Last Christmas | REDDIE - KASPBROUGH

Ending

. . . Now, I know what a fool I've been, but if you kissed me now. I know you'd fool me again.

Bill and Eddie's relationship isn't like his and Richie's. After their confessions of love, things don't change very much. Bill is the same old caring, supportive companion as ever. Aside from added physical affection, they never fall out of the natural rhythm they have built.

After several more weeks of winter break, (it was only 3 but to them it felt like years ok lol ) they have to return to school. They're sitting at their normal lunch table, holding hands, Stan and Bill laughing at something ridiculous Eddie has just said, and Eddie leans in to silence Bill's laughter with a kiss. Eddie pulls away and is suddenly hyper aware of the feeling of someone's eyes on them. He scans the lunchroom and sees Richie's stunned face staring at them from across the lunchroom. Bill, since having noticed the situation, leans into Eddie and whispers in his ear reassuringly. "Go t-talk to h-him Ed, don't worry, i-it's okay." Eddie nods and thanks Bill, truly being grateful for Bill's understandingness.

He shakily gets up, and walks over to where Richie is standing at the entrance of the cafeteria. He walks by him, muttering a "we need to talk" knowing he will follow. Eddie leads them into the first abandoned classroom he sees. He takes a deep breath and turns towards Richie. Before he gets a chance to say anything, Richie beats him to it. "So you and Billy?" He asks, trying to be casual, but voice obviously filled with emotion.

"Yeah, we got together over the break." he says quietly. He knows he shouldn't, but guilt courses through his veins. "Eds, Eddie baby, please. I love you so much, give me another chance." Richie begs, emotion freely lacing his words. Eddie immediately begins shaking his head vigorously. "That's not fair and we both know it." Eddie says, already getting choked up.

Richie looks more broken than Eddie has ever seen him. "I know and I'm sorry, what I did was so wrong, but please Eddie. I need you. This past year has been fucking torture for me." Eddie doesn't allow himself to consider Richie's words, knowing if he allows himself to go there, he'll be back in Richie's arms before he even knows what happened. "Then why didn't you try to win me back for the past year? I've barely heard anything for you and you decide now to make your declaration of love?" He sees the crushing disappointment in Richie's eyes. "Well I've moved on Richie," he bluffs, "I found someone who cares about me more than anyone ever has. Bill loves me Rich. Find someone who you're happy with." Eddie's full on crying now, but he doesn't care. He turns to leave, but pauses. "I really really hope you find happiness Richie, you really are a good person, you deserve it." He really means it too, he still cares about Richie enough to want him to find love.

He leaves and starts back towards the lunchroom. Bill is waiting for him by the entrance, knowing Eddie wouldn't want to go back into the cafeteria after his conversation with Richie. Bill's eyes fill with concerned question, but Eddie just shakes his head softly. "Don't worry, I'm okay. He asked for a second chance and I told him I hoped he found happiness with someone else." Eddie says softly, feeling a bittersweet sense of closure. Bill understands and admires Eddie's wish for Richie. Even though he hurt the boy he loved, Bill still knew Richie deserved to be happy.

Bill smirked at Eddie, wanting to cheer him up. "C-c'mon, let's get out of here, we can ditch at the arcade." Eddie smiles, nodding his head in agreement. The couple walk out of the school holding hands, not knowing Richie watches from a distance, smiling sadly as the boy he still loves walks out of his life once and for all.
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A/N ; sooooo..... umm ok , well I hoped you enjoyed this story! Many more to come soon I promise 💙