i always wanted you || reddie

always has been

An hour after school, Bev makes her way to the Tozier residence. She knocks on the door softly. Richie opens it with a surprised smile.

"Hey, Bev. What's up?"

"Not much, I uh was wondering if you had any time to talk?" She questions, trying to sound casual.

"Sure." Richie shrugs and lets her in, shutting the door behind her. They make their way to the kitchen and sit at the counter. His parents aren't home, so he prefers to bring Bev into the kitchen rather his messy room.

"So um- how are things with Connor?" She has no idea how to get her point across.

"Good." Richie replies with a questioning look on his face.

"That's good, it's just- me and the others were talking, and you've seemed different since he got his color. Maybe we're overthinking it."

"Honestly, Connor has been acting weird. Maybe that's caused me to act weird, I haven't noticed. And of course it's been weird with the Eddie stuff- so I think everyones a little off." He replies sort of defensively, placing his odd behavior on others. But that's exactly what Bev wanted.

"Connors been acting weird? How?"

"I dunno, he's always been an over thinker, and crazy jealous. But ever since he got his color, it's gotten worse. Which is weird right? Wouldn't he be able to stop worrying? In the past it was just Eddie who was a huge problem for him, but now he kinda, doesn't like me hanging out with you guys as much."

"Jesus, that's not healthy, Rich."

"I know- but I don't wanna cause fights."

"You have a right to be upset, are you?"

"I mean- yeah. I miss my friends, I miss Eddie. I miss when I didn't have to worry so much about who I'm with and where I am-" He starts getting into his feelings, but catches himself. Bev curses in her head. "Why are you interrogating me, Marsh?" He asks with a nervous chuckle.

She sighs, "Look. Don't be mad. Me and the others sort of think- Connor may have faked his streak."

"What?" Richie asks with a laugh. "Why the fuck would you think that?"

"He's just always been sketchy! And none of us think he's right for you, none of it makes sense. Think about it, he's even more crazy after he got his color."

"Are you guys trying to sabotage my relationship or something? He- he wouldn't do that. Me and Connor aren't perfect but-"

"Exactly! How is he your soulmate?" Bev interrupts him.

"Soulmates still have issues, Beverly. We're fucking humans." He shoots back.

"Fine. I get you're upset, but we aren't trying to ruin anything. We're trying to help you. Tell me honestly, do you think he's the one?"

"Oh my god, you're acting insane. He has the same color as me!"

"Do you think he's the one?" She asks quickly.

"It doesn't matter, because he is." A quick response.

"Does he feel like he should be?" They're talking fast and without thinking-

"No!"

Bev is surprised, she thought Richie would deny it and end up admitting it to himself later. Richie looks at Bev, frightened.

"Bev, did you- do you guys think its.." His silence at the end answers the name he was going to say. Eddie. Do you guys think its Eddie.

"Do you think its him?" Bev asks, nervously biting her lip.

"Yeah." Richie says after a long pause. "It always has been."