real; reddie

e i g h t

"you need to calm down."

eddie is whispering, because he really doesn't want anyone to hear them. him and his boyfriend are in the biggest stall in the bathroom, and richie is fuming, breathing heavily, face bright red. eddie holds both of his hands, trying to make him relax.

"the fucking audacity of that bastard," richie spits, and eddie can feel the taller boy trembling. "i'm gonna fucking kill him."

"no," eddie says softly, and he reaches a hand up to brush rich's hair out of his face. he can see his expression soften. "what you're gonna do is stay here until you're calm, and then, once you are, you're going to waltz back out there and pretend nothing happened. make nice with will. it'll seem too suspicious if you don't."

richie's breath is shaky, and he lets his head drop down as he tries to regain it. "god, i know you're right, eds," he mumbles, and his fingers tighten around his boyfriend's hands. "but i'm pretty sure if i come face to face with him i'll be breaking more than just his nose, this time."

"please, rich," eddie coos quietly, and he reaches up on his tiptoes, connecting their lips. it's a soft kiss, like so many before, but it never gets old, and richie immediately melts into his significant other's touch. he can't help it; god, he'd fucking kill for this boy. once they pull away, richie is a bit calmer. "for me? this has to work."

richie bites his lip, contemplating for a moment. then, he nods, pulling the smaller boy into a hug. "fine. i'll play nice, but i swear to the fucking gods above that he makes one wrong move and he's getting socked."

"i know, baby," eddie mumbles softly. "i know. and trust me, i wouldn't mind seeing that. but not now. okay?"

rich nods again, and then leans in, pressing a soft kiss to eddie's forehead. his mouth lingers for a second before he pulls back. "god fucking dammit, i can't believe that bastard used to be my best friend."

"and i can't believe i used to be head over heels for that bastard."

richie's eyes narrow; he hates being reminded of that. he hates the thought of his soulmate with anyone else. especially will.

"you know i love you, right?" eddie whispers, his eyes warm, and richie can't help the shot of pride that goes through his body when he remembers that eddie is his boyfriend. the love of his life. "more than anything in this whole world."

"and i love you more than that," richie replies, and his tome is gentle, the precious anger that had been lingering completely gone. "god, you're so beautiful. i fucking love you so much."

eddie's cheeks bloom red. it's nothing new, but it sparks warmth in his boyfriend's chest. "you're too good to me."

"i'll never be too good for you."

"shut up."

"we've been in here a while."

"we should get back out there."

"just give it another minute."

"okay."

"i love you."

"and i love you."