she.her

Eddie annoying Stan was my favourite thing in Chapter2 so excuse me if I keep that thing alive.

He introduces this bit with: “So growing up, I had a massive and not-so-subtle crush on one of my best friends, but he was really clueless about it? And in ninth grade, we sat in the back row of our English class and passed notes while Mr. Miller lectured us about Lord of the Flies. Uh… I kept all of those notes, and I’m going to read some to you now.“ 

And he actually brings Eddie up on stage to read his half of the notes. 

So Richie starts off, squinting at his paper and kind of making a face at it before saying: "So I said I hate this book. These kids are wasting a good time. Wanna skip seventh and catch a movie? yes/no. And then I like, wrote yes or no for him to circle like he didn’t know what his options were?" 

And Eddie goes, "I, um. Circled yes and then…then I said Sounds fun! I’ll invite Bill." 

And everyone sort of groans and Richie reads “Actually, I thought it could just be the two of us." 

And Eddie looks at the note, looks up at the audience, looks back at the note, and, completely deadpan, reads ”Why?“ 

“What’s your poison, Eduardo?”

“Whatever gets me out of here the quickest,” Eddie didn’t match Richie’s enthusiasm as he joined him at the bar. He nervously glanced at his name tag, adjusting it for the third time. He glanced around sceptically, taking in his surroundings, “I’m not sure about this, Rich.”

He’d only agreed to this because Richie swore by it, insisting he get out there and have a good time. ‘A great way to meet people,’ he’d said, even promising to join him for emotional support. That didn’t stop him from grabbing a sticker for himself, scrawling his name across it and sticking it to his jacket. Richie retrieved their drinks, handing a glass of wine to Eddie.

“Come on, Eds. You’ve gotta put yourself out there. You’re so hot all the babes will be going for you,” Eddie glared at him over his glass of wine, “alright, all the studs will be going for you.”

Eddie sighed but didn’t push the matter any further. He had doubts and it was all because his heart belonged to the man in the bad suit next to him, currently chugging his beer. His heart also refused to accept nothing was going to happen with Richie and subsequently didn’t allow Eddie to move on. So when Richie had suggested speed dating, he’d agreed. He had to at least make an attempt at trying to date other people.

The session began shortly after and Richie left Eddie with an encouraging wink, heading towards a small table. Eddie swallowed his nerves and sat at the nearest table, swigging more of his wine. His first date was a woman which probably shouldn’t have relieved him as much as it did. Eddie found it much easier to have a conversation when there was absolutely no attraction. Her name was Jenny, an IT consultant and mom-of-two. She was ready to give Eddie her number before the two minutes were up; he immediately felt bad for not mentioning he was gay right off the bat. She was pleasant enough, wishing him luck before leaving.

In between meeting people, Eddie stole glances across the room at his lanky friend. He was always over time, engrossed in conversation or laughing at something. Of course Richie was having better luck. Eddie’s attention was then drawn to Ryan, a twenty-something barista and part-time influencer. He was cute but far too young for Eddie.

“Nice to meet you, Eddie,” Ryan smiled, shaking his hand once the two minutes were up. He made to stand, pausing as something crossed his mind, “oh, pro tip: stay away from that guy,” he gestured at Richie’s table, a sympathetic look on his face, “poor guy’s clearly not over his ex.”

Eddie frowned, confused. Richie hadn’t been in a proper relationship for ages, claiming he was too busy focusing on his tour. If he had, he hadn’t told Eddie about it. He was still watching Richie chatting to a giggly woman as he asked, “what do you mean?”

Ryan was standing now, waving a hand in exasperation, “he’s got it bad for some guy he lives with. Wouldn’t shut up about him. So, you know, don’t waste your time.”

Eddie nodded slowly, despite Ryan having already left for the next table. He didn’t even acknowledge the next person to sit in front of him, he was too busy staring at Richie. He was doing most of the talking, his hands joining in the conversation animatedly. His date didn’t look at all impressed, which just annoyed Eddie. Richie was a catch, why couldn’t they see it? He didn’t want them to see it but there was no denying Richie was funny and charming and cute. Before he really knew what he was doing, Eddie was on his feet and crossing the room. The two minute timer sounded as he reached Richie’s table.

