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crossbows-and-moonshine · 5 years

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Guys I did it! *Sobs violently*

Alright, here’s my list of recommended fics you super awesome humans.

As I said in my other post, writers helping writers is awesome so I’m so happy to tell you some of the fics I’ve read that I love. Go show these amazing people some love for the time and effort they have put in to create wonderful fics. Any fics I mention have been read by me (multiple times with some), and I totally recommend them.

I’m gonna do this in a few ways, first off, I’ll section Archive of Our Own separately to FanFic.net, just to make it easier for me to grab the links. Ao3 has a nifty little thing where you can see your reading history so I can grab them from there, with FF, I need to go through and find them, pray for me lololol.

I’ll also be separating the Boondock Saints ones and Daryl ones, just for your ease, if you're only interested in one and not the other. The Daryl ones are only on Archive, because I haven't really read any over on FF for some reason, don't ask me why, I just haven't.

They’re not in any particular order, just as I see them, I'll grab them.

These aren’t all the fics I’ve read, some of the ones I love have been deleted by the writer, which breaks my heart honestly, and some of them I just can't remember.

It’s so fucking long guys, brace yourselves, I’ll put it under the cut.

So, here we go!

Archive of Our Own [Boondock Saints]

- One of Three

I really like this one and you guys should really check it out.

Author Summary; She had cocooned herself, letting routine and safety run her life. After everything she knew it wasn't much of one, and because she decided to do the right thing her life's about to hit a tailspin in some of the worst and most fantastic ways.

This is a Murphy/OC/Connor story and it’s amazing.

Chapters; 18

- Boondock Saints OC Arc

This ones a little different because it's not set out like the usual fic. Its an arc and some bits have one chapter, one of arcs even has 36. They all follow the same storyline and it flows like a normal fic, the author has just chosen to post it this way, and it works.

Author summary; The story of one girl's first up close and personal encounter with one of the brothers on a late-night subway.The 1st story in my Boondock Saints OC story arc.

This is a Murphy/OC/Connor fic, and it's one of my favs honestly, I've read it all numerous times.

Chapters; I can't give you an exact number with the way it's set out, but as I said, one arc alone has 36, so there's plenty to sink your teeth into.

- Everybody Knows

I love this one, it's short and sweet.

Author summary; Everybody knows exactly what Marissa needs to do to get over her recent breakup. She's spent the last month in mourning and her friends are ready for her to move on...

Murphy/OC/Connor.

Chapters; 4, but there's also a sequel which is 5 chapters long, I won't post the link for that since when you've read this one, the option to click on to the next part is at the bottom.

- Saints Alive

I looooove this one!

Author summary; Skid is once again on her own and she has to find a new place. Luckily for her, she knows a friend who knows a guy who knows of a place for free. Downside is it's in the South side of Boston where crime is rather terrible. Of course, with two Irish brothers as new next door neighbors, what's the worst that could happen?

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; 7

- Time Zero Blues

Okay, so this one, omfgjwoehdjshndloihd. This is one of my favvvvvs of all time, I’ve read it so many times, if you don't read it, I just might cry.

Author summary; Murphy and Connor get out of work early and are headed to McGinty's. Murphy finds a trail of Polaroids along the way that lead them to an unexpected situation.

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; 23

- Sacrament of Penance

If you’re after something to get you hot and bothered, this is it :’)

Author summary; "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) Pure PWP, sacrilege, and gratuitous smut.

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; 5

- Robyn Hood

This one is mine! Lololol. I’m not recommending it because I’m saying its good, but I haven't posted it here because honestly I’m lazy, so if you wanna read another one of my multi-chapter fics, then hop on over :)

Author summary; When Robyn gets thrown into the life of The Saints, it causes a big stir between the brothers. The boys deal with their feelings for her in very different ways, and all of their lives get turned upside down. Connor/OC/Murphy.

Slightly AU, set a year after the first film, they don't go back to Ireland.

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; 15

- Choíche Is go deo

Another one of mine I’m pretty sure I’ve never posted here.

Author summary; Follow Niamh Flannagan as she grows up with the twins in Ireland and watches them turn from boys into men. How will they both deal with having feelings for her? Will jealousy get in the way?

Murphy/OC/Connor.

Chapters; 8

Fanfic.net [Boondock Saints]

- Risk it all

I’m in love with this one, it’s really fucking good.

Author summary; Nolee moved to South Boston with a hope to escape her past and make a better life for herself. What she didn't plan on was the peculiar Murphy MacManus coming into picture and breaking down everything she thought she knew. As they attempt to bond, can she overcome her tainted old life and let down her walls? Especially with one extra problem: she's already pregnant.

Murphy/ OC

Chapters; 22

- Warrior Shepherds

Another one of my all time favs. I love the dynamics of the characters and how well the boys are written. There’s some serious humour thrown into the mix and I laughed out loud so many times when I read this one. You’ll also be pleased to know this author is on Tumblr, @risingphoenix761. If the username looks familiar, it's because I tag her in all of my shit and recently wrote her a BDS drabble for her birthday. She's an awesome human, so check her out :D

Author note; They were called to destroy evil, but crossing paths with a wayward soul meant compromise. And in compromising, the MacManus brothers get more than they bargained for. Connor/OC/Murphy (rated M for violence, language, and sexual content)

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; 37

- Amaryllis

Also by @risingphoenix761, and equally good and worth a read.

Author summary; She wasn't necessarily in their plans. They definitely weren't in hers. Yet between fate, coincidence, a few misadventures and some small favors, plans don't count for much anyway. Now the only question is, are they really just friends?

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; 6

- Two Lads and A Lass

I love this one!

Author summary; This is a story about my OFC, Timi, who meets the MacManus brothers a year and a half before they become the Saints of Boston. Follow their adventures as Murphy and Connor try to pull the shyness out of Timi and teach her what love and fun truly is.

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; 27

- Her Defenses

Yet another high on my list, I love everything about this story.

Author summary; "What do you two see in me that makes you want to try and fix me?" A new life in Boston meant giving up everything she had back home. That never meant that she had to give up her defenses at the same time. Rated M for language and (future) adult situations.

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; 40

- A Saint, A Sinner

Now this one right here, I have probably read so many times I know it word for word, I’m not even kidding. This is very high on my list. The boys are written perfectly, I love every fucking thing about this one, and there's some very interesting hot and heavy shit along the way. If you only read one fic of this list, it needs to be this one.

Author summary; Connor M./OC/Murphy M. BDS prequel/romance. What happens when you drink whisky with the boys? It's got it all: romance (as far as the boys can DO romance), fluff, hurt/comfort, plot, canon plus research. Rated for MacManus mouth, violence, & explicit three-way smut (no twincest). Note: The BDS belong solely to T. Duff

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; Now it says 87, but the author has been reworking this fic so it's actually about 67 I think? I’m unsure, and the chapters are a little shorter than usual fics. It’s still amazing and a lot for you to immerse yourself in.

- Saints Angel

Another good one you need to check out.

