closer. He pulled out his fingers, and then quickly guided his naked cock back inside Eddie’s hole. The push was just as delicious and hot, and as he bottomed out they were both gasping for air and moaning. Eddie cupped Richie’s face as they breathed heavily into each other's mouth, and stroked his cheeks as their lips attacked each other.

“Mhh! Fuck, oh my god…” Richie groaned. Eddie nodded in agreement, and rocked his hips the best he could from his position. Richie moaned in response, and grabbed his hips to help encourage his movements. He rocked his own hips in retaliation, and Eddie let his head fall back as he felt Richie’s cock move inside him. Richie kissed his neck, and touched under the shirt he was wearing while he started to actually pull out and push back in.

“Mmm—fuck! God, you and your stupid fucking horse cock,” Eddie growled. Richie chuckled, and then moaned weakly as Eddie tightened his legs around him.

“You’re so hot, baby. Do you even see yourself? You’re so fucking cute, Eds,” Richie murmured under his ear. Eddie bit his lip and let his fingers trail into Richie’s hair.

“Lemme lay flat, okay?” Eddie cooed. Richie nodded and laid Eddie gently down on the counter. 

     The other man groaned at the sight of Eddie laid out so perfectly for him, and was stuck on Richie’s shirt bunching up around his waist. He pushed up the fabric more to show off Eddie’s chest, and gently pinched one of his nipples while he continued fucking him. Eddie’s face flushed from the stimulation, but he proudly arched his back to show off more of his body. Richie cursed again, and unintentionally moved faster. Eddie moaned with approval, and tried to push himself down into each thrust.

“Richie…harder. Fuck me harder, baby. Fuck me hard and good,” he pleaded. Richie nodded and grabbed his waist to shove him into each thrust. Eddie’s toes curled. The rough drag of Richie’s bare skin inside him combined with the harsh deep thrusts were so much more satisfying. He cried for more, and Richie happily went faster. “Fuck! That’s so good…so good, oh my god.”

“Yeah? Does that feel amazing for you too, baby? Fuck you’re so warm. Love being inside you like this,” Richie said. Eddie nodded and then gently touched Richie’s hands to slow him down a little.

“T—turn me over. Fuck me from behind,” he demanded. Richie groaned, and nodded vigorously before less than gently pulling Eddie off the counter to do so. Eddie bent himself over the counter, and let Richie press his palm against his back to arch it. He reentered him, and Eddie nearly wept from the incredible sensation at this angle.

“Holy fuck…” Richie breathed. Eddie whimpered and whined as he picked up where he left off. He then pushed back against each thrust, and let Richie fuck him against the counter.

“Mm! Richie! Richie!” He moaned.

“I’m not gonna last long like this, baby. You look so fucking good…you’re squeezing me so fucking tight…you’re so fucking wet…” Richie rambled. Eddie shivered and reached down to stroke his own dick.

“Do it…mmhhh…cum in me, Richie. I want you so bad,” he encouraged. 

     Richie groaned, and then hammered his hips as heat filled Eddie’s body. He continued to grind and rock his hips as he recovered from his climax, and Eddie moaned pathetically as he stroked himself. Richie eventually knocked his hand out of the way and slowly jerked him off while kissing his neck. Eddie whimpered at his lack of speed, and mourned the heat as he kissed down his spine. He pulled out, and before Eddie could panic again he felt Richie’s hot warm mouth lap up everything before it could rush down his thighs. He gasped at the sensation of his tongue, and cried out as the combination of being eaten out and jerked off brought him to his orgasm. They took a moment to calm down, and Richie started to clean up as Eddie leaned against the counter to recover. He lifted his head to see Richie handing him his boxers, and he accepted them before shakily standing up straight. He stepped into them, and turned to lean against the counter while Richie washed his hands.

“Did you…” Eddie huffed, unable to finish his sentence. Richie nodded.

“I…yeah. I did.”

“If it didn’t make me cum so hard I’d call you gross,” he sighed. Richie chuckled and shook his head.

“I’m guessing you want me to brush my teeth before we kiss again?” He guessed. Eddie rolled his eyes.

“It’s not much different from kissing after a blowjob. Don’t be dramatic,” he scoffed.

“Wow, and they say romance is dead,” he teased. Eddie rolled his eyes and grabbed his left overs.

“Whatever,” he said before walking back to his bedroom with his food. 

      Richie followed with his own plate, and they ate together on the bed. Once they finished their food Eddie decided to replace his sheets with the freshly washed and dried set from yesterday and properly prepared for bed. The previous night he kinda just passed out and let that be the extent of his routine, but he was itching to actually brush his teeth again. Richie joined him, and luckily he had a spare unused toothbrush under his sink for him to use. He put it next to his own toothbrush once they finished, and he lingered for a moment thinking about how many more times Richie would use that toothbrush in his bathroom. His attention was redirected to Richie’s mouth as the other man cupped his face and laid a big kiss on his lips. It was minty fresh, and when he pulled back he showed off his pearly whites. That made Eddie giggle, and then flick off the lights before following Richie to bed.

     Spending another night with Richie showed Eddie just how much he actually enjoyed cuddling and sleeping with another warm body. He mostly enjoyed Richie’s company, but he was also realizing he enjoyed the physical aspect of relationships past the sex and the making out. The feeling of Richie’s warm strong arm around his waist made him feel secure, and his warm breath hitting the back of his neck made him feel cozy. Their shared body heat lulled him to sleep faster than any melatonin and knocked him out better than alcohol ever did. He especially loved the feeling of Richie sleepily kissing his shoulders. Just the mindless lazy affection made him feel happy that even when Richie was asleep he still wanted to touch Eddie more. Eddie had struggled with falling asleep for almost his whole life. Sleeping with Richie made him feel like that entire struggle was some horrible nightmare and not the reality he had been living since he was a teenager.