“It was nice to meet you,” Eddie heard Richie’s date say politely, already pushing her bag onto her shoulder, “I hope it works out with that guy.”

Richie gave her a grateful smile as she departed, spotting Eddie almost at the same time. Immediately, his cheeks flushed and he ruffled his hair awkwardly, “hey, Eds. Err, you doing okay? Any digits?”

Instead of replying directly, Eddie sat in the chair opposite Richie before anyone else could. The comedian’s eyebrows shot up but he didn’t say anything, watching Eddie curiously. The shorter man was clearly anxious, judging by the way he continuously rubbed his palms over his jeans. Richie was about to reach for the spare inhaler he kept inside his jacket pocket when Eddie finally spoke, extending his hand.

“I’m Eddie,” Richie stared at his hand, wondering if Eddie was having some king of stress induced stroke. He took his hand, shaking it once, “I’m divorced. No children. I’m a risk analyst. I’m gay and really bad at it apparently,” this made Richie smile and Eddie relaxed, meeting Richie’s gaze, “I’ve been living with one of my best friends for a few months. And I’ve realised I’m in love with him.”

If it wasn’t such a big deal, Eddie would have laughed at the look on Richie’s face. His mouth had dropped open and he just stared in shock, the two of them ignoring the timer blaring in the background. No one seemed to mind and were happy to circulate, spending time with different people since it was clear neither Richie nor Eddie was moving anytime soon. Eventually, Richie closed his mouth, swallowing heavily.

“Errm, h-how does you friend feel about you?”

Eddie wanted to shout that he didn’t fucking know, he was he supposed to know what was going on in Richie’s head. Instead, he shrugged and glanced around the room, “well he brought me here so…”

“Only because he thought taking you out and seeing you date other people would help him move on,” Richie said quickly, leaning halfway across the table so he had Eddie’s full attention, “he should have told you but he thought there was absolutely no way you liked him back.”

“Can we talk like normal fucking people now, please?” Eddie pinched the bridge of his nose, struggling to keep up. Richie chuckled, nodding happily as he reached across the table and held Eddie’s hand, “I love you, you know.”

“So you ditching your hot roommate for me?” Richie smirked, dodging the kick Eddie directed at him under the table. He responded by leaning further over the table and kissing Eddie, hands gently cupping his face. Several people clapped politely and Richie pulled away, grinning, “told you speed dating was great, Spaghetti.”

“Omg is that Richie Tozier?”

“Is it?!!?”

“Omg it is!” 

“RICHIE!” 

Richie cringed as he heard the chorus of voices behind him. He knew that leaving his hotel was risky and he’d been spotted within the first five minutes. He heard more voices calling for him but ignored them, instead pulling his collar high and walking faster. Normally he would stop and sign autographs but he was supposed to be incognito. He was on location for filming a small cameo for a film, one that people weren’t supposed to know he was in, so stopping for selfies and autographs wasn’t a good idea.

Too bad the growing crowd didn’t get the memo. They continued to follow him as he hurried down the busy street. Damn his determined fans. For years, Richie had flown under the radar until recently when he’d had a starring role in a streaming show where he played a flamboyant demon who was clearly in love with a disgruntled angel. The show had been a runaway hit and he hadn’t had a moment’s peace since. Mostly it was fun, he loved the excitement and hearing how much people loved the show but there were times like this he missed being unknown.

Trying to think quickly he turned a corner and ducked into a bookstore, hoping that they wouldn’t see him. Barely looking up he hurried to the back of the store, intent on hiding in the historicals. At least until he turned a corner and ran face first into something.

“What the hell!”

Or someone. 

Richie looked down, seeing a man sprawled on the ground, a smashed mug next to him and coffee already staining his shirt. 

Shit.

“Ah man, I’m sorry I-” Richie reached down to help him but the guy just glowered at him, getting up on his own. Despite the death glare he was getting Richie couldn’t look away. He was cute, like ‘holy crap are you a figment of my sleep deprived imagination?’ cute. And also angry, very angry. Somehow that only made him more attractive. Richie tucked that fact away to discuss with his therapist at a later date. 

“You broke my favorite mug. And ruined my favorite shirt.” The guy said, frowning as the coffee dripped off him.