Author summary; The Saints help to protect everyone in their city, but what if they had a protector of their own? In comes a woman, a hurt, young, lovely woman that was rescued by them, given a new life. To her, they are her boys and she will now do anything to protect them. She will become their Angel...forever to walk by their side...forever to watch over them.

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; 21

- Once More, With Feeling

This one is perfect quite honestly, I fucking love the OC so much and everything about this fic.

Author summary; [HIATUS - UNDER REVISIONS][ConnorxOCxMurphy] Avery, an emotionally independent journalist becomes complicated by her simultaneous feelings for both of the twins. As their secret life of vigilante world unfolds, Avery is left unattended to an entitled, delusional psychopath.

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; 9

- Alexis's Saints

Another one I absolutely love.

Author summary; Alexis just recently moved to South Boston with her mother. When a nightmare from her past returns full force, she runs into the MacManus brother's and despite trying to stay away from them, she finds herself growing attached to the two brothers as the three try to figure each other out. Rated M for language and some adult themes. Please Enjoy

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; 13

- The Possessed

This one is fucking amazing. It’s so different from any other BDS fic I’ve read and well worth the read. There's also a sequel which is Connor/OC, so if you wanna read that, click on their username after reading this one and give that one a read too.

Author summary; She is possessed by something evil and supernatural. They have been asked to help save her, to call upon their faith, but one of them is struggling to believe in anything anymore. If she can't be saved then they will be forced to kill her. Do they have the strength to do what they must? Can he believe in something again?

Murphy/OC

Chapters; 19

- The Librarian

I love the humour in this one and just everything about it.

Author summary; "You're murderers." Rhetta held up a hand, "And please don't give me a speech about how you only killed 'evil' men. I've heard it all before. And while I do agree that the men you killed deserved it, I do not believe that you have the right to take the law into your own hands." "So, you're no' a fan?"

Murphy/OC/Connor

Chapters; 17

OKAY, I’m gonna leave it at that for the BDS ones, I know there's more but you have no idea how long that just took me, omg lolololol.

Archive of Our Own [Daryl]

- His Walls

This one is so fucking good, it’s number two on my list of Daryl fics. I love how it starts off with young Daryl, they write him so well and exactly how I imagine him to be. It’s soooooo good guys, read it

Author summary; People build up walls, not to keep others out, but to see who cares enough to break them down. Truer words have never been spoken where Daryl Dixon was concerned. He never expected anyone to care enough, until someone did.

Starts out AU with 20 yr old Daryl, from Chapter 22 on out we'll be in the ZA-world.

M-rating for smut, language, adult topics, descriptions of abuse & attempted rape.

Chapters; 51

- Gorgeous

I hadn't actually read this one before, but I came across it when searching for ones I had read, and I fucking loved it. Young Daryl is my jam and this was so well written and just a good read. It’s a young Daryl AU, so the rest of the twd characters are in it too, like Rick his best friend, Maggie the readers best friend etc.

Author summary; After meeting Daryl on the way home from a party the reader hatches a plan to get him to like her. But if it isn't friends and well-meaning King County citizens that tell her to stay away from him than it's Daryl himself, who's trying to keep his own feelings from coming to the surface.

Chapters; 16

- 357 Daryl Jerkin' It Drive

This one is a little different, this is a collection of works by the writer where they write not only about Daryl, but a lot of different characters Norman has played. As you can tell by the title, they’re all smut based, and well worth the read. It's also worth mentioning that the writer also has a tonne of other Daryl stories so make sure to head onto their profile to check everything else out, it would take too long to link them all here. Most of them are AU Daryl which I love and they're a really talented writer.

Author summary; none.

Chapters; it's hard to say since its a collection, most are one-shots but I know at least two of the works in there are nine chapters each.

- Night Stalker

Okay I lied, this is the same author as above and the next one is too because it's a sequel to this, but they're my favs by this author, I love them. They're a little dark and they're AU, but if you're like me, you'll love them. I recently recommended the sequel to this one to someone in my ask box.

Author summary; Daryl is mentally unstable, but functioning. He falls in love.

Chapters; 15

- Walking in the Light

The sequel to the above story, I’m in love with it, read it now!

Author summary; Sequel to "Night Stalker". Daryl is improving under the care of his new nurse, Krissy. He is still confused by the hallucination, and why Krissy reminds him so much of Kristin.

Chapters; 17

- Just Another Day

Another AU Daryl story that is amazing.

Author summary; Redemption. It's a concept Daryl Dixon is completely unfamiliar with- but desperately needs. It lives in his dreams, where he's a hero among men in the zombie apocalypse... but that's not real life. Real life is sorrow, loneliness, and pain. Until he meets his beautiful neighbor- then its possibility, hope, and maybe a bullet to the brain.

Chapters; 15

- In The Little Town of Jasper…

Yet another amazing AU Daryl story. Are you sensing a theme here? Looool. I’m pretty sure this is the same author as His Walls that I recommended, but I’m too lazy to check.

Author summary; -Abrasive. Yes, that description fit him perfectly. The guy smelled like trouble, and she knew he would get even more abrasive the longer she talked to him. Too bad she didn't care. -A pretty stranger that talked to him, knew his name and his place of work? In Daryl's book, that just couldn't be good news. AU - Daryl Dixon/OC, Explicit for language and sexual situations. Yes smut!

Chapters; 65

- Second Hand Hearts

This is another fic I highly recommend you read. (Duh, or it wouldn't be on the list, God Sarah ur like so annoying) :’)

Author summary; In her darkest hour, a woman who has lost everything is rescued by a handsome man with a crossbow and nothing to lose-until he meets her. In a nightmarish new world, where the dead prey on the living, can they beat the odds and together make life worth living again?

Chapters; 32

- Transference

Another AU Daryl one, but it’s so fucking good and different to a lot I’ve read.

Author summary; Be warned. This is a story about Daryl seeking out a different and not so mainstream relationship. It is 100% consensual and he asks for it. He seeks out what he wants so if you have read the tags and you continue to read it's on you. Xoxoxox Krissy

Chapters; 14

- Hope is a Waking Dream

I know I keep saying I love the fics, but I do, clearly. This one though is another favourite of mine and you really need to read it. I love the dynamic between the OC and Daryl.

Author summary; Set between Seasons 2 and 3. Melissa Sheppard is alone in the ZA, but she was alone before the dead owned the earth. She prefers it that way. Boy, is she pissed when she gets back to her cabin to find it has been taken by strangers.

Chapters; 24

- Paths Crossed

I’m getting sick of hearing myself say I love it over and over, so just fucking read it and make me happy! *sobs*

Author summary; While out hunting Daryl comes across a stranger and decides to help her despite his better judgement and they begin on their journey together.

Chapters; 61

- Daryl Dixon Loves Me

This is another I hadn't actually read until now when I was searching, I actually really loved it. It's full of smut and that's never a bad thing. It took me a couple of chapters to really get into it, but it's really worth the read.

Author summary; Daryl comes across Lucy (OC) in the woods and claims her for his own. The story begins during the Farmhouse era of the series.

Chapters; 14

- A Star In A Sea Of Darkness; Darkness In A Sea Of Stars

Another one, just read it.

