17 - Grease Lightning

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by super-ryab

by super-ryab

Richie smoked too much.

That was the first problem Eddie had with the lanky boy. He could not remember a day he saw Richie without a cigarette hidden away in his fingers. This had limited any, or all, contact Eddie was even privileged to have with the boy. Eddie had one of the worse cases of asthma the world had ever seen. Sometimes, Eddie would have to leave the room if someone even smelled like smoke.

Secondly, Richie was just annoying. Eddie was not all too against loud music and partying, but this kid made every hallway an auditorium. Richie was the type of person to think every person world be honored for a world famous "Richie Tozier stand up."

Eddie had spent his first year of high school avoiding Richie. Luckily, Richie had never found a reason to talk to him, so Eddie remained under the radar. Eddie found himself hidden away in the drama room before school, after school, and in lunch. Eddie was not quiet, but he kept himself more reserved than others. Why would you waste your time pretending to like people you don't? Ironically, he felt most himself on the stage. He could so easily get lost in a character. He found a purpose in working so hard to portray a personality and entertaining people with it. What more could you want them do something you love that just happens to put a smile on their face also? The mutual feelings that the cast and audience share during a performance was something Eddie could never give up.

Eddie sat cross legged on the floor next to Bill. They both laughed as they "casted" each person who walked in. The school was performing Grease this year, which inevitably brought in a whole new crowd of people. "This fucking sucks, I bet half these people haven't even seen the Broadway version." Eddie said, crossing his arms. "Jeez, c-calm down, it's n-nice to see more p-people get interested in theat-ter." Eddie did not reply; he was too annoyed with the so-called "theater nerds."

Everyone excitedly shuffled in. The class with overflowing with students by the time the teacher got there. "Welcome, students. I, Ms. Jones, will be your drama teacher for the school year." The oldie students all cheered, while the newbies sat and watched. "Now, we all might not be an Eddie Kaspbrak, but everyone has the potential to act like him." Everyone laughed at the teacher's comments. Eddie finger-gunned Ms. Jones to show his appreciation. "As you are all aware, this year we will be-" She was interrupted by the door opening.

Much to Eddie's dismay, in walked a giggling Beverly Marsh and Richie Tozier. "Sorry, did I interrupt some shit?" Richie asked, looking at Bev to see how she would react. "Richie! You're insane!" The class stared at the laughing pair as it became noticeably more awkward. "Hey! B-bev!" Bill whisper yelled, gesturing them over to the empty spot near him. "Well, as I was saying-"

Eddie tuned out Ms Jones. Richie fucking Tozier? If the trashmouth is in drama I might as well buy a lottery ticket. Eddie sighed, and looked at Bill for help. He saw Bill, Bev, and Richie all laughing and talking.

"Come on, E-eddie, Richie is n-not that bad!"

"He's a fucking bag of lung cancer!"

"I swear, h-he told m-me he was cutting down t-to half a pack a day!'

Eddie gagged, "Only.' Bill decided to give up on trying to make his friends bond. "Let's just go to l-lunch." Eddie followed Bill. They boys sat at their regular table with Stan, Ben, and Mike. Eddie sat down, immediately putting his head in his hands. "What's his problem?" asked Mike. "He's m-mad because R-richie is trying out f-for the musical. " Ben scooted over to Eddie. "Look, Richie is actually a really cool guy. Sometimes after school we hang out by the park. He's really funny when you get to know him. Eddie looked up, "Seriously, Ben? You too?"

Before they could finish their conversation, Richie walked over to the table and sat next to Stan. "Hey haystack, mind if I sit here?" he asked. Ben nodded and continued consoling Eddie. "You really don't talk much, huh?" Richie asked Stan.

Lunch only seemed to drag on for Eddie. Finally, though, the bell rang. Eddie grabbed his things and headed down the halls. He froze when he felt a cold hand on his shoulder. "Why do you hate me?" asked Richie. Eddie was taken away by the question. "I don't" he muttered and continued walking. Richie grabbed his arm, restricting him from walking any farther. "I'm not letting you leave until you tell me." Eddie groaned, but cooperated. "Seriously, Richie. I don't"

"That's not true."

Eddie groaned. "Why don't you believe me?" Richie smiled. "Cause, I think that if you didn't hate me you'd be all over me, Eds." Eddie flushed. "What the fuck are you talking about?" Richie smirked, causing Eddie to blush. "I'm just saying, you could be my Sandy if you let me be your Danny." Eddie laughed. "Cheesy is not flattery." Richie softened. "Look, will you please go on one date with me? And before you say no, all my friends are watching and they're gonna be really disappointed in me and mad at you if you say no, so could you say yes for both our sake. Eddie laughed. "Only because I'm impressed you said that all in one breath.

Eddie began to realize he didn't hate Richie as much as he thought he did. Richie even got the lead role in the musical. This led to the couple taking countless dates to small town musicals, and the occasional trip to more organized ones too.

"Babe, could you make me the happiest man alive and be my Sandy for eternity."

"Of course, but that pickup line is even worse than when you used it on me in high school."