Library Boy//Reddie

1

Eddie shivered in the cold November breeze and hitched his book bag up higher on his shoulder. The weather forecast said that it was supposed to rain but Eddie was skeptical. Just because it was chilly didn't automatically mean rain. It was Maine; weather tended to be unpredictable-anything could happen. Or maybe it was just wishful thinking on Eddie's part, seeing as small drops of rain had already begun to fall.

Eddie scanned the plaza. Today was his first night at Derry University and according to the map he held, his dorm was way across the campus. The rain began to fall harder and Eddie would be lying if he said he wasn't panicking. His books were getting wet and his anxiety was flaring up, plus there was no way he'd be able to get to his dorm in time without getting completely soaked. 

He ran a hand through his damp chestnut hair and tilted the map to the side. Aha! A library! Eddie loved libraries. In middle school, he'd often seek refuge from the bullies in libraries, sitting and reading while also avoiding unnecessary poundings. Eddie licked his lips and made his final decision. Then, shielding his head with the map, he made a run for the warm, glowing building. Hopefully, he'd be able to wait out the rain.

~~~

Richie was just finishing shelving books. Tonight was his first day at Derry University. So far, he wasn't impressed. You weren't allowed to smoke on campus or chew gum in class. Also, his 4th period teacher had taken an instant disliking to him, (Maybe because he called her a stuck-up pig after she confiscated his cigarettes) and the principal had transferred him to do "Campus community service" which in this case meant helping out at the library late at night.

Richie didn't mind, really, the library was warm and it had started to rain outside. Though he did want to be present when his roommate arrived-they hadn't showed up all day. 

After plopping a copy of Mike Noonan's, Trilogy of Monsters (Book 3) on the shelf, Richie decided to take a much-deserved break. He sat down in one of the library arm chairs and pulled out his cell phone, intending to do a little calculus homework. That's when the door blew open with a strong gust of wind and a short teenage boy with chestnut hair blew inside. His hair was slightly damp and he kept scrunching up his nose at his book bag which was undoubtedly wet, too. 

Richie stood up and cleared his throat.

~~~

Eddie finally got inside the library with only minimal water damage. He was itching to get the book bag off and see if any of his hundred dollar textbooks were soaked through. If they were his mom would surely have an aneurysm. Then Nirvana's song Aneurysm popped into his brain and he started humming the lyrics. That's when he noticed a dark haired boy standing and staring at him with one eyebrow raised.

Eddie straightened up. "Hi? I dunno if you're still open, but um it's kind of raining and this is my first night in town and my dorm is all the way across campus and I kind of had hoped to outwait the rain-" Eddie caught the boy's eyes and frowned. "Hey you seem a little young to be working here..."

The boy chuckled. "Yeah I don't. I'm doing 'Campus Community Service' for calling Ms. Winston a pig."

Eddie nodded slowly. What a character this kid was! He was wearing a long sleeve Hawaiian shirt, (ARE THERE EVEN SUCH THINGS AS LONG SLEEVE HAWAIIAN SHIRTS?), and olive corduroy pants. A leather jacket was draped over the counter and Eddie assumed it belonged to him. He had dark curly hair and a face-full of freckles. He was tall and skinny with long gangly limbs. A twinkle of mischief appeared in his brown eyes. He wore Black framed reading glasses. 

Eddie pulled off his book bag and slapped it down on the table. "I assume they left you to lock up then?"

The boy nodded, his glasses slipping off his nose. "Yep. Hey do you mind me asking your name, Sugah?"

Eddie raised an eyebrow. "Well it's certainly not 'Sugah.' I'm Eddie. Eddie Kaspbrak. First night on campus. Whoo-hoo." He twirled a finger unenthusiastically. 

Richie grinned and then proceeded to get down on his knees and bow wildly at Eddie's feet.

Eddie's eyes widened. "What the fuck are you doing?"

Richie stood up and dusted off his trousers. "Richie Tozier at your service."

Eddie laughed uncomfortably. "Well...that was...definitely an introduction."

Richie stood up and plopped down in the armchair, spreading his legs. "Hell yeah it was." Then he reached forward and pinched Eddie's cheek. "Only the best for cute short boys that come wandering into libraries at night when it's raining."

Eddie smirked. "Oddly specific."

Richie tapped the side of his cheek wisely. Eddie noticed his nails were painted black and he had a small heart tattoo at the base of his thumb.

Eddie picked up the book bag and wandered to the glass sliding doors. "Looks like the rain has slowed. I should get going."

"Wait!" Richie called. He was standing at the counter holding a piece of paper and struggling to put his jacket on one-handed. "You're my roommate!"

Eddie tilted his head. "Really?"

Richie's eyes were just as wide. He walked over to Eddie and held out the paper. "Yep. See for yourself.."

Eddie glanced over the paper and sure enough his name was printed at the bottom.

Richie smiled. "C'mon, Eds, I'll show you the way."

Eddie scrunched up his nose. "Ew. Don't call me Eds."

"Okay Eds." Richie led him outside and locked the sliding doors. Eddie facepalmed at the stupid nickname.

Richie held out his arm. "Shall we?"

Eddie rolled his eyes but took his arm nonetheless. "We shall."

~~~

Helloooo!! First chapter done, Whooo-hooo!! I hope it doesn't seem like things are moving too fast. Eddie is just trying to be friendly to Richie who seems like a weirdo based on first impressions. Don't worry, he'll warm up to him :) Btw sorry if the chapter seems a lil short. I gotta sleeeep humans. My schedule is fucked up. It 's thanksgiving tho so happy that.

~author