Author summary; After the Governor attacked the prison, the only person left in Daryl's shitstorm of a life was Judith. For Daryl, it's enough. Until he met her.

Chapters; 28

- Roommate

Holy shit, this fic is everything. It's AU pre-ZA and it's just the best. It's so good, I can't even put into words, very high on my list and it also has a sequel set in the ZA that’s 13 chapters long, please read it. If you like AU things, this is for you. The way they write Daryl in this, it's just gold. It’s also told in Daryl's POV which is just amazing.

Author summary; Several bodies are found in the area of a small town. In this town lives Daryl, the killer of all those people. The investigation goes on, the profile is made, and now the police and the FBI look for a specific type, a loner type, ... Daryl's type. He decides to find himself a roommate in an attempt to mislead the police. Let's see how that will turn out for him. AU pre-apocalypse horror story. Obviously very OOC Daryl.

Rated M for a good reason, violence, foul language, adult content... it's all there, consider yourself warned.

Chapters; 12

- Wallflower

Okay, so this ones a little different. It's actually a Daryl/OC/Rick love triangle and I usually don't read Rick fics (loool that rhyme though) but this is a good fic.

Author summary; Thea Graham has lived in Alexandria for over a year and is happy being mostly invisible. This is what happens when she suddenly has the attention of two men.

Chapters; 20

- Running Wild

This story is number one on my list guys, this is right up there with His Walls. This is my number one fav Daryl fic of all time and I’ve read it so many fucking times it's unreal. This fic is life, it’s everything. If I could only read one fic over and over for the rest of my life, it would be this one.

Author summary; Four years have passed since their sanctuary at the prison fell at the hands of the Governor and the surviving members are now thriving at their new home just north of Atlanta. Out of the blue, late one afternoon, Daryl Dixon stumbles across someone they thought they'd lost long ago; a member of the Woodbury community that had returned with Rick to the prison.

Warning: This fic is quite a bit darker than my other ones. If you are looking for fluffy bunny, happy prancing unicorns and rainbow colored endings, this is not the story you are looking for.

Chapters; 67

- Amnesia

I love this fucking story, ‘nough said.

Author summary; Her story isn't all that different from anyone else these days. The world went to shit, and the dead don't want to die. She's lost people. So has everyone else. Who she was before isn't who she is now. But there is one difference between Lena and every other survivor she's come across. She doesn't know who she was. And who she is? Well, she's still trying to figure that out.

During the mayhem of the early days of the apocalypse, a fateful smack on the head stole her memory. All she's ever known is the world she's living in now. But that doesn't mean she's adept at surviving it. Eventually, she ends up alone and near death's door. Till a man on a motorcycle chooses to save her life.

Now she has to decide if who she was is worth finding, or if she'll fight the hell that comes with what's forgotten and strive for something better with the one man in the world who can see past it all.

Chapters; 48

- Cherokee Rose

Yet another amazing fic!

Author summary; Daryl and Raven's world collide after a visit to Hilltop by the group from Alexandria. Raven's only love is her Black Stallion Obsidian and Daryl has been done with loving anything for a long time. He's had a lot of practice hardening his heart but the dark vixen is finding cracks in his armor. Will Raven be the one that will finally make Daryl feel again? Rated for sexual situations.

Chapters; 21

- Lips of an Angel

I fucking love this fic. This author has already made it on this list because she's so fucking good. Just go read all of her shit. Its AU Daryl, which by now you guys should probably be able to tell I love looool.

Author summary; Daryl calls a phone sex line. I know this is a trope that has been done before but I feel like I added my own spin on it. I hope you enjoy. I love Hinder, and I heard this song on the radio, so here we are.

Chapters; 11

- The Country Singer

Amazing story, go forth and read my children…

Author summary; Country Music rising star, Melanie McCall and her songwriting partner are headed to D.C. to find hope after their tour bus breaks down and their band is wiped out. They are given a chance to come to Alexandria...but what will happen once their new neighbors find out she was Beth Greene's favorite singer?

A story about losing voice, but finding hope.

Chapters; 18

- Home at last (Redux)

Yet another good one for you guys to read.

Author summary; There are two people alive in this world for whom childhood was a dangerous, precarious, frightening place. For whom life has never been easy and relationships always strained and unnatural things. Having connected, against the odds and then been torn apart by civilization falling around them. How will they react when they meet each other again.

One of them has survived on a deep well of anger and pain, found a family, of sorts, and begun to try and put his past behind him and learn to let people in. The other has dropped the pretense she'd built up before the world went to shit and now she is as detached and self-reliant as he used to be. What happens when these two meet? Can two misshapes fit together and face the world as a better, stronger, complete whole? Can they find, in each other, a place to call home at last?

Chapters; 84

- Of Myths and Men

I fucking love this one, please read it.

Author summary; This story will follow an Original Female Character and her dog through to TWD world from the beginning of the turn.

She will meet the rest of the group, around mid season four.

There is no Beth in my story, Beth fans. I'm sorry.

Artemis. Greek Goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth and virginity. Though many Gods vied for her affections only her hunting companion, Orion, could win her heart.

She'd heard them all, been asked if she was a virgin, asked if she had a twin brother, Apollo, asked if she was raped and attacked by her friends and family, asked if she had killed anyone... She was just a girl from a small town with a stupid name.

Artemis had never wanted an Orion, and now the world was falling apart she gathered the chances of meeting one were slim to none. Right? She has Diablo, her best friend and protector.

Who needed the Greek giant Orion when you had the Devil on your side anyway?

Chapters; 42

- Saving Valentine

OH MY GOD THIS STORY GUYS. I love this one, really fucking love it. High on my list. It's got a little bit of Negan/OC in there, but who doesn't love a bit of Negan? I certainly fucking do lololol It’s mainly Daryl/OC though, so even if Negan isn't your jam, I would really recommend reading this.

Author summary; She fought and killed to survive but she lived for revenge. Valentine waits for the right moment to kill the man who murdered her family. Can she do what needs to be done to escape the Sanctuary that is her prison? Can she accept the helping hand from strangers to do it? Can she live with all she lost? TWD world, non canon timeline.

Chapters; 51

- The Living and The Dead

Can we just talk about vampire Daryl for a second, because like HOLY FUCK WHY IS THIS THE ONLY VAMP DARYL FIC I HAVE EVER FOUND. *Breathing intensifies*

Anywho...this story, just fuck. It's everything, it gives me life, please read it omfg.

Author summary; Daryl is the last of his species, in a world that has just turned stranger and stranger since the day his brother turned him.

He's living as normal a life as you can on your own in the woods surrounded by Walkers... until Evie shows up, and threatens to bring all his instincts right back to the surface.

Chapters; 65

- Beasts and Monsters

If you're after a badass OC, this is the story for you. It's so good.

Author summary; Having lost her entire group, Lena finds herself alone in a crumbling world watched through darkened eyes. She is courageous, savage and uncomplicated. Her only companions being an obedient horse and two pet Walkers. When she finds herself outside a prison, inside the walls she finds a group of survivors capable of giving her a glimmer of hope.