     Waking up was always a million times better. He woke up still faced away this time, but he was quick to turn and cuddle against Richie’s chest as his nose got cold from the brisk morning air. The other man held him closer, and Eddie hummed with delight as Richie covered him with more blanket and kissed the top of his head. They fell asleep again after that, and the next time they woke up it was much lighter outside. The brightness was blocked from Eddie by Richie’s body, and Richie was faced away from the window. So Eddie only noticed how light it was outside when he blinked his eyes open and saw the brightness across the ceiling. He stretched  a little, but then settled against Richie’s chest before attempting to drift off again. His sleep was disturbed by the sound of Richie’s chuckle, and he shook his head to try and discourage him from speaking. Unfortunately, it was all for naught.

“Good stretch?” Richie hummed.

“Shut up. I’m going to sleep again,” Eddie announced. Richie laughed again and kissed the top of his head.

“You’re not as much of a morning person as I thought you were,” Richie murmured. Eddie sighed.

“It’s my weekend. Of course I want to sleep all morning,” he replied.

“Among other things,” Richie purred.

“Shh…we’ll do that again later. I’m sleeping now,” Eddie said.

“Oh don’t worry, baby. We kinda fucked a lot yesterday, so you’re off the hook at least until noon,” Richie assured him.

“Christ…yeah we did, didn’t we?” Eddie agreed. Richie nodded and pressed Eddie closer against him. He melted into the heat of Richie’s body, and happily snuggled against him.

“Three times is a lot more than it sounds. Especially when it’s so good, y’know?” Richie hummed. Eddie nodded in agreement.

“Yeah…”

“You falling asleep again, baby?” Richie cooed. Once again he nodded.

“Mh-hm,” he replied verbally.

“Okay. I’ll wake you up at noon when it’s time to have sex again,” Richie assured him. Eddie managed a tired giggle, but eventually drifted off and fell asleep again.

     The third time Eddie woke up he felt Richie’s hand slowly stroking down his body. It felt good, and it made him feel warm. On his way back up his fingers made their way under the shirt he wore last night, and when they reversed they led further down over his ass. Eddie hummed in his sleep, and curled his fingers against Richie’s bare chest. The other man kissed the top of his head and repeated his tantalizing up and down. Eddie’s skin tingled in Richie’s wake, and he was easily turned on by the simple yet stimulating caresses. He moved his leg up, and Richie gently pulled his knee over his hip. Once it was settled he ran his large hand over Eddie’s leg and squeezed the soft flesh over on his thigh. That was enough to make his heart race faster, and he made a noise of approval while arching his back. The hand made its way over his ass again, but this time Richie lingered before beginning to subtly squeeze and pinch his cheek. Eddie loved it, and he pushed his body into Richie’s touch as he touched under his boxers.

“You awake again?” Richie murmured. His voice was rough from sleep, and it made Eddie shiver even closer. He nodded and gently guided Richie’s hand from gripping his forearm further up his boxers to fully squeeze his ass.

“Mm…feels good,” Eddie murmured.

“It is close to noon. Guess it’s time to have sex again,” Richie teased. Eddie nodded to confirm despite the joke, and turned his upper body to grab the bottle of lube they left on the nightstand after their kitchen adventure. He returned to Richie’s chest and then handed him the bottle.

“Finger me,” he said. 

     Richie chuckled, and then let go of his butt to take the bottle. Eddie pulled down his boxers while Richie warmed up the product, and then flung them off the bed before preparing himself for Richie’s touch. He kept his back arched until he felt wet fingers between his cheeks and shivered. The product was warm like it always was when he fooled around with Richie. He held onto Richie’s bicep as he teased the area, and then gasped as he started with two fingers. He was a little tighter than last night due to being asleep, but it still felt good enough to skip the first finger. Richie must’ve been able to feel his added tightness because he made sure to go slow and take his time while kissing Eddie’s forehead and temple and stroking his spine with his free hand. When he finally adjusted enough to be comfortable he let out a little moan of approval, and Richie tilted his head up to kiss him on the lips.

“Is that good, baby?” Richie asked. Eddie nodded with half lidded eyes.

“Yes…so good…add another, please,” he requested. Richie nodded back and did so without hesitation. Eddie’s eyes rolled shut and he let them remain closed as he let the bliss spread through his body. His fingers were always so thick inside him, and the way he curled them against Eddie’s prostate was much more intense than when he did it to himself.

“You look so cute…god, you’re adorable when you’re sleepy,” Richie cooed. Eddie pinched his brows, and blinked up at Richie. The other man was missing his glasses once again, and his eyes were zeroed in on Eddie’s face. It was so intense, and yet Eddie loved it.

“Feels good…” he murmured. 

     Richie bit his lip and then leaned down to kiss him on the lips. His fingers were more than enough to make Eddie want more, so he gently pushed against Richie’s chest until he got the other man on his back and climbed on top of him. He blinked up as Eddie crawled into his lap, and he moaned as Eddie kissed down his chest until he got his mouth around his cock. He bobbed his head on his length a few times before sucking on the tip and pressing his tongue against his slit. Richie closed his eyes briefly, but pried them open again to watch every second of Eddie’s mouth swallowing his cock. He bobbed his head a couple more times and then pressed his tongue up from base to tip. He then grabbed the lube, and spread it on to mix with his spit. Richie groaned at the added wetness, and then welcomed Eddie as he crawled into his lap again and guided his cock inside him. Whenever Richie eased in he usually made sure to be gentle about it, but Eddie didn’t care for gentleness at the moment. He sat on Richie’s cock swiftly, and hummed happily at the other man’s gasp. He didn’t pause to adjust, and instead gripped Richie’s sides to get right into fucking himself on his lover’s cock.

“Fuck…oh my god, Eds,” Richie wheezed.

“Feels so good…feels so full…I love this so much,” Eddie cooed. 

