Through Laughter And Bruised Hearts

A promise and a forever

The air was thick with the warmth of summer, and the sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over Derry. Richie had been planning this day for weeks, his heart racing with both excitement and nerves. He wanted everything to be perfect—just like Eddie deserved.

They had decided to return to the quarry, a place that held so many memories for them. It felt fitting that he would ask Eddie to spend the rest of his life with him here, surrounded by the echoes of their laughter and the ghosts of their past.

As they walked along the water’s edge, Eddie picked up a few stones, tossing them into the lake, creating ripples that danced across the surface. Richie watched him, his heart swelling with love and admiration. Eddie was so effortlessly himself—smart, funny, and brave—and Richie couldn’t imagine a life without him.

“Hey, Eds,” Richie called out, trying to keep his voice steady despite the butterflies in his stomach. “How about we sit for a bit?”

“Sure,” Eddie replied, looking over with a smile. They settled on a flat rock, the sun setting behind them, casting a warm glow across Eddie’s face.

As they sat side by side, Richie felt the weight of the moment settle over him. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the frantic beating of his heart.

“You know,” Richie began, his voice soft, “this place always reminds me of when we were kids. All the stupid stuff we did, the bets we made, the times we jumped off the rocks.”

Eddie chuckled, nodding. “Yeah, and you always acted like you were the bravest of us all.”

“I was!” Richie protested playfully, but then he grew serious. “But now, it feels different. I’m not scared anymore. Not when I’m with you.”

Eddie turned to him, brow furrowed. “Richie, what are you—”

But before Eddie could finish, Richie reached into his pocket, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. He pulled out a small velvet box, holding it tightly in his hand.

“Eddie, I’ve spent so long being scared of what this all means,” Richie said, his voice trembling slightly. “But the truth is, you’re my best friend, my love, and the person I want to share my life with. I want to build a future with you. A real one.”

Eddie’s eyes widened, and for a moment, all Richie could hear was the soft sound of the water lapping against the shore.

“Richie…” Eddie breathed, the disbelief evident in his voice.

Richie opened the box, revealing a simple silver ring, understated but beautiful, just like Eddie. “So, I’m asking you, will you marry me?”

Eddie’s breath caught, his hand flying to his mouth as tears welled in his eyes. “Oh my god, Richie…”

Richie’s heart raced as he watched Eddie process his words. “I know this is sudden, and we’ve only just started this chapter together, but I can’t imagine my life without you. I want to wake up next to you for the rest of my days. I love you, Eds. So, what do you say?”

Eddie blinked back tears, a smile breaking across his face as he nodded fervently. “Yes! Yes, a thousand times yes!”

Richie’s heart soared as he slipped the ring onto Eddie’s finger, feeling like the luckiest man in the world. Eddie beamed up at him, the joy radiating off him, and Richie felt like he could burst.

“I can’t believe you really did it,” Eddie said, holding up his hand to admire the ring. “You’re insane.”

Richie laughed, the sound echoing in the quiet. “Maybe. But I’m your insane idiot now.”

They shared a kiss, soft and tender, sealing the promise they had just made. Richie could hardly believe it—he had asked Eddie to marry him, and Eddie had said yes. It was more than he had ever dared to hope for, and in that moment, everything felt right.

As they pulled away, Eddie’s smile was radiant. “This is just… wow. I can’t wait to tell everyone!”

Richie’s heart swelled at the thought of their future. “Yeah, but let’s keep it between us for now. I want to enjoy this moment, just you and me.”

Eddie nodded, laughter spilling from his lips. “Deal.”

They sat together as the sun dipped below the horizon, the world around them fading into a backdrop for their joy. In that moment, surrounded by memories and love, Richie knew they were embarking on a new adventure—one that was just beginning.