Chapters; 31

- Stay

I really love this one *whines*

Author summary; Hannah has been alone for months, but somehow she's made it. But after discovering a school tucked into the northern hills of Georgia, she encounters a stranger who is just as damaged and broken as she is.

Chapters; 48

- Born Nameless

What's this? Yet another good story? Why yes, it is.

Author summary; Anamika has been alone from the start of the apocalypse and she likes it that way. Groups meant vulnerability, which meant death and Anamika wanted to survive. However, circumstances change and when she agrees to give Alexandria a chance, she finds that she just might not have met the right sort of people before, in particular a dirty, gruff redneck with a hidden heart of gold.

Chapters; 35

Random bonus fic;

- I think I liked you better when you didn't have a knife in your hand, Peaches…

I thought I’d throw this one at you, why’s it a bonus fic you ask? Its a Negan fic, not Daryl, but what the fuck, have it anyway, its really fucking good loooool I fucking love Negan man, I’ve thought about writing him so many times :’)

Author summary; When Blake finds herself sold out to the Saviours by her abusive fiancé, she realises that she's certainly not on her own anymore and finds an unlikely friend in Negan. And Negan does NOT like men who beat their girlfriends, one tiny bit….

Chapters; 140

And that is it guys! Holy fudge nuts, can we just talk about how long this list took me to make? It’s 20 pages long guys *sobs* don’t say I never give you anything.

That nifty history thing on Ao3 I mentioned, for some reason, quite a few weren’t there and I had to go through the fics to find them. Not every single one is on the list, that would take me fucking forever to do, but these are the best ones I've read.

On that note, I want to just say something.

I’m an avid reader of fics, and as you know if you're here, a writer. So let me just take a quick minute to tell you how much writers appreciate feedback on their fics.

We write for free, we gain no money from what we do, using our spare time and take painstaking hours to not only write fics, but edit, make them perfect and get them out to you. Every like/kudos, or comment/reblog, it means the fucking world to us.

I reply to every comment I get, every time someone likes my shit or comments, it makes my fucking day. Because it reassures me I’m doing good.

I have my days where I think I'm a shit writer and that no one would care if I gave up, and then someone will comment, even something simple like’ this was good’, and it fills me with so much fucking joy.

So, if you read a fic and like it, please let us know. Even if you just like/kudos the thing, just a click, it doesn't take any time, it means so much to us. If you really liked it, comment, let us know. Don't know what to say?

‘Awesome’

‘Good job’

‘I loved this’

All of these are adequate, you don't need to over think what you say. If you liked one line in particular, tell us, it's everything.

Of course you don’t have to, but it’s always welcome is what I’m trying to say.

So with that out of the way, I hope you enjoy the fruits of my labour with this list and I’ve given you a lot to read. My eyes feel like they’re falling out and I might die, but there we go, it’s done. :’)

Much love

Sarah x

84 notes · View notes

prettyblossoms · 7 years

Text

Editor Credit: My twin, mothmanwrites. She is LITERALLY the best person and one of the most amazing writers I know. If you are interested in reading any of her stuff (if you haven’t already) then here is a link to her ao3! She has an amazing series called Lovesong and its honestly my fav.

Summary: A story in which Richie attempts to fix what he has been broken, but ends up doing more than he bargained for.

Pairings: Reddie, Stenbrough, Benverly. Mike/OC

Word Count: 6.5 K

Warnings: angst with happy ending, one shot, prom, boys kissing and in love, strained friendships, drama, violence, jealous Richie, boys making out.

Richie sighed as he watched the lights in the auditorium flicker between vibrant hues of color. The music was blaring and practically seeped out of the building onto the streets of Derry. After four years in high school, the Losers had finally made it to one of the nights that was supposed to make the struggle all worth it: prom. During late night sleepovers, they would all gather around in a circle and discuss what they wanted to happen.

Bill started first, "I just w-want prom to be our last h-hoorah before we start college. I am the happiest when I am with a-all of you."

Ben went next, staring at Beverly out of the corner of his eye. "I want to be with the girl of my dreams, wearing a red lily boutonniere just like the corsage I'll place on her wrist. I want to dance the night away and fall in love with her all over again."

Richie laughed, pulling Eddie closer to him as he raised his flask and took a massive swig. "Ohhhhh~! Ben wants to get laid and make a prom night dumpster baby!"

Eddie rolled his eyes and punched Richie's arm, eliciting a groan out of the older man. "First off, it wouldn't be a prom night dumpster baby if it's conceived the night of prom, idiot. Secondly, you're fucking disgusting. Now shut up, Trashmouth, it's Beverly's turn."

Beverly's cheeks burned crimson; part of her felt like Ben was talking about her, but they had fizzled out a long time ago. "I just want to be as beautiful as you guys all make me feel."

The boys all smiled halfheartedly. Now that they were older and more mature, they understood that her father had damaged her and made her feel like less of a woman. So, every opportunity that arose to make her feel special, they took without hesitation.

"I want to be free, like a bird in the sky. I just need one night where we don't have to worry or stress out about our social class in high school. Most of all, I…want to do something entirely outside of my comfort zone." Stan looked at Bill, but then averted his gaze to the floor before the other boy noticed.

"I kinda agree with Ben's answer," came from Mike, "I'd love to find a classy girl, good enough to bring home to my grandpa. He's getting old, so I'd like to show him that I’m going to be okay."

Stan rubbed circles on Mike's back reassuringly, and Eddie went next. His answer seemed rushed and rehearsed as if he had been practicing in the mirror. "By the time prom comes around, I'd like to be comfortable enough to be dating."

It was not news to all of them that Eddie's germaphobia conflicted badly with the dates he had been on in the past. Therefore, he had never had an actual girlfriend. Which also meant that he'd never even been kissed. Sure, he had plenty of opportunities, but every time he started to see the finish line, a mile long list of why he shouldn't shot through his head.

"Aww, my spaghetti man, I'm sure you'll snag yourself a perfect little meatball!" Richie cooed and grabbed Eddie's cheeks, only to have his hands swatted away.

Eddie's face flushed and his brown eyes glistened with annoyance, "Don't touch my face, Richie. I have no idea where your filthy hands have been."

Richie smiled sinfully and went to tickle the boy's hips instead, "You should know exactly where they have been, Eds. Just ask your mother-"

The other six losers butted in simultaneously; "Beep Beep Richie."

Richie pouted and crossed his arms in defeat, taking the time to glare at each one of them.

"Y-your the last one, Richie. How do you want your prom to go?"

"Do you even have to ask, Big Bill? I'm going to get fucking laid! Hell, maybe even twice."

They all laughed and raised their vodka filled shot glasses up to the center, making a toast; it was a silent promise that they would all be united at prom, just as they had been in the sewers, years ago. Eddie chugged down his drink, a visible grimace on his face.

And it would have all been worth it, had the Losers Club not dissolved less than four months ago. After Richie suddenly up and left the group without so much as an explanation, everything just fell apart. One by one, they stopped meeting at the Quarry until only Bill remained. They all moved on with their lives, made new friends, and focused strictly on their own aspirations. Stan had tried to pull everyone back together on numerous occasions, but Richie never budged.