     Richie nodded in agreement and grabbed at his ass while Eddie moved incessantly. He rocked, he swayed, he bounced, and he ground his hips to feel all the different sensations he craved the most. Richie helped him a little, but for the most part let Eddie do whatever he wanted to him. It felt so good after waking up again so recently, and his body was flooded with a mixture of happy sleepiness and the best sexual stimulation he’s ever experienced in his life. He panted as he rolled down on Richie’s cock, and then reached for the hem of his shirt to peel it off. Richie gladly helped him, and ran his hands up and down Eddie’s body as he fucked himself harder and faster on Richie’s dick.

“Fuck…fuck…fuck!” Eddie moaned pathetically.

“You look so fucking beautiful like this, baby,” Richie groaned. He rocked his hips up against Eddie’s movements, and he bit his lip at the whine Eddie released in response.

“Mmh, Richie…Richie, you fuck me so good. Your cock feels so good inside me. You’re fucking perfect for me,” Eddie blurted. Richie moaned weakly, and then grabbed his hips tighter to shove him down with each thrust he made. Eddie cried out at the intense pace, and dug his nails into Richie’s sides.

“So…perfect…so hot…so fucking sexy…I fucking love you, Eddie baby,” Richie rambled. 

     Eddie felt himself go ridged, and didn’t have time to react to the other man’s less than subtle confession as his climax washed over him. He gasped and sobbed as he came all over Richie’s chest. The other man seemed not too concerned with what he just said, and instead was overwhelmed with his own orgasm as he came inside Eddie again. He’d never get tired of how good it felt whenever Richie came inside him. It was much different without a condom, but the added heat inside him made Eddie feel nice and warm. His brain was focused on the fact that Richie told him that he loved him, but Richie didn’t bring it up as he gasped for breath and squeezed Eddie’s hips. He stayed on Richie’s dick, but eventually pulled off and did his best to shuffle to the bathroom without spilling cum everywhere. Once he cleaned himself up he brought back a damp towel and cleaned up the mess he made on Richie’s stomach. The other man was completely wiped out still, and gave a happy smile as Eddie wiped him down.

“Thank you, baby,” Richie hummed. Eddie smiled and leaned down to give him a kiss before sitting back and taking a deep breath. “Everything okay?” Richie asked. Eddie blinked and then nodded.

“Yeah! Yeah, it’s just…um…” he trailed off and avoided Richie’s eyes. Maybe he didn’t realize he said that. Would it be rude to bring it up? He was dying to know Richie’s true feelings. “I just…I thought I heard you say that you love me is all…um…” he said. Richie sat up and stared at him.

“I…is that okay?” Richie asked. Eddie met his eyes and then nodded.

“Yeah, of course! I just…I mean, we all love each other, right? We say it all the time to the losers,” Eddie pointed out. Richie’s body seemed to deflate at that response, but he nodded regardless.

“Right…yeah, that’s definitely how I meant it, Eds,” Richie said sarcastically. He sounded bitter. Eddie panicked.

“I…what do you want me to say to that? You can’t just tell me that you love me in the middle of having sex and expect a calm response from me!” Eddie snapped.

“It just slipped out, okay? Sorry,” Richie sighed and moved to get up. Eddie frowned as Richie dressed himself and grabbed his glasses off the nightstand. He scrambled to get his boxers on once Richie headed out, and followed him out of the bedroom.

“Where are you going?” Eddie asked.

“Home,” Richie answered as they walked past the kitchen.

“What? Why? I-I didn’t—“

“Look, Eds. I’m not going to sit here and pretend like this doesn’t fucking hurt, okay? We’ve both been a total mess this week, and…” he sighed as he stopped with his hand on the doorknob. “I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to fuck this up by telling you how I actually feel,” he said.

“I didn’t know that's how you really feel! You didn’t fuck up anything. Richie, c’mon,” Eddie said, taking his hand. Richie let him pull him away from the front door, and looked sad as Eddie gently cupped his face.

“I thought…I thought this all meant something, right? I just…if this is all just a way for you to be less lonely then I get it, okay? But…like I thought you said this meant something to you too, and…I guess I got ahead of myself,” Richie explained as best as he could. Eddie shook his head.

“This does mean something to me, okay? Of course it does. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. I’ve wanted you my whole life,” Eddie assured him.

“Then why is this such a big deal? Like…” he groaned and briefly rubbed at his tired eyes. “Yes! Yes, I love you! I’m in love with you! I’ve been in love with you since the seventh fucking grade when we first grew hair on our balls! Is that too much for you to hear, Eds? Or is that what you need to stay calm? I didn’t mean to just blurt it out like that, but I definitely fucking meant it,” he said. Eddie blinked up at him with wide eyes. His fear of Richie only indulging him was suddenly dissolved by his confession, and his heart felt full and overwhelmed.

“Richie…” he was speechless.

“Do you have any idea how fucking hard it is to be in love with someone so much that you’ll do anything for them? Because when we started hooking up…” Richie trailed off and sniffled. Eddie reached up again to wipe away his tears, and more spilled over his cheeks as Richie let him. “Every time…god, I just wanted to tell you every time. I can’t fucking say no to you because I fucking love you too much!”

“Richie…please…” Eddie didn’t know what he was asking for, but he felt weak hearing his lover’s confession in full force.

“Please what? What do you want from me? I’ll fucking give it to you, okay? It’ll take you on all the dates you want. I’ll spend every second that I can with you. I’ll fucking march up to town hall and personally make sure you can get married one day, okay? I just…I can’t keep hiding this. I can’t keep hiding how absolutely pathetic I am for you,” Richie said on the verge of sobbing. Eddie reached up on his tip toes and pulled Richie down for him to cradle his head against his chest. Richie let himself be held, and slowly eased his hands back over Eddie’s waist.

“Richie, I love you too,” Eddie whispered. It was the best he could do at the moment. He wanted to shout it out that he was in love with Richie Tozier, but his heart was still so fragile from all the self hatred he had endured. Still, despite how cowardly and quiet he was, it made Richie crumble and cling to Eddie’s body.

