Oh Noel | Reddie |

4. trauma and sleepovers

The week went by quick, Richie texted me all the details about the skiing trip, which would be in a few weeks, and he would show up to almost every one of my work shifts, ordering coffee and just staring at me, doing stupid stuff when I looked over. He really was just a jokester, but it felt like there was something more to it.

one night after we both went home, he texted me, which he did pretty often, but this time it was different.

Christmas boy
-can I come over?

Spaghetti
-we literally just saw each other ten minutes ago, you just dropped me off
-I'll see you at school tomorrow, idiot get some sleep

Christmas boy
-no, I'm being serious
-please?

Spaghetti
-uh sure?

I was really confused, it was late at night, but I allowed him to come over. His house wasn't too far, so a few minutes later, I heard him lock his car door and come up and knock on my door. I let him in and the first thing I noticed was that he was crying. I've never seen him cry or even upset ever. He basically threw himself into my arms when he saw me.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I wrapped my arms around him, closing the front door with my foot to get him out of the cold snow. I got him out of his coat and led him to the living room. I handed him a blanket to warm up and made him some hot chocolate as well, hoping it would cheer him up.

"It was my parents," he spoke up. I stayed quiet, but made it clear that I was listening. "they started arguing when I got home, and mom said something about wishing I was a girl, and wishing that even though I was a boy, she wished I could just be normal like the other boys." he sniffled.

"I didn't know she was like that..." I mumbled in response.

"she's not. She's nice, I love her, but she always wanted a little girl, and all she got was a no-good fag." His hands were shaking, nearly spilling the mug he was holding. I took the mug out of his hand and placed it on the counter and held his shaking hands instead.

"And there's nothing wrong with that. You are not dictated by what your mother wants, you take initiative of what you want, and you can't control whether you're gay or not." I said

"I'm so damn weak." He laughed, but I could tell it was forced.

"Hey, hey, no." I moved one of my hands to the side of his face, wrapping my fingers in his hair, "you are not weak, you're one of the strongest people I know, mentally and physically. You stand up against Bowers and his gang without a second thought, you care about your friends. You are a wonderful human being Richie." I said.

"God, I love you eds," He choked on a sob and pulled me into another hug, which I actually didn't mind. I could get used to this. "I'm a mess, I'm sorry you have to deal with all this." he apologized, though he had nothing to apologize for.

"Do you want to stay the night? It's fine with me, but I have no extra beds." I explained. I don't know why, but I felt a certain tightness in my stomach thinking about sharing a bed.

"I can't believe you're trying to get me into bed with you Eds," Richie smiled and let out a chuckle.

I rolled my eyes, "whatever, I'm tired, let's go to bed." I said and showed him my room.

~~~

I woke up late, at around 10:40 to notifications on my phone. Richie was still asleep and didn't look like he would wake up any time soon. He honestly looked adorable like that, completely relaxed. I picked up my phone to check my texts.

Big Bill
-Hey Eddie
-everyone was wondering if you wanted to hang out with us
-since you're sorta part of our group now

Bill has never texted me anything aside from work related topics, so the text honestly came as a surprise, but a nice one. People actually wanted to be my friends for once.

Eddie
-yeah, sure
-when and where?

Big Bill
-Bev's in a few minutes
-for a sleepover

Eddie
-I'll be there

Big Bill
-Also, Richie isn't answering his phone at all, do you know anything?

I looked over at the boy sleeping next to me still, it was almost afternoon by now, he must have been exhausted from yesterday.

Eddie
-Don't worry he's fine, he'll be there too. :)

I looked over at Richie, admiring his features for a moment. I do have to admit, he is pretty attractive, I completely understand why I would have dated him in the past, even though I don't remember any of it. I kinda wished I did remember, just thinking about Richie - I probably shouldn't finish that thought. We're not together anymore. I don't even have any memory of it, it's useless. I sighed and decided to wake him up.

I put my hand on his shoulder and shook him gently, "Hey Rich, wake up." I said softly.

He groaned and slowly woke up, rubbing his eyes, smiling when he saw me, "ugh I forgot I was here. Thanks for letting me stay" He sat up slowly.

"Anytime, honestly." I smiled, "Hey, Bev and the others invited us over to hang out and for a sleepover, if you want to go we should head out soon." I told him.

"Ah hell yeah. I don't have any clothes though..." he frowned

"you can borrow some of mine, they should fit you." I quoted what he said to me before. It was surprising how well our clothes fit each other honestly, but I didn't mind. I got up, going to look through my closet for some of my looser fitting clothes. I got out a shirt and jeans, and a pair of pyjamas for tonight and threw them to him, then got some clothes for myself.

Richie went to change in the bathroom and I changed in my bedroom, and once we were ready, we left to go to Bev's house. It was nice that Bill said I was part of their group, but I still didn't feel like I was. I have never even talked to Stan or Ben before.

I made it to bev's place in no time, and once she answered the door, I saw a group of familiar people, along with another boy that I didn't know. Great, three new people, not scary at all.

"Hey if it isn't the lovebirds," Beverly smirked,

"Aww eds she thinks we're dating isn't that sweet," Richie cooed

"Shut the fuck up, both of you." I said back.

"Anyway Eduardo, let me introduce you to Heystack, Staniel, and Mike," Richie said.

"don't call me that Richie." I frowned. "hi guys, nice to meet you,"

"How come I don't get an interesting name?" Mike asked, looking somewhat disappointed.

"Sorry Mickey Mouse." Richie said, somehow with a straight face. we laughed.

"its nice to actually meet you Eddie," Stan smiled, reaching his hand forward for a handshake. For a moment all I could think about was germs, but that was all behind me now, she's not here. I grabbed his hand and shook it, smiling.

"Alright fuckers, let's get this party started" Beverly yelled.

_______________________________________

what's up

I decided to edit and post this chapter instead of finishing my precalc hw. (took a little mental break. I hate math, and I can't do half of it without a graphing calculator so my teacher is gonna be pissed tomorrow)

My band started with out holiday music, idk if I said that before, and football season is officially over, the playoffs game was 4 hours away and we got destroyed by the opposing team. my schools wind ensemble music is sleigh bells (super fun) and some fun variation on the 12 days of Christmas which is surprisingly challenging and rlly fun and our concert is at the end of the month.

I have some really sad plans for this fic, if you know the song Oh Noel by Idkhow, that's the song that this story is named after and certain aspects of that song are going into this fic, of course not every detail, but a lot of the Christmas Idkhow songs have inspiration on this, so if you haven't, listen to them and see if you can eventually tell what details were inspired. I'm not sure how much from the first few chapters, but as it goes on there will be more and more details in the main plot. I'm glad I'm finally getting around to writing all this, bc as I've said it's been a good idea just sitting in my drafts.

Anyway I'll leave y'all to keep reading
I hope you enjoyed

-Jay