“I’ll buy you a new one. Or ten.” Richie quickly offered. “Or get it cleaned? Just take it off, I’ll bring it to the cleaners right now.”

The man looked up at him and Richie waited for the recognition, for him to act differently like everyone always did.

“I’m not stripping in front of a stranger.” The man said, shaking his head. Richie breathed a sign of relief, maybe the guy wasn’t a fan of fantasy streaming shows. “You can clean up the spill while I change though.” He waited for Richie to nod then disappeared, returning a minute later with a rag. 

“It’s the least I can do.” Richie said. 

The man’s face said, ‘yes, exactly.’ 

“I’ll be right back.” He said as Richie bent down, sopping up the coffee and picking up the broken pieces. 

True to his word the man returned quickly, wearing a new shirt but still looking annoyed. “I hope that didn’t ruin any books.” He said, bending near Richie and inspecting the spines.

“I’ll pay for it.” Richie said, lifting his head to stare at the man again. His fingers traced the spines with obvious love and Richie’s stomach fell. This was a terrible start.  “Anything that’s ruined.” He promised. 

The guy met Richie’s eyes, looking skeptical. “Did you bother to pay attention to what aisle you were in?”

Richie had to admit he hadn’t, he’d been focused on escaping the crowd. The guy pointed up to a small sign- First Editions and Signed copies. Of course. 

“It doesn’t matter. It was still my fault. I didn’t look. And I’ve been meaning to grow my book collection. This is as good a reason as any.”

The guy bit his bottom lip, making him even more attractive. God Richie had managed to piss off the cutest guy in the bay area. 

Finally he nodded. “Fine, let’s get this cleaned up and then we’ll assess the damage.” 

Richie nodded, relieved, and reached for a piece of mug at the same time the guy did, their hands brushing. Richie hoped he wasn’t imagining the blush that crept up the man’s neck. 

“What’s your name?” He asked, deciding that he probably couldn’t make this worse. “For when I write out that big check.” 

For the first time in their short interaction the guy smiled. “I don’t take checks.” Richie shrugged and he continued. “You really didn’t pay attention.” Richie shook his head and the man pointed behind him. There was a big sign that read ‘Eddie’s Eclectic & Rare Books- now open!’

“Eddie?” Richie confirmed and the guy nodded. “I’m Richie.” 

“Nice to meet you.” Eddie stood, taking the dirty rags and broken mugs with him. Together they grabbed all the books that may have been stained, taking them to the front desk.

“Did you just open?” Richie asked, leaning on the desk while Eddie examined the books, carefully thumbing through the pages.

He nodded. “A post divorce gift to myself. I left the stock market and opened this place.” He smiled as he looked around the shop. Richie could see the obvious pride in his eyes and he fell even more for the guy. 

“How’s business?”

Eddie shrugged. “My first customer of the day is only buying things because he’s a klutz.” Eddie replied, glancing at Richie and smiling softly. “No one buys books anymore.” 

Richie wanted to buy the whole store, just to see Eddie smile again. 

They chatted while Eddie cleaned the books, separating them into two piles. When he was done Eddie ran a finger down the spines. “I can’t ask you to buy all these. One is a limited edition print of Hellraiser. It’s too expensive.” 

“I want it. I need more Clive Barker in my life.” Richie said, taking out his credit card. Eddie hesitated only a second before taking it, ringing up the books and putting them in a box for Richie. 

“You’ll need to sign this. And maybe leave your number, in case I see that others have damage.” Eddie said, the tips of his ears turning pink. 

Richie scrawled his name and number down, handing back the receipt. Then he looked at Eddie, reluctant to leave. He couldn’t believe that he’d made it through this interaction unrecognized.  “You really had no idea, did you?” 

“About what?” Eddie asked. 

Richie debated telling him, wondering if he was being dishonest if he didn’t. But he didn’t want to risk ruining this, not yet.

He decided to shoot his shot. “What if I tell you tonight? I can pick you up at seven.” 

The small smile grew on Eddie’s face and he nodded. “I’d love that.” 

Richie could barely contain his own smile as he grabbed the box of books, leaving with one final look back at Eddie. The man was already bent over the counter, chewing on his bottom lip as he look at his books. Richie couldn’t wait for 7pm. 

they know that the feelings are mutual but have each been waiting for the other to make the first move

1/2