“Fuck…” he sighed with relief.

“Richie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t—“ Eddie was interrupted by Richie’s phone ringing in his pocket. They parted for him to check it, and he wiped his tears as he checked the caller ID.

“It’s Stan,” he sniffled.

“Go ahead,” Eddie nodded. Richie accepted the call and put it on speaker.

“Hello?” Richie said, trying to sound like he wasn’t just crying.

“Hey, is Eds with you?” Stan asked.

“Yeah, you’re on speaker,” Richie told him.

“Great! Patty just went into labor. Can you make it to the hospital within the hour?” Stan asked. He sounded surprisingly calm for a man about to become a father.

“Holy shit, Patty’s in labor?” Eddie asked.

“Yeah! Her water broke just this morning so we headed over and the doctor said she’s already started contractions or whatever the hell that is,” Stan said.

“Fuck, I need to put clothes on,” Eddie cursed and turned back to his bedroom.

“We’ll be over as soon as possible, okay? Christ, Stan. You can’t just casually tell us that your wife is going into labor!” Richie said.

“Eh, she got the epidural and is most likely getting a c-section if the baby doesn’t crown soon. She’s fine,” Stan assured him. Eddie came back in his corduroys and a polo, and then grabbed his keys and wallet off the table next to his front door.

“C’mon, Rich. Stan we’re heading over now!” Eddie called towards the phone.

“I can drive, baby. It’s okay,” Richie said as he followed him out the door.

“I’ll go crazy if you drive,” Eddie replied and walked past Richie’s car to get to his own.

“I gotta hang up, but I’ll see you guys soon! Let me know if you run into anyone else when you get there. I sent out a group text, but I dunno who replied yet,” Stan said.

“Will do. See you soon, Stan,” Richie said.

“Drive safe!” Stan replied before hanging up.

“I can only pray,” Richie sighed before getting into the passenger seat.

      Usually Eddie was a good driver. He was a great one actually, but whenever he was stressed or needed to get somewhere in a hurry he was a menace. Any room for awkwardness was taken up by fear and Richie clinging to the door for dear life. Eddie knew he wasn’t going to get into an accident, so he was willing to do whatever he needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible. They were all told ahead of time what hospital Stan and Pat were going to, and Eddie had been there a couple of times before as well. It was easy to find, and thankfully the traffic wasn’t too bad either. He parked in the parking garage, and then rushed with Richie into the hospital. The staff directed them towards labor and delivery, and they knew they were in the right area when they found Beverly, Stan and Bill standing in the middle of the hall. Richie had to stop and catch his breath, but Eddie had already launched himself to hug Stanley.

“Oh my god, this is amazing! I thought she wasn’t due for another two weeks?” Eddie said.

“Early labor happens a lot,” Beverly told him. He let go of Stan to hug her, and she happily accepted it with a smile.

“Congrats, Stanley. You seriously took us by surprise,” Richie said once he finally evened out his breathing. Stan chuckled at that and then turned as the door opened. A nurse stepped out with a surgical mask on, but his smile was visible in his eyes.

“The baby is crowning! Come, help Patty with her breathing,” he invited. Stanley nodded and rushed into the delivery room with him. “We’ll let you know when the little one is out,” the nurse told the losers.

“Tell Patty we say push!” Richie called. Eddie lightly slapped his arm, but was trying to hold back a laugh.

“G—good to see you two again,” Bill said. Eddie nodded and smiled at him.

“It’s good to see you too. How’s the manuscript going?” He asked.

“It’s all s-s-swell. I’m k-kind of in the middle of some w—writers block though,” he confessed.

“I find getting really high off my ass helps get my creative juices flowing,” Richie said. He simply stood next to Eddie, and after all the affection they had shared all week it felt odd to have him at arm's length without feeling his touch.

“That’s really inappropriate, Rich,” Eddie sighed.

“He’s r-r-right though. I haven’t sm-smoked anything s—since last August,” Bill agreed. Richie held his hand out to present towards Bill as if to say /I told you so/.

“Hey, Bill? Did you hear back from Mike yet?” Beverly asked. Bill turned his attention towards the red head and then pulled his phone out.

“Uh, n—no not yet,” he answered. She came over and gently guided him a few feet away from Richie and Eddie.

“Why don’t you give him a call. Ben just texted and offered to pick him up,” she said. She then looked over her shoulder and shot Eddie a wink before guiding him a little further.

“Oh, g-g-good idea!”

“What’s that all about?” Richie asked.

“Oh, just Beverly reading minds like she always does,” Eddie sighed. Richie nodded and then walked away to sit in one of the seats set out in front of the delivery room. Eddie glanced at him, and then shyly approached him to sit next to him. He fiddled his thumbs as Eddie sat, and he did his best to avoid his eyes while Eddie was watching him.

“I’m really sorry, Richie,” Eddie whispered. He was silent and still for a moment before running his hand down his face.

“For what, Eds?” He asked.

“I don’t even know where to start. Maybe…for reacting like I did? For…not telling you sooner? For wasting so much of my time hating myself and hurting you in the process?” Eddie listed. Richie shook his head.

“Eds, you have nothing to apologize for. I…I shouldn’t have said it when I did, okay? I wasn’t planning on it, and it was bad timing, and…” he trailed off into another sigh while leaning back into the chair. “…I really just want you to be happy, okay? I care about you so much, and…yeah. Yeah, I love you. I wish that was easy for you to hear,” Richie said.

“It is! Richie, I just…I didn’t know what to think, okay? Like I said, we say that we love each other all the time, a—and I dunno. A part of me was scared that…you were only humoring this because we’re friends and you could see that I was upset and lonely. It took me a while to realize how much I love you, and for the longest time I thought my problem was that I was lonely but…my problem has always been that I didn’t feel like I deserved the love I was getting,” Eddie explained. Richie’s brows furrowed.

