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𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝟚𝟜-𝕗𝕦𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝

Eddie spent the next few months recovering, mentally and physically. Karen hadn't spoken to Eddie since Mike died, but no one blamed her. Who could blame her for not being able to meet eyes of the person who took her son's heart? Eddie was discharged from the hospital after he could walk without feeling pain. Karen attempted to put off the funeral as long as she could, but the day soon came. January 10th was the date set for Mike Wheeler's funeral, aka present day. 

"You look gorgeous," Richie whispered in Eddie's ear, both of them facing the mirror behind Eddie's door. 

Eddie frowned, looking at his black suit and baby blue tie. He took a deep breath in and bit his lip nervously. "Karen's been ignoring me," Eddie sighed. 

"I think she just needs time." 

"It's been almost 3 months, and I got out of the hospital a week ago! She can't avoid me forever, right?" 

"She lost her son, Eds, give her space." 

"I know," He responded, running his hands through his hair. 

"You ready for today?" Richie murmured, pressing a small kiss to Eddie's shoulder. 

"As ready as I'll ever be, I guess." 

"You ready for your speech?" 

Richie nodded slowly, continuing to press his lips up against the outline of Eddie's nape and shoulders. Eddie leaned backwards, sighing contently, causing Richie to place his hands on Eddie's hips to support him. 

"Are you ready for yours?" Richie said softly against his skin. 

"Guess so," Eddie shrugged. 

Richie then began sucking on the skin on his shoulder, causing Eddie to turn around and swat him away. "Nope not happening, I'm not going to a funeral with a hickey," He said, pushing on Richie's chest. 

Richie chuckled, backing away with his hands up in a surrender-position. "Alright, let's get going."

_

Eddie gulped, watching as Richie walked up to the podium in front of audience. Richie smoothed out his suit and coughed. "Uh hey, I'm Richie Tozier. I didn't know Mike long, but from what I could tell, he was an amazing person. Not only was he the most accepting person I had ever met, but he could also keep the best and biggest secrets," Richie paused, sending a wink in Eddie's direction, "Although we didn't get off on the best foot, we got to know each other over time, learning to like each other. I don't have much to say, but I do want to explain something to everyone. Mike Wheeler saved my life twice. First when he held out his hand to stop my body from jolting forward in a car accident. Second, when he gave his heart to my best friend. I will forever be in debt to Mike Wheeler, and I have never been so grateful for a single human being in my entire life." Richie finished his talking piece, which had caused Karen to burst into tears. Richie then nodded, concluding his speech and stepping off from the podium. 

Richie walked back to the row where Eddie sat, a stray tear sliding down his cheek. Eddie smiled sadly at Richie as he took his place next to Eddie. Eddie glanced around, checking to see if anyone was paying attention to them. When he found no one was, he gently interlocked his fingers with Richie's, giving his hand a light squeeze. Richie smiled and rubbed his thumb against Eddie's hand in a comforting way. "It's you turn to speak, darling," Richie whispered. 

Eddie nodded, letting his hand slip away form Richie's. Eddie headed towards the podium, his eyes gazing around the room. He met eyes with Karen, causing him to send her a sad smile. "My name is Eddie Kaspbrak, um I'm the one who received Mike's heart. But even before the car crash took place, Mike Wheeler was the most selfless person I have ever met. He was always the peace keeper. He was a walking angel, I suppose. He always did the right thing, and he always knew what to say to help someone. I didn't know him that well, but he was my foster brother. He accepted me, a damaged kid who's mom was in prison, into his life. As Richie said, he kept my biggest secrets. He was truth worthy and beyond kind. He will be missed," Eddie finished, and met eyes with Karen once again. She smiled at him as tears ran down her face and she mouthed a quick, "Thank you."