-ˋˏ reality : reddie ˎˊ-

𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝟙𝟞-𝕙𝕚𝕞

The sky was now dark and the air was filled with murky fog. Cold winds swept across the playground area, sending chills down each of the teen's spines. The group had spent the entire day running around, talking, and just being kids for a change. They were now all tired out and relaxing in the slide area. Richie was perched on the end of the slide, Bill and Stan were sitting on the ground, engrossed in a conversation about video games, Bev and Mike were conversing on the seesaw, and Ben and Eddie were laying on the ground, staring up at the sky tiredly. Richie watched as his small lover boy yawned sleepily, causing him to whisper "Fuck it," under his breath. 

"Eds," Richie said softly, calling to the boy who was a few feet away from him. Eddie slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes and yawning once more. 

"Come here," Richie hummed, motioning for Eddie to join him on the slide. Eddie nodded in response and stood up, mumbling something to Ben quietly. Eddie made his way over to Richie, who quickly picked him up and sat him in his lap. Eddie immediately curled up, tucking his knees into his chest. Richie whistled a soft tune and smiled as he felt Eddie's head lean up against his chest. He wrapped his arm around the ball of a boy, securing him in his arms. 

"What time is it?" Beverly yawned.

Mike shrugged and checked the watch the resided on his wrist. "Jesus fuck, 12 AM." 

Stan groaned. "We should head home," He offered, as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. 

Bill nodded, sighing as he stood up and stretched his limbs. Bill then caught glance of Eddie, who was fast asleep in Richie's arms. Richie made eye contact with him, causing Bill to shoot him a warning look. "Wake him up, Tozier," Bill said, eyeing Eddie. 

Richie scoffed. "No, i'll carry him, let him sleep," Richie countered. 

Bill rolled his eyes but turned to Stan to help him up. Richie then tapped Eddie on the nose and whispered, "Darling, I'm going to move you around a bit." Eddie merely mumbled in response. Richie then snaked his hand underneath Eddie's knees and his other around Eddie's shoulder. Richie stood up, proceeding to carry Eddie bridal style. With that, all of the sleepy teens slowly got up and said their goodbyes, heading back in the direction of their home. 

_

"I was worried sick! You never told me when you'd be back and you're out late on a school night!" Karen paced around the living room, occasionally glancing at Richie and Bill. 

"I know, I'm so sorry, I forgot we have to tell you when we plan on getting home," Bill mumbled. 

"And what the hell happened to him!" Karen asked, peering at the small boy who was fast asleep in Richie's arms. 

"He fell asleep and I didn't want to wake him," Richie replied calmly. 

"Just go to bed now, from now on tell me when you are going to be home," Karen shooed them up the stairs and proceeded to pace worryingly in the living space. Without a word to Bill, Richie opened Eddie's door and stepped into the room. He tiredly went to the bed and gently placed Eddie's sleeping figure down on the mattress. "Eds, I'm going to change you into pajamas, okay?" Richie whispered softly, running his hands through Eddie's hair. Eddie didn't say anything but merely nodded. Richie then gently unbuttoned Eddie's overalls and slid them off, throwing them across the room. He slipped off Eddie's sweatshirt and then slipped off his own band t-shirt. Richie guided Eddie's head and arms into his arm shirt and then smiled at the sight before him. Eddie was fast asleep, his brown hair was splattered across the pillow, and he was quietly snoring. Richie hadn't seen anything as adorable as Eddie Kaspbrak in his 17 years of life, he was breathlessly in awe of the beauty in front of him. Richie silently changed into sweatpants but decided a shirt wasn't necessary. He then climbed in the bed, over Eddie. Richie slipped in the covers and didn't even have a second to relax, as Eddie immediately attempted to snuggle into Richie. He chuckled gently and accepted Eddie's want for cuddles. Richie pulled Eddie into him and felt chills go down his spine as Eddie's small warm hands connected with his bare chest.  Eddie nuzzled his body closer to Richie and sleepily pressed a small kiss to Richie's collarbone. "Goodnight, my love," Richie whispered quietly and closed his eyes, waiting for sleep to overcome his whirling state of mind.