Not because Richie didn't love or miss the Losers. Hell, it was the exact opposite; he loved them all so much that he yearned to reach out to them again. After all, they were the only sunlight he had in his miserable life. But he knew deep down inside of him that he didn't deserve them, or anything, for that matter. Not after he single handedly crushed Eddie like a paper mache doll on that cold winter night.

Richie and Eddie were sprawled out on his bed, kissing like their lives depended on it. Richie was underneath Eddie, trailing his fingertips up and down the younger man's back as a means of silent encouragement. Eddie's arms wrapped around Richie's neck while his hands tangled into Richie's dark locks, roughly tugging and eliciting a moan out of the other. Richie growled low in his throat, and he grabbed onto Eddie's hips and switched their positions so he that was on top. He smirked down at Eddie, who pouted back up at him.

For weeks now they had fallen into the same routine of coming to Eddie's house and making out on his bed every day after school. Neither one of them even remembered how it started, but they didn't do anything to stop it either. Richie had so much pent up sexual frustration that he welcomed Eddie's advances like a starving man. The asthmatic had grown into a handsome man with a beautiful face, defined jawline, and sparkling brown eyes that could go from sweet to challenging in an instant. Richie always thought of Eddie as a fire; a powerhouse of passion, with emotions that were uncontainable. In the back part of Richie's head, he was grateful that Eddie was letting him this close. After all, every fire could be put out.

For Eddie, though, it was an entirely different story. For a long time now he knew that him being gay was a huge possibility. After all, he was never attracted to a woman in all of his seventeen years of life. Sure, they were pretty, and they even smelled nice, but there was a magnetic force field pulling him towards the smell of old spice and cigarettes instead. Ever since he and Richie were kids they had been closer than most friends should be. As they hit puberty, Eddie's eyes lingered on Richie for far too long, taking in all of the features that he used to take for granted. When they were together, Eddie felt a mixture of emotions, like he could either conquer any obstacle or crumble to pieces. Richie was like ice; he lacked the ability to show his true emotions, hiding instead behind a happy facade. Similar to that element, anyone with eyes could see right through its transparency. At least, Eddie could. Especially on nights where Richie would sneak into his window, shattering the minute Eddie’s arms enclosed him. And it was on a night like that when he realized that deep within the depths of his heart, he loved Richie Tozier.

By the time Richie and Eddie separated from the kiss, Eddie was panting heavily in a desperate attempt to fill his lungs with oxygen. But Richie wasn't done, and his lips grazed Eddie's chin. Subconsciously, Eddie turned his head, which gave Richie enough access to attack the sensitive skin on his neck.

Eddie's head became heavy and he rolled it back into the pillow, biting his bottom lip to prevent an embarrassing moan from surfacing. Eddie knew Richie heard it anyway when he felt Richie's lips against his skin in a smug smirk.

Richie's hands ghosted down Eddie's body until they reached his hips. Slowly, he pushed his hands under Eddie's shirt and began to rub circles on the sensitive skin there. Upon hearing Eddie's breath hitch in his throat, he began to suck and nip at the skin on his neck, leaving an array of purple bruises behind.

"F-fuck, R-Richie."

"What do you want, Eds?" Richie asked against his neck, placing a kiss on the skin right behind his ear.

Eddie shivered at his ministrations as the possibilities swam through his brain. He always dreamed of being under Richie, in a stage of euphoria as their bodies intertwined. At this very moment, he could easily bring the fantasy to fruition. And he almost did, until he realized that it would be more than just a sexual encounter- at least, for him. No matter how much he wanted Richie, there was something that he needed even more than even that.

"What are we, Rich?" Eddie asked so quietly that Richie wouldn't have heard had he not been so close to Eddie's neck.

Richie immediately stiffened as a lump got caught in his throat. His body recoiled and he moved to reposition himself on the bed, trying to look at anything but Eddie's face. Fuck, he had been so preoccupied with satisfying his libido that he didn't stop and realize that every action has a consequence. And maybe, just maybe, it would have been okay had the person who caused his hard on not been his best friend.

Eddie felt his eyes stinging as tears clouded his vision. Richie wouldn't even look his way, but Eddie was undeterred. "What are we, Richie?" His voice cracked, threatening to shatter at any moment.

Richie stared at the poster on his wall, wanting to sink into non- existence. "We’re best friends, Eddie. Nothing more, nothing less."

Eddie's face pinched, and he desperately wiped away the moisture running down his cheeks, "W-what if I said I didn't want that anymore?" He sobbed.

Richie's head snapped to look at Eddie so abruptly that his neck could have cracked. Dread flooded his features and his words came out like potent venom. "What the hell are you talking about, Eds? You don’t want to be friends anymore?"

Eddie's heart pounded harshly in his chest, but he continued. "You have it all wrong, Rich." He paused, mustering up the courage to look into Richie's eyes, almost pleading for acceptance. "I-I want to be so much more."

"You don't know what you're talking about, Eds." Richie tried changing the subject, "You're just-"

Eddie cut him off, "-In love. With you. It's always been you, Richie."

Richie stopped breathing as Eddie's words reached his eardrums. His stomach churned uneasily as he felt bile rise in his throat. All he could do was shake his head in disbelief as his fists closed tightly. Richie Tozier was good at many things, but falling in love-- with a man at that, had never been on his agenda. Now he was staring at the single most important person in his whole world, watching tears out of Eddie's wide doe eyes.

Richie saw how much emotion those eyes held; there was so much sadness and uncertainty, but one radiated through and reigned supreme. Unconditional love.

Love for him.

Richie didn't know which one hurt most; the thought of giving in to his emotions or seeing Eddie so torn up, over him of all things. Regardless of how he felt, his instincts took over. And they told him to flee. "I'm sorry, Eddie. I have to go."

Out of habit, the unruly curly-haired teen reached for a cigarette out of his back pants pocket, only to feel nothing but the shape of his own ass. Fuck. He must have accidentally left them in his jeans pocket at home, after all, he only just gotten dressed ten minutes ago. Initially, he wasn't going to come to prom, but he couldn't keep a beautiful redhead with dazzling blue eyes off of his mind. He grasped onto the plastic container in his hand tightly as more people passed by him, giving him confused stares.

Richie blushed in partial embarrassment, realizing that he must have looked like an idiot just standing there with his hand in his back pocket, watching as flocks of students poured into the building.

With a defeated groan, he walked up the stairs and entered the building. He didn't take the time to appreciate the decorations, theme, or even the refreshments. When he finally found what he was looking for, he faltered; Ben was sitting alone, next to all of the other boys without dates, twiddling his thumbs. His tux was a cream color and in his chest pocket, there was a red lily boutonniere. The brunette’s shoulders were slumped and his head hung low in defeat. Without wasting any time, Richie walked over and plopped down on the empty seat next to him reaching over one of his long arms to enclose Ben in a side hug.

Ben's eyebrows furrowed and his face pinched, "Richie?" He whispered, "What do you want?"