“You thought I was humoring you?” He questioned. Eddie blushed.

“I…not entirely, but it was a fear I had. We just…we went into this so blind, and…I’m sorry Richie.”

“I don’t want you to be sorry, okay? It’s just that I thought you were rejecting me. Like friend zoning or whatever the fuck the kids are saying these days. Of course we all love each other. We’re best fucking friends. I just…I guess I thought it was obvious that when I say it I mean it differently,” Richie explained. Eddie took his hand.

“Yeah. It was obvious. I was the one who doubted it because I’ve been stuck in this stupid cycle of self hatred and homophobia and…ugh, I’m a total mess, Richie,” Eddie tried his best to tell his side, but he couldn’t find a way to say it without it sounding like he was trying to avoid responsibility for something.

“Baby, it’s okay. That’s why we started this, remember? We’re both dealing with this, okay? It was hard to believe it when you said it back, so…yeah. I get it,” he assured him. Eddie sniffled and held Richie’s hand tightly. He felt his other hand wipe away his tears, and he looked up to see the concerned look on his face.

“Life really fucked us up, huh?” He murmured. Richie chuckled and nodded. Eddie laughed with him and touched both of his hands.

“Yeah. Yeah, it really did,” he agreed.

“I’ve wanted to tell you how much I love you…basically since Friday. That’s when I really realized it, but…Richie, I’ve loved you this whole fucking time. I feel so stupid for trying to ignore it and fill this empty space with something else. You’ve been here the whole time, and…I thought that happiness wasn’t meant for me. That’s just…shitty enough for me as it is, but I just hate thinking about how much that hurt you as well,” Eddie gushed. Richie shook his head and took Eddie’s hands.

“Sweetheart, don’t worry about that. I’m fine, okay? We have each other now, and that’s all that matters to me. We just…we took a while to get here. I’ve always known I loved you too, but…like you said it didn’t feel like it was meant for me. Babe, I literally told you that I thought marriage was a straight people thing. You’re not alone in this, and it’s not your fault,” Richie assured him. Eddie let out a little sob, and let Richie rub his back.

“I want you to be happy too, Richie. I want…everything for you. You make me feel so safe and so loved. I’ve never felt so free around another person before, and I just…I love you,” he told him. Richie’s eyes got misty too, and he swallowed hard before leaning closer.

“I love you too, Eds. God, I love you more than anything. Just being able to say that out loud and not feel bad about it is so wonderful. I wanna be happy with you,” Richie reciprocated. Eddie nodded and then moved through the little bit of space left between them. He kissed Richie sweetly, and then let him cup his face and press their foreheads together.

“Me too…me too,” Eddie repeated softly.

“Eds?”

“Yeah?”

“Be my boyfriend,” he said. Eddie felt his stomach burn with anxiety and excitement, and he couldn’t help but smile at Richie’s demand. He nodded and kissed him again.

“Okay…but only if you’ll be my boyfriend too,” Eddie teased. Richie chuckled and wiped the last of Eddie’s tears with his thumbs.

“It would be my pleasure.”

“Hey, lovebirds, we’re gonna go wait outside for Ben and Mike. They’re almost here,” Beverly said as she walked over with Bill. They parted to respond, but Eddie needed a moment to look away and wipe his eyes.

 “Sounds good. We’ll let Stan know where you are if he comes out before you get back,” Richie said. Bev nodded and then smiled at Eddie when he finally faced them. He smiled back and held Richie’s hand tightly.

“Y—you okay, Eds?” Bill asked. Eddie nodded.

“Yeah. I’m…I’m really happy, actually,” he answered. Bill smiled at that, but looked a little clueless.

“Th-that’s great. We’ll be back as s-s-soon as possible,” he promised. They nodded.

“Okay…”

     The two of them left Richie and Eddie alone in the hallway, and Eddie rested his head on Richie’s shoulder as they waited. They could hear some groaning and talking through the door, but there wasn’t much they could decipher or make out. Eddie was definitely filled with anticipation, but it helped to have Richie next to him holding his hand and stroking the back of it with his thumb.

“You think Stan is gonna say ‘I told you so‘ once we tell him?” Richie asked.

“If he does he better ask someone else to babysit for him,” Eddie replied. Richie chuckled and nodded in agreement.

“It sure as hell isn’t gonna be us if you're gonna be a douche about this,” he said.

“No…I think he’ll be happy for us. He apologized for pushing me to think about marriage on Friday before you came over. I think he has a better idea where we’re coming from,” he told him.

“That’s good…I mean…I’ve never even had a boyfriend until now. Why the fuck would I be thinking about marriage? I dunno how a relationship works,” Richie joked. Eddie smiled at that.

“Me neither. It’s not like we could walk around holding hands back in high school. When would we have that chance to learn until now?” Eddie pointed out.

“Exactly. I’m glad we get to do it now though. Less hormones to make things confusing.”

“God, you’re so right,” he sighed.

“And less parents to worry about. No curfew. Plenty of money to go on dates. We can actually drink alcohol too,” Richie continued to list.

“And more sex,” Eddie hummed. Richie laughed at that.

“You really think we have more sex now than if we could date in high school?” Richie asked.

“Uh, yeah? My mother is terrible. Our only options would be your house when your parents go out of town or the club house and I would never do anal in the club house,” Eddie told him.

“Oh…yeah I didn’t think of that. I was thinking more about stamina,” Richie admitted.

“As if we didn’t have three full rounds yesterday and then another one this morning. I think we’re good on stamina, Rich,” he said.

“Okay, you have a point there. Yesterday really was something else,” he agreed.

“It was nice though…I really do like how easy it is with you. I don’t have to think or worry or anything. I just…know it’ll be good, and I know I’ll feel safe and happy while we’re doing it,” Eddie said. Richie nodded and kissed the top of his head.

