𝐛𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢; reddie

(iii.)

EDDIE, BILL AND BEVERLY
have been sitting in Derry Hospital's waiting room for what seems like hours. In reality, it has only been thirty minutes. The hospital is packed with irritated patients. After all, it's Halloween, accidents aren't uncommon on nights as chaotic as this.

After explaining the issue, Richie had been whisked away into the children's ward leaving the other three to talk between themselves. Eddie had expected an awkward silence to settle amongst the group, but Beverly refused to let that happen, conversing with the couple as if they were old friends.

Eddie thinks she's stunning. Her copper hair styled into a glossy pixie cut that shines various shades of red under the hospital lights. Her arctic blue eyes soft and bright when she speaks, gesturing wildly with her hands. The girl's button nose is splashed with freckles, along with the rest of her face.

Eddie is fascinated with the idea of being in love. He craves it with his entire being. Imagine having someone to own a dog with, someone that cares for you just as much as you care for them. The idea sends tingles of desire down the boy's spine.

  So, although the smaller boy may find the girl pretty, he isn't attracted to her in that way. He's never really been attracted to any girls in that way. He can, however, see that Bill seems to be rather invested in Beverly, typical.

Whilst the girl is informing them of what she's planning to do that Christmas, the doors to the waiting room swing open. Richie stalks through them and towards the trio, bearing a crooked smile.

The other boys may have befriended Beverly in the half an hour of his absence, but Rich is damn sure they won't want to be friends with him. Why would they?

Much to his surprise, Eddie jumps from his seat and hurries over to the lanky boy, reaching to his face and grasping it to examine the damage. Richie flinches at the contact, taking a tentative step back, then laughs shamefully. Eddie pretends he doesn't notice, continuing his examination.

  Eddie also acts like he doesn't see the beautiful constellations of freckles on Richie's flushed cheeks. And carries on as if he has isn't admiring Richie's russet orbs, encased by coal black lashes that flutter under Eddie's gaze.

  Edward's delicate hands feel familiar on Richie's face, and he struggles to prevent himself from leaning into the touch.

"What's w-wrong with your n-nose then?" Bill asks, fidgeting with a toy he picked up off of the wooden table beside him, "is it buh-broken?"

Eddie backs away and returns to his chair, waiting for Richie's response.

"It's fine, just bruised is all." His eyes dart around the room. You'd think after the time he's spent in hospitals, Richie would be at ease. Truthfully, he's never gotten over his fear of them.

"We better get going." Beverly strolls towards Rich and loops her arm through his. Bill looks over at Eddie, offering the boy his hand. Ed smiles sweetly before taking it and pulling him up, dragging Bill along to catch up with the others, who  are heading outside towards the car park.

Neither Bill or Eddie take any notice of the disapproving stares they're receiving from the elders in the room. Just because two boys are holding hands? Now that's just silly.

"Would you guys like a ride?" Bill asks once they reached his vehicle, climbing into the driver's seat of his truck whilst Eddie hauls himself into the passenger's side.

"We'll be okay. Thanks anyways though." Richie scratches his head, licking his lips.

"Hey, how about breakfast in Denny's Diner tomorrow morning?" Beverly offers, her milky white teeth on full display. Eddie notices that she seems to be smiling all the time. He likes that.

"Sure. See yuh-you there at ten?" Bills cheeks flush violently.

Beverly nods, turning away with a slight wave and trotting out of the parking lot with Richie by her side.

Eddie smirks, he can't wait to tease Billy. The boy couldn't be more obvious about his newfound crush on Beverly, despite the fact that she's dating their best friend.

Bill put the gear in reverse and backs out of his spot, driving across the lot towards his house on Jackson Street, where Eddie will be spending the night.

William decides that Richie isn't too bad after all. And Beverly, Eddie decides, could be one of his best friends if they choose to hang out more often. With such an open and welcoming personality, it's hard not to like her. Eddie can feel her confidence rubbing off on him already, and he likes it. He doesn't mind Richie either, they can be friends too.

Authors note:
I'm not sure if this story's evolving like I wanted it to but oh well. I'll probably edit this chapter heavily before it's published cause it sucks!
p.s I'm not sure how often I'll update but
I 'm hoping to do it at least once a week.