"Damn, you're breaking my heart, Haystack. Where's my hello?” His voice shifted into one of his best British accents, “It's been far too long ."

Ben huffed out a breath of air, "Yeah, says the one who left us. What are you doing here?"

Richie felt like he was kicked in the gut, but he nodded his head anyway. "I deserve that. Look, I had my reasons. I don't expect you to understand, or forgive me or anything. And, to answer your question, I’m obviously here to get laid."

Ben smiled at that, reminiscing on the fond memory of the good old days. After a few moments, his eyes widened as he became increasingly confused. "Why are you over here then? I'm sure you'd prefer to go to the other side of the room…Y’know, with the girls?"

Richie chuckled and was about to answer when Ben's body stiffened. His mouth hung wide open and his brown eyes glistened with affection. Richie followed his gaze and smiled upon seeing Beverly. She wore a tight-fitting white dress that perfectly framed her curves. She had never been fond of jewelry, but tonight she was wearing a vintage pearl necklace. Her hair was partially up while the rest of it was down, brushing down her shoulders. Her crystal orbs only scanned the room for a few moments before slowly lowering to the ground. Reluctantly, she started to walk towards the single female's section.

Richie watched as all the admiration evaporated from Ben's eyes and he sank back into his chair. Ben stared down at his hands and fumbled with them in his lap. Richie couldn't help but feel for him and, slowly, he placed the plastic container in Ben's open hands.

Ben's face glazed with shock as he looked to Richie. "Is this-?"

"Yeah, a red lily corsage. You should know; you're wearing the other half of it." Richie patted Ben's chest.

"I know what it is...but why?"

Richie smiled wholeheartedly, "Go get the girl of your dreams, Haystack. Make her realize just how beautiful she is." He paused, thinking of the asthmatic as his lips narrowed into a straight line. "Don't make the same mistakes I have."

Ben's lips stretched into a giant smile and tears welled up in his eyes. He stood up with a newfound confidence and pulled the taller male in for a hug. "Thank you, Richie."

Richie slapped his back as he whispered in the other man’s ear, "Go make your prom night dumpster baby, Benny."

Ben lightly pushed the other man away from him and laughed, "Go get laid, Tozier."

"I'm trying!"

Richie watched as the poet gravitated towards the crow of single ladies, taking considerable strides. All of the girls parted ways making room for Ben, and Richie was silently cheering. Even though he couldn’t hear anything, he stared at them with anticipation. Ben didn’t stop walking until he was face to face with Beverly.

“Hey, Beverly.” Ben beamed, unable to control his happiness as their eyes met.

Ben didn’t know it, but Beverly's own emotions overcame her. Without exchanging any words, she jumped out of her seat and threw her arms over him.

“Bev?” Ben asked as his face flushed red and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“I’ve missed you, Ben. So much.”

Ben stood, flabbergasted, and his eyes darted to Richie. Richie made inappropriate hand motions at him, which definitely did not help. He took a deep breath, and hugged her tightly. The smell of her cinnamon shampoo was all he needed for everything to come flowing back. “You know, even after all of these years, you’re hair is winter fire.” Beverly pulled away at his words and he almost flinched but instead focused on fumbling the plastic container open.

Shakily, Ben brought the corsage out of the plastic container and stared at Bev with uncertainty.

Beverly's face was lit up, and her eyes glistened with fresh tears. “My heart burns there too.”

Without any rush, they made their way towards the dance floor. Ben placed his arms around her waist, and Beverly set her arms around his neck, maneuvering her head so that she was looking directly at Richie. The older teen visibly grimaced at the fierceness in those eyes. With Beverly, the possible punishments for his hasty departure were endless. She stared at him, seemingly lost in thought. Richie’s eyebrows pinched together as he spared her a half smile and waved cautiously. Beverly smirked in response, but the softness in her eyes said it all.

He was forgiven.

Richie got off the chair and stretched his long limbs, shoving his hands into the pockets of his tuxedo. As he began to walk towards the exit when he noticed Stan and Mike at the punch bowl. Mike rubbed Stan’s shoulders reassuringly, which led Richie to believe that Mike was giving him a pep talk. Stan only nodded absently, his eyes staring off in the distance.

A curvy woman interrupted them, tapping Mike on the shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, kissing her cheek gently. Stan smiled at the pair and put out his hand to introduce himself, but she ignored it and hugged him tightly instead. Richie watched as the three talked for a while, all enjoying each others’ company. When a slow song came on, Mike looked to his date, and she looked back at him and grinned. They appeared to be perfectly in sync as they gave each other a look that only the other understood- or so they thought.

Richie knew Mike like the back of his hand. The man was selfless and kind. Richie used to tease Mike that he was sweeter than honey, but in his defense, it was true. Mike loved without any restraint and always looked out for the good of others around him. As Richie watched Mike’s date’s mannerisms, he knew they were silently agreeing not to leave Stan alone on prom night. A smile radiated Richie’s face, feeling genuine happiness for Mike. He had found a girl just as great as himself; somebody that would go to the end of the earth for the ones she loves. His smile faltered as he watched Stan politely dismiss them, pointing his finger towards the dance floor. Reluctantly, the pair left and began to dance to a slow song.

As always, Stan's outfit was entirely thought out and executed without a flaw. He wore a red tuxedo, with a white button-up shirt and black slacks. Instead of a boutonniere, he had a white broach of a dove pinned to his tuxedo's pocket. His curls were tamer than Richie’s, and he must have just had a haircut because they weren’t as long as he remembered them to be. It had to be a crime that he hadn’t been there to tease Stan afterward. He wanted to walk away so badly, but he could only stare at Stan who looked frantically around the room.

Suddenly, Stan's words resonated through Richie's ears, "I want to do something entirely outside of my comfort zone."

"Goddamnit," Richie moaned to himself as he walked over to the refreshment table.

Stan's face contorted into a scowl upon seeing Richie. They had been best friends and Richie had dropped everyone with not even as much as a syllable. It was infuriating.

Richie, with as much grace as a car accident, wrapped his arm around the other. "Hey, Stan the man! Looking goood~! " He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Stan elbowed Richie in the hip and then folded his arms across his chest, glaring, "If only I could say the same. You look like you got dressed in five minutes."

"It was ten minutes, actually, Stan, didn't your mother teach you that it was rude to assume?" Richie retorted quickly.

"Why am I not surprised," Stan stated bluntly becoming more increasingly annoyed by the second. "What do you want? Can't you see that I am busy?"

Richie looked at him in disbelief. He knew for a fact that Stan was anything but busy. However, Richie could play that game. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your hot date, Stan." He laughed, and caressed the refreshment table’s surface.

Stan's lips pursed and he began to tap his foot impatiently as he poured himself some punch from the bowl. "Just spit it out, Richie!"

Richie could feel that Stan was about to walk away, so he quickly got to the point, "Why don't you go ask Bill to dance with you?".

"W-what?" Stan gasped, squeezing the plastic cup too hard in causing the liquid to spill out all over the floor.