“Yeah…I was thinking the same thing, but I never knew how to put it in words,” he replied.

“Words are stupid anyways,” Eddie huffed. Richie chuckled, but they both got quiet as the sound of a crying baby came muffled through the wall.

“Holy shit, there’s a baby in there,” Richie said. Eddie giggled and nodded as he sat up.

“There really is…oh my god, Stanley is a dad,” he gasped.

“Patty can now be considered a MILF,” Richie added. Eddie shook his head.

“You’re so fucking gross sometimes,” he said.

“But you still love me,” Richie said with a smile. Eddie smiled back.

“Yeah…I still do.”

     The crying eventually got quiet, and there was less sound in general from the room. Eddie tried to be patient, but it was getting more difficult by the second. He was sitting on the edge of his seat staring at the door, and despite the warm hand on his leg he couldn’t stop bouncing it. When Stanley finally emerged from the delivery room he carried a small bundle of fabric with him and the biggest grin Eddie had ever seen on his face. He immediately jumped out of his seat to see him, and Stanley happily showed Eddie his first born child.

“It’s a girl…we named her Avery,” Stanley announced. She was already fast asleep in her fathers arms, and Eddie couldn’t help but melt at the sight of her red face.

“She’s beautiful, Stan,” Eddie breathed. He could feel Richie behind him with his hand on his shoulder, and he definitely felt that craving he had in the fast food place yesterday again.

“Here. Hold her for a bit, okay?” Stan offered. Eddie blinked at him in surprise, but accepted the child being ever so gently placed in his arms. Richie rubbed his back supportively, and Eddie felt his throat burn as he tried to hold back tears.

“Hey, Avery…oh, you’re so cute,” Eddie cooed.

“I can’t even tell you how happy I am for you, Stanley,” Richie said. He was getting teary eyed as well as he patted Stanley’s shoulder and then hooked his chin over Eddie’s shoulder to look at the baby closer.

“I want you two to be her godparents,” Stanley told them. They both looked at him like he was crazy, and then at each other, and then back to Stan.

“You want us to take care of your child if you and Patty happen to have an untimely death?” Richie questioned.

“Us? Possibly the most dysfunctional people in this group?” Eddie pointed out. Stanley laughed and then nodded.

“Yes, but I don’t want you guys as a backup, okay? I want you guys to be legally bound family to her. Of course I want her with someone I trust in case Pat and I get in an accident or something, and of course all the losers are going to be family to her. Out of all of them, I want you two to be her legal guardians in case something happens because I know you’ll love her as much as we do,” Stan explained. Eddie took that in and then looked down at Avery again.

“You’re one crazy bastard, Stan,” Richie said.

“Are you guys saying no?” Stan asked. Eddie shook his head.

“We’d be happy to be her godparents,” he said softly. He gently began to rock and sway, and Richie kissed the side of his head.

“I mean, if you’re for it then I’m for it,” Richie hummed.

“Thank you. I really appreciate it,” Stanley said.

“Uh, since we’re gonna be potentially co parenting your child I guess we should probably tell you something,” Richie said. Stanley frowned.

“What? Is something wrong?” He asked. Richie shook his head.

“Oh no. Quite the opposite,” he assured him. Eddie looked at Stanley with a light blush and then smiled up at Richie.

“We…decided to become official,” he announced. Stanley’s face lit up with excitement.

“Oh my god, really? Like partners? Boyfriends? Uh, significant others?” He asked. Eddie nodded, and welcomed the feeling of Richie’s hand around his waist.

“Yeah. Upgraded from friends with benefits to extended benefits that include cuddling and emotional support,” Richie joked.

“If I wasn’t holding Stanley’s beautiful precious daughter right now, I’d hit you,” Eddie told him.

“I don’t doubt that,” Richie nodded.

“Did Bev and Bill go somewhere?” Stanley asked. Eddie nodded.

“Yeah, they went out to look for Ben and Mike. They should be back soon—“

“We’re here!” Beverly called from down the hall.

“H—holy shit that was f-fast!” Bill stuttered behind her. Mike and Ben were following at a walking pace, and smiled as they watched Bill and Bev race towards the baby. Beverly got there first, and cooed at the baby the second she had a good view of her face.

“Oh my god, this baby is adorable!” She squealed.

“Her name is Avery,” Stan told her.

“That’s so precious. Can I hold her?” Bev requested. He nodded, and Eddie passed the baby to her.

“Ohhh…she’s so warm. Her skin is so soft, and she’s so pretty. Ugh! I can’t wait to get knocked up,” she fawned. Eddie smiled at that, and let Richie pull him in from behind for a hug.

“Let Ben settle in first before your honeymoon, okay?” Stan suggested.

“Oh, we’re already trying. Patty gave me too much baby fever. Premarital sex be damned, I want a baby,” she said. Mike and Ben just caught up with them as she said that, and Ben greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

“Isn’t she beautiful?” Bevvy asked. Ben nodded.

“What’s her name?” Mike asked.

“Avery,” Stanley answered. The nurse popped through the door again, and Stanley smiled at him.

“Hey dad, baby is gonna need to see mom again. She’s all cleaned up now,” he told them. Stan nodded and then took his daughter back from Beverly’s offering arms.

“Tell Patty we love her!” Bev said. He nodded.

“Will do,” he said. He walked back into the delivery room, and the rest of the losers were back to waiting outside.

“That was pretty amazing,” Richie hummed next to Eddie’s ear. Eddie nodded in agreement.

“Yeah…I’ve never really held a baby before,” he confessed.

“Aw, babe, you’re a natural,” Richie assured him. Eddie giggled and touched the arms wrapped around him. “It was kinda nice seeing you like that though,” he said.

“Like what?” Eddie asked.

“All soft spoken and gentle and cute. I mean it, I think you’d make a good dad,” Richie told him. Eddie smiled at that and blushed as Richie kissed his neck.

