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Stunning

"Up and at 'em, Rich! We got kids to torment!" Beverly says to Richie as he throws his book bag over his shoulder.

"I got the message, Beaverly."

"As did I, Trashmouth the-"

"B-Buh-Buh-Bev! Come on!" Bill shouts as he passes the classroom.

"Oui, my good sir! Hurry up Trashmouth!" She waves before leaving, turning on her heels and running to the bike rack. Richie chases after her, bumping into a shorter girl on his way.

"Shit!" He says a bit too loud when his glasses fall to the ground, and all he can see is blurry figures.

"SSS-Sorry," The girl stutters, kneeling to pick up his glasses.

To anyone else she looks just fine, your average teen. But Richie doesn't have his glasses on, so all he can see is a blurry figure with dark skin and black hair, way puffier than his.

"Who are you?" He asks as she hands him his glasses.

"Devora, uh... Richie, right?" She studies his face for a moment.

"Yeah, we have... Math?" She nods.

"Well, see you around," Devora smiles and Richie runs past her to the school doors.

"Where were you? The bell rang almost ten minutes ago!" Eddie pushes Richie slightly.

"I know you missed me, Spaghetti Man, but I didn't think I was so essential!" Richie smiles and wraps the boy in his arms, so hoping he won't fight it this time.

Eddie has been doing that for past two weeks. He and Richie don't hold hands as much, he'll fight Richie's hugs, dodge his kisses, and he's just been avoiding him. Richie doesn't even go to his house anymore, instead he just plays his music as loud as possible, until all he can hear are faint sobs. However they aren't his mom's or his dad's, they're his own.

Everything is my fault. If I was never born, none of this would happen.

Richie has a bad habit of telling himself that when he doesn't feel bright. He doesn't want anyone asking what's wrong or to discuss anything about himself, so he plasters on a smile.

To Richie's displeasure and embarrassment, Eddie pushes him away. Richie ignores it, as much as it makes him want to cry.

"Alright fuckers, Halloween is tomorrow, what's the plan?" Beverly says, walking up to Bill.

"To stay inside because it's going to be freezing," Stan says.

"Yeah, we could just stay in and watch movies," Ben smiles.

"Lame! We have to get candy somehow," Richie exaggerates.

"Alright, but do you really want to go out? It's going to be freezing, and plus, we're in eighth grade," Ben debates.

"You're never too old for trick-or-treating!" Bev and Richie shout.

"Buh-But we could wuh-watch scary movies!" Bill whines.

"Yeah, it'll be cool! Come on, Rich," Eddie pleads, looking up at him with his big fawn eyes. Richie can't help but melt, Eddie has him wrapped around his finger.

"I dunno, Eds, will your mom be there?" Richie smirks, earning a chuckle and a shove from Eddie.

"As long as Eddie's there I'm okay, what about you, Bev?"

"I don't know, what do you say, Billiam?" Bill lights up at the nickname, but Stan frowns.

He always wanted to call Bill that. Teasingly, adoringly, however it is that makes Bill's eyes sparkle at Beverly when she calls him. He still wants to.