"I didn't ask you to turn into Bill, Stan. What I said was why don't you go ask Bill to dance with you?"

"I heard you the first time. But, you've got to be kidding! You completely stop talking to everyone and now you're over here trying to give me love advice? You have some fucking nerve."

Richie shrugged and rubbed a hand through his hair, "Like I told Haystack, I know I've made some mistakes... but I just couldn't leave without telling you to fulfill that promise you made to yourself. Don't you remember? You wanted to do something daring. I'd say going after the guy you've been crushing on for years would be a good start."

Stan's jaw clenched as his face became void of emotion. He had known that Richie had seen through him all of those years ago, staring at Bill, but he would have never expected Richie to be the one encouraging him to go for it. Stan exhaled deeply, "What do I do if he says no?"

"He is not going to say no. Have you looked at yourself today?”

Stan's frown curved a bit before a small smile broke out on his face, but he was still doubtful. “What do I do when that doesn’t work?”

“I’ll kick his ass and yours too if you don’t go over there right now!” Richie gave him a reassuring shove.

Stan shifted his attention back to Richie right as the entrance of the gymnasium swung open. Stan’s face softened as one of his eyebrows raised. “Why don’t you follow your own advice, Tozier?”

Richie wanted to ask Stan what he meant, but his mind became frigid and his body shut down. He did not like the tone of Stan’s voice. No, he didn’t like it one bit. An adorable laugh pierced the atmosphere and traveled straight into his cerebellum, confirming his suspicions.

Fuck.

Reluctantly, he turned around and the rest of the world ceased to exist. An array of fireworks went off in his head, like in those sappy love movies he hated, and it may have been pushing it, but Richie could have sworn an angel gained its wings.

The man who he had spent countless sleepless nights over, who he had yearned to hold for the past four months was standing only a few feet away from him. Richie's eyes couldn't get any wider behind his coke-bottled glasses as they looked Eddie's body up and down, taking him in as if he was a much-needed glass of water. Similar to his own, Eddie wore a basic black tuxedo, unbuttoned to reveal a white button-up shirt. A black bow tie with pink floral print encircled his neck, matched perfectly with the form-fitting slacks that exposed his dainty ankles. Eddie's hair was parted to the side effortlessly, but a few stray locks rebelled, falling over his forehead. The corners of Richie's mouth began to upturn, and unshed tears fogged his vision when the realization finally dawned on him.

He had made the worst mistake of his life that fateful day in December when he walked away. He didn't know it then, but he left behind everything he’d ever wanted. Eddie was the one who was always there, supporting him and seeing him through the good and the bad times. He inspired Richie to overcome his obstacles, encouraging him to find a dream and hold onto it. Eddie gave Richie self-worth, something his parents stole from him at such a young age with every sip of alcohol they drank and every cruel blow they placed on his body. Above all else, Eddie made sure that he knew that he was loved, no matter what Richie did. Richie could never do any wrong.

They were best friends with so much potential to be more, but Richie had ruined that. Inadvertently, his legs began to carry him towards Eddie; there were so many things that he needed to say. All of it stopped, his body becoming heavier as he watched a tall man approaching Eddie, holding out his hand to dance. Richie froze in place, staring intently at the small smile that graced Eddie's face as he accepted the other man's hand. Richie's fists clenched painfully at his sides as he watched the pair move onto the dance floor.

An upbeat pop song came on and both men began swaying to the music. Richie's eyes were glued on Eddie, watching as he turned his body in tune with the music, not missing a beat. Eddie was full on laughing now as the other guy gyrated around, sliding his shoes against the smooth flooring. Richie felt his stomach bubbling with anger and jealousy. He used to be able to make Eddie laugh like that. But now this guy--

Richie's heart fell into his stomach, liquefying when the man twirled Eddie around the dance floor. His face twisted into a scowl and his eyes were blazing with rage. Eddie had always been his best friend. His confidant. His everything. And now he was with somebody else, doing all the things he should have been doing.

He wanted to be happy for Eddie. Out of everyone he knew, Eddie was the most deserving of a fairytale ending. He had endured hell with his mother. But, like a phoenix, he rose from the ashes; overcoming his sexuality, fear of germs, and his demons. He did so gracefully, with a smile on his face, all while supporting all of the other Losers during their most difficult times. It was finally Eddie's turn; but Richie was too blinded by the rage fueling his body to consider how Eddie felt.

Watching the other man placing his dirty hands on Eddie's hips, pulling them closer as he whispered into the hypochondriac's ear was the final straw for Richie, who was practically boiling with envy. He pushed through the crowd of dancing students, getting hit a couple of times by flailing limbs, and even eliciting a few curse words, but he ignored all of it. All he could concentrate on was biting his bottom lip, swallowing all of the foul things he needed to say.

Once he was within arms distance of the two, he tapped on the man's shoulder roughly, making sure not to look at the disappointment etched on Eddie's face. His voice was laced with venom as he spoke, "Hey. No one wants to see that shit. Keep it PG, alright?"

"Who are you? The dance committee or something?" The guy retorted, brushing Richie off. He turned to look at Eddie, "So, what do you say? Wanna go out with me?" He pushed his hands up Eddie's hips going up the back of his tuxedo to trace circles on his back.

Richie did a double take, staring at the guy as if he grew two heads. This motherfucker had some nerve ignoring him, but to touch Eddie right in front of him? Oh, he had no idea what demons he had just unleashed.

Richie grabbed his upper arm and shoved him as hard as he could, forcing him to fall back away from Eddie. "Maybe I am. Wanna do something about it?" Richie's face hardened, a muscle in his jaw twitching.

The other man aggressively shoved Richie into the crowd, drawing all of the attention in the room to become directed on the three of them. Richie gave the man no time to think before he slammed his fist directly into his face, first one, and then relentlessly. The sound of his punches echoed off of the walls and mixed with Eddie's screams. Richie didn't pay his pleas any heed. No, Eddie, he wouldn’t stop. Not until Richie saw this dude’s face beaten to a bloody pulp. Richie kept hitting until he felt the cartilage in the man's nose shift at an odd angle.

Eddie grabbed onto the back of Richie's tuxedo frantically, "Richie! Richie! Get the fuck off of him! What’s wrong with you?"

Somehow, hearing the hurt in Eddie's voice made him even more frustrated. He looked back down at the man's beaten face, thinking of everything he might have already done with Eddie and his jealousy increased. "Fuck you! Fuck you!" Richie said through gritted teeth as he began punching the man again, unleashing all of his pent-up negative energy from the last four months.

“R-R-Ritchie! Stop!” Bill shouted, hauling him off of Eddie’s date.

Richie was frenzied, but Bill’s strong arms tightened around him, hindering his movements. When the beaten man lifted his head, pride and satisfaction welled up throughout Richie’s being. Blood from the man’s nose stained his shirt and his eye was almost swollen shut. Richie cackled obnoxiously as he began to taunt the male, flipping him off with both hands.

“What the fuck is wrong with you, Richie!?” Eddie screamed over the music.

All of a sudden the music stopped and teachers, along with security guards, were swarming into the gymnasium. The principal, Mr. Miller, ran over and helped the injured male off of the floor, “What is going on here?”