“I dunno…would it be crazy if I wanted a kid?” He asked. Richie shook his head.

“Not at all, sweetheart.”

“It would be kind of difficult to raise a child on my own,” he pointed out.

“Oh? Perhaps you need some assistance?” Richie teased. Eddie smiled wider.

“Maybe…although I might be raising two if you’re going to be the one helping me,” he teased back.

“Eddie, we’ve talked about this. You wound me too much,” he sighed. They laughed together, and Eddie turned his head to rest on Richie’s shoulder again.

“I think…if things go well between us…it would be nice to adopt a baby together,” he confessed. Richie nodded.

“I think so too,” he agreed. Eddie looked up so he could see Richie, and was glad to see a genuine look on his face.

“Good,” he murmured. Richie smiled and then gently kissed him on the lips.

“Good…”

Chapter Text

     Eddie’s life was completely different than it was four years ago. It felt like such a distant dream compared to the beautiful chaos he lived with now. Richie moved in after only about three months of dating, and for the longest time it was paradise with just the two of them. Eddie had never felt so fulfilled with his personal life, and everyday he fought to maintain the happiness he had. Sometimes it was hard not to slip into old habits and spiral into a deep pit of depression again, but it was easier to get out of knowing Richie was struggling with him. They helped each other out as much as they could, but they eventually both sought out therapists for themselves. Not because they needed help with their relationship, but because they needed to heal from decades of internalized homophobia to be fully happy and complete. It was definitely worth it, and the sex somehow got even better once they found healthier coping mechanisms.

     After their one year anniversary they decided to get a domestic partnership together. It was the best option available to them since the same sex marriage ban was still tangled up in court, and it did fill a little bit of the craving Eddie had for marriage. They had a ceremony and a reception like a real wedding, and Eddie felt giddy in the taxi ride to the airport with Richie as he finally felt that moment Stanley told him about over a year ago on the phone. Their mock honeymoon wasn’t too expensive, but Eddie had an amazing time on the beach in Mexico with Richie. It lasted about a week, and when they returned they were eager to see their godchild again with Stan and Pat.

     Avery was a huge part of Eddie’s life. She was so sweet and bubbly, and she adored him just as much as he adored her. He actually babysat for Stan and Pat a lot, and while Richie was awkward with kids they did a pretty good job keeping her alive while their friends took a much needed night out. When Avery turned two she started having sleepovers at Richie and Eddie’s house, and soon after that started, Patty quickly became pregnant again. Beverly had popped her own baby out not too long before that, and Eddie was starting to become overwhelmed with baby fever as he met Beverly’s kiddo as well. She had a son named Joshua, and he had her roaring fiery hair and Ben’s bright eyes. Holding a baby again finally made Eddie crack, and he started researching adoption the weekend after Bev gave birth. Richie helped him, and as they got started on the process they weren’t surprised that it wasn’t easy at all. Of course it was going to be expensive, but they had both been saving up for this on the side since Eddie first considered it after Avery’s birth two years ago.

     Thankfully the fact that Richie and Eddie were a same sex couple didn’t disqualify them from adopting. Of course they had to go through legal processes and fees and home inspections, but once they were matched with their baby bringing her home was almost too good to be true. They were able to adopt an eight month old baby a year and a half after they started pursuing the adoption process. They weren’t picky at all with their application, so the match was actually pretty easy. She was lovely, and they decided to name her Holly. The minute Eddie held her in his arms he knew she was perfect for them. In his heart he felt like he had been waiting his whole life to meet her, and as they drove back home he couldn’t help but obsess and coo over her in her car seat in the back. Of course the rest of the losers were eager to welcome Holly home as well, and the other kids were excited to see their new baby cousin. Patty’s second child was a boy named Thomas, and he played well with Joshua and Avery. Eddie could tell Avery was starting to feel too old for her younger sibling and cousin, and it was entertaining to watch her try and treat Holly like a fellow toddler. She was almost four anyways, so it made sense that she didn’t understand how to interact with a bunch of babies.

“Richie, would you apply more sunblock on Holly’s cheeks? They’re looking pink,” Eddie requested while handing him the bottle.

“It’s probably the heat, babe. She’s in the shade,” Richie pointed out despite doing as he was asked.

“I know, but it’s been a couple hours since we’ve been out,” Eddie pointed out.

“He-yow, daddy,” Holly babbled as Richie spread the chalk colored lotion across her face. They both smiled at her baby talk, and Richie gently rubbed on the sunblock.

“He-yow, Holly. How you?” He asked.

“How-you? How you, daddy?” She replied. Eddie helped smooth out a streak near her eye, and she reached up to hold Eddie’s hand. “How you daddy?” She directed towards him.

“I’m good, sweetheart. How are you?” Eddie replied.

“Baba,” she requested.

“You already finished your baba. We have crackers though. Do you want those?” Richie offered. She nodded and he leaned over to dig through their beach bag.

“Where is everyone? I thought we told them we’d meet up around noon,” Eddie said, checking his watch.

“Maybe they’re at the beach house,” Richie suggested.

“Why would they be there? I said to meet us on the beach. Is Thomas being fussy again?” He asked.

“Maybe. We should probably check the beach house, though,” Richie said. Eddie narrowed his eyes on his partner, and watched him skeptically as he handed their daughter a bag of her animal crackers. He caught Eddie’s eyes and blinked.

“What?”

“Why are you trying so hard to get me to go to the beach house?” He asked. Richie dropped his jaw in surprise, but it was obvious he wasn’t genuinely shocked.

“Honey, why would you accuse me of such things? I’m just saying if you don’t know where they are the beach house would be the logical first place to check,” he said, his fake innocence ringing clear as day in his voice. Eddie raised a brow.

“Richie, we've been together for four years. I know when you’re bullshitting me,” Eddie deadpanned. Richie gasped and then covered Holly’s ears.