“Well, you see here, I decided to rearrange this guy’s face because--”

Stan cut him off, “Beep Beep Richie!”

"Tozier, Kaspbrak, Uris, and Denbrough, Leave the premises immediately!" The principal shouted furiously. Bill loosened his hold on Richie, who wiggled out of Bill’s arms a few moments later.

"No! Please. Mr. Miller, Bill and Stan had nothing to do with this-"

“Is that true, boys?” Mr. Miller asked.

Stan nodded his head in agreement with Eddie, while Bill took advantage of the principal’s distraction, “E-Eddie, you don’t have to do this. You don’t have to leave-”

“Yeah, I do, Bill. Stay here with the rest of the Losers and enjoy prom, okay? Dance with Stan. He really likes you.” Eddie’s voice came out as a whisper.

Bill blushed as he looked over to Stan, who was arguing with the principal. Mr. Miller motioned for Stan to shut up before turning to Bill, “Mr. Denbrough, is it true? You and Stanley had nothing to do with this.”

Bill looked at Eddie once again for confirmation. Eddie nodded his head slowly. “Y-Yeah. It’s true.”

“Okay. Escort the other two out.”

A security guard caught Eddie off guard, grabbing his wrist tightly. "Hey! Let go of me. If you bruise me, not even god will be able to protect you!"

Richie pushed the security guard preoccupied with Eddie, his anger coming back in vast quantities. “Hey! Let go of him-” Another security guard grabbed him harshly. “Whoa! Can you be less rough? You didn’t even buy me dinner first! I like to be wined and dined before-”

“Shut the fuck up, Richie!” Eddie snarled.

Richie became limp and complied with the security guard who was carrying him out. Meanwhile, Eddie pushed against his captor so much that they were practically dragging him out. The doors opened and the cold air hit their skin as they were thrown out onto the side of the building.

They both heard the door being slammed and locked behind them. Eddie shuddered as tears slipped past his eyes.

"Are you fucking serious, Richie!?" Eddie got into Richie’s face, almost spitting on him in his rage. "What the fuck was that back there? Huh!?"

"Look, I'm sorry, Eds."

"NO! Don't you dare!" Eddie screamed, pounding his fists against Richie's chest hard enough to bruise. "When you walked out on me you lost the right to call me that!" Richie looked down at him but did nothing to prevent Eddie's movements. "Why! Why did you pull this shit, huh!?" Eddie was on the verge of hyperventilating, gasping for air.

Richie reached into his pocket to grab the spare aspirator he carried, but Eddie was faster and got his inhaler first. "I can't change what I did. I'll go explain to the teachers that it was all my fault so you can go back and dance with your boyfriend ."

After taking a couple of hits, Eddie’s breath evened out, but his heart didn't. "So you do this just to spite me? Because you thought I had a boyfriend? That is what it is, isn't it? You don't want me to be happy. Not with you, or with anyone else!"

"No. You have it all wrong. I don't know why I did it, Eddie," Richie lied. He sighed deeply. "I'm sorry for destroying your night."

"You didn't destroy anything!" Richie looked at Eddie in confusion just as the boy began crying again, his body wracked with sobs. "You don't get to have this power over me! Not anymore, R-Richie! I am going to be happy because I deserve to be." Eddie pinched his upper nose, trying to force back the tears. "I just need some closure. I need to know why you left me, Richie. Please. You at least owe me that!"

Eddie's words hit Richie like a ton of bricks. This breakdown wasn't because of what happened right now; it was about how their friendship had ended months prior. He leaned against the wall and covered his face with his hands. Richie Tozier was never good at explaining his emotions, so he just stood there silently.

"I've never been good enough. That's what it comes down to, huh? You know deep down that you can find someone way better than me," Eddie broke the silence.

Richie winced at the melancholy tone of Eddie's voice. No. No. No! This was the opposite of what he wanted. He stared at Eddie's face, taking in just how swollen and scarlet his cheeks were from crying. Richie had caused Eddie pain. Again. Fuck, he hated himself. Eddie turned around with his head hung low in shame, not wanting any of Richie's pity.

Richie's heart beat faster when Eddie turned around and began to walk away. Everything moved in slow motion, but his thoughts were forming rapidly. He had already lost Eddie once before, realized his feelings when it was too late, and now it was going to happen for a second time. His mouth felt like cotton, and he could feel the heat burning his face as the gears in his head worked on overdrive.

Tonight he had helped Ben, Beverly, Stan, and Bill come into the arms of the ones they loved. Yet, he still had trouble letting go. To love someone in that way meant that they could end up hating each other, just like his parents. Or they could end up permanently separated between life and death, just like Eddie's. Richie didn't want that because that meant he was vulnerable and exposed. Everyone would know his weakness and could exploit it, given a chance.

But Eddie was going to walk away forever. None of that would matter if that happened, because he and Eddie would have no story to tell. He would fall in his mother's footsteps and become an alcoholic, because without Eddie, why would life be worth living?

Maybe loving Eddie made him stronger.

"Eddie!" Richie's voice sounded foreign to him, but Eddie turned around, only a few feet away from Richie. "There is no one in this world better for me than you. It's always been you too, Eds!"

Suddenly their bodies were drawn together. Who had moved first was not clear, but it didn't matter. Their lips were finally clashing together. They ignored the initial awkwardness of their noses smacking together and continued kissing. Eddie wrapped his arms around Richie's neck, deepening the passionate kiss between them.

Richie's mind was going haywire; one second they were fighting with each other, and the next he was ravaging Eddie up against the wall of the gymnasium, the smell of his cologne and shampoo fueling the fire burning in his belly.

Richie brushed his tongue against Eddie's bottom lip, earning him a shocked groan, but he had no time to ask if there was something wrong. He forced his way into the man's mouth and began to overtake him, immediately tasting minty toothpaste. When he felt Eddie respond to him and their tongues met, Richie became a starving man. He wrapped his arms around Eddie tightly and began to haul him up.

Eddie's desire to be closer to Richie gave him enough confidence to wrap his strong legs around the older male's waist as Richie picked him up. He tightened his current position, making him appear to be bear hugging Richie, their lips still connected as their tongues battled for dominance.

Richie's hands rubbed the back of Eddie's thighs and trailed up his body to take their rightful place on his hips. He pulled away from Eddie’s mouth, trying to catch his breath. "I'm sorry I didn't say it sooner, I just couldn't-"

Eddie brought his finger up to Richie's lips and shushed him. Once he was sure Richie was going to stay quiet, he placed his forehead against Richie's gently, looking deeply into his eyes. "I love you, Richie Tozier."

Richie grinned fondly taking the opportunity to kiss Eddie's button nose. "I love you too, Eddie Kaspbrak. Always have, always will." His confession came out curt and sweet, but Richie wouldn't be Richie without throwing in a joke. "Does this mean I’m gonna get laid?" He laughed.

Eddie arched his eyebrows as he leaned over to whisper in Richie's ear, "That depends. Take me home and find out, Trashmouth."

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