“Don’t be saying those bad words! Her brain is like a sponge,” he teased.

“She’s fourteen months old. She can barely ask how you’re doing. She’s not gonna copy us for another four months or so,” Eddie assured him. Richie chuckled and then kissed the top of Holly’s head.

“What do you think, princess? Should daddy go to the beach house and check for your cousins?” Richie asked.

“Cow-zins!” She blurted once Richie mentioned them.

“You heard her, Eds. Time to check for cow-zins,” he said.

“You know if you copy her she’ll never learn how to properly talk, right? You have to talk to her like an adult so she learns full sentences,” Eddie pointed out. Richie pouted and then hoisted their daughter onto his leg so she could stand on his knee. He held her face next to him and she giggled as Richie showed off their faces side by side.

“Baby, she’s weeping to see her cow-zins again. You should check so she feels better,” he said. Eddie rolled his eyes and then sighed in defeat.

“Fine. It was getting too hot out anyways,” he decided. 

     Richie pumped his fist, and then let Holly bounce in his lap as Eddie started packing up. He eventually helped out and they carried everything and Holly back to the beach house with them. They were staying there for a week to celebrate their three year anniversary as domestic partners and four year anniversary together as a whole. Bill was the owner of the beach house, but he let the losers stay there all the time. He was the one who offered it to Richie and Eddie, and they decided to spend the first couple days with Holly before meeting up with Stan and Pat and letting them take her for the rest of the week. They dropped their beach stuff in the garage next to Richie’s new SUV, which he bought solely because he wanted a dad car, and then entered the house through the garage door. He had taken Holly from Richie while he tried to make sure their umbrella didn’t fall over, and when he opened the door he was greeted with a giant sign that read “SURPRISE” and a symphony of paper party horns greet him. All of the losers and their kids were there, and Avery was throwing up confetti with Joshua and Thomas clapping with her. Eddie smiled at his friends, but furrowed his brows in confusion as they all shouted at him.

“Surprise!” They cheered. Beverly was the loudest, as always, and Stan looked like he was close to tears. Eddie stepped further into the room, and heard Richie close the door behind him.

“Uh…what’s all this for? Surprised that we made it this long?” Eddie asked. Bill laughed at that, but everyone else seemed to be waiting for something. Mike jerk his head up, and looked distinctly behind Eddie.

“Behind you!” Patty whisper-yelled.

     Eddie finally turned around, and covered his mouth when he saw Richie holding an open velvet box. Inside sat a beautiful golden band, and just seeing the ring made Eddie feel like he was dreaming. He held Holly close as he blinked in disbelief, and then back up at Richie. His partner was smiling as wide as ever, and he licked his lips before speaking.

“The news dropped literally yesterday, so I had to call everyone last minute for an emergency proposal party,” Richie said.

“What news? What happened?” Eddie asked.

“June twenty sixth two thousand thirteen, gay marriage is legal in the state of California!” Beverly announced. Eddie let out an astonished laugh, and uncovered his mouth to hold his daughter in a hug.

“Oh my god…really? It’s really legal now?” He asked. Richie nodded, and looked over at Patty as she gently took Holly from Eddie’s arms. He let her, and then wiped his tears as Richie took his hand.

“Eddie…marry me,” he said. He sobbed and nodded.

“Are you fucking stupid? Of course I’m going to fucking marry you! God, I hate you so much,” he wept. Richie laughed, and then took the ring out of the box to slide down Eddie’s finger. He had to wipe more tears to see the metal sparkle at him again, and then looked up at Richie with a wobbly smile.

“He’s been carrying that thing around for three years, just so you know,” Patty whispered.

“Hey now. Don’t be spilling my secrets, Pat. Remember who babysits your kids when you and Stan wanna make more,” Richie said. She giggled, but Eddie was more focused on what she revealed earlier.

“Are you serious? You held onto this ring for three years?” He asked incredulously. Richie blushed and nodded.

“Yeah, uh…I’ve been tracking everything in court about the marriage ban and every time there was an article released they made it sound like it was always any day that it would be reversed. So I kinda just kept it on me in case I needed to improvise whenever it finally happened,” Richie explained.

“H—he’s been p-p-planning this the whole t-time,” Bill echoed. Eddie shook his head in disbelief.

“Why bother tracking it for so long? I just gave up hope after a while,” Eddie said. Richie reached up and slid his thumb across Eddie’s cheek to catch his last tear.

“Because you told me you wanted it, and because I wanted to give it to you. Because I love you,” he murmured. Eddie could hear Patty and Bev fawn over Richie’s reasoning, and his own heart was melting too.

“You…goddamn cheesy asshole,” he sighed. Richie chuckled and then kissed him on the lips.

“We have food, by the way,” Ben announced. Eddie pulled away to look at his friends, and blushed as he realized just how closely he was being watched.

“Oh…Yeah, that sounds good,” Eddie said.

“Richie wanted it to be like a party, so we got pizza and ice cream…because Richie’s idea of a party is Avery’s last birthday,” Stan said.

“It was a good party, okay? Am I wrong for drawing inspiration from a four year olds birthday party?” Richie asked.

“We’ll start cutting it up and serving everyone,” Patty said before carrying Holly to the kitchen. Stan, Bill, and Ben followed, and Bev snuck over to give Richie and Eddie a hug before joining them with the kids. Once their friends eyes were averted, Eddie felt more confident to gently cup Richie’s face and pull him down for another kiss.

“I love you,” he murmured sweetly. Richie smiled and held him closer by his waist.

“I love you too, Eddie baby,” he replied.

“We’re having a courtroom wedding once we get back into town. I am not planning a reception again,” Eddie said bluntly. Richie laughed and nodded in agreement.

“Absolutely. Planning the ceremony alone was a nightmare . Plus, we’ve waited long enough for this, don’t you think?” He said. Eddie smiled and nodded.

“Yeah…we definitely have.”