Lost ❄️ Reddie

11

Eddie was quiet for most of the day, even though he was surrounded by people. Mike and Will spent their time with him while Joyce went to see Hopper to talk with him about what they were going to do.

Will showed Eddie his drawing supplies and Mike talked to him about how they met El. Eddie didn't respond that much, but they could tell he was listening intently.

"Where are you from?" Will asked around noon, after they ate and Eddie seemed more relaxed.

"I'm... I'm not really sure," Eddie said in a small voice, upset that he didn't remember anything before the lab. He knew there had to be more to it; he just didn't know what.

"Were you born in the lab?" Mike tried, noticing how Eddie seemed more capable than El did after she escaped the lab.

"I don't think so," Eddie said. "I... I don't remember anything before I ended up there, but I don't think I was stuck there my whole life. It's strange."

Will furrowed his eyebrows. "Whats strange?"

Eddie glanced between Mike and Will, who were listening intently to what he had been saying and seemed ready for what he was about to say.

"It's strange because I see things in my mind. I see people, and while it's part of my gift, they seem familiar. Like, maybe they were part of my life before I was at the lab?" he asked, looking between the two who seemed to be thinking.

"It's possible. I mean, El grew up in the lab and you didn't. That much is obvious," Mike responded, smiling reassuringly. "Can you tell us who Richie is? You said his name when you saw me but we don't really understand."

"I, uh, I don't know who he is. I saw him in my vision, and I think he's familiar? Maybe an acquaintance? He had a photo album with pictures of someone who looked like me and he looks a lot like you. Except he has glasses and curly hair." Eddie was red with embarrassment over his lack of knowledge about what was going on in his own head.

Mike and Will nodded in understanding, knowing how hard it must be for Eddie. He was taken from a life he probably knew and loved, had it stripped away, and now was stuck in a different life that he didn't know or understand. All Eddie seemed to know was that Richie existed, despite the fact that he had no clue who that was or what their connection had been.

"I'm sure you'll remember someday," Mike said with an encouraging smile, patting Eddie's shoulder.

Eddie offered a soft smile in return, leaning into the comforting touch. Even though he couldn't remember much of anything, Eddie could tell he was the type of person who seeks physical touch when he's stressed or unsure.

Will could tell as well and sat next to Eddie, both of them wrapped in a blanket while they watched a movie. As they watched the movie, Mike noticed how focused Eddie seemed. Not on the film itself, but he seemed to be thinking. Mike watched as Eddie's eyes fluttered closed, a look of determination on his face.

"C'mon Eds, it's not even scary!" came Richie's voice, filled with a strange amount of both reassurance and laughter.

"My mom will kill us both if she knows we're watching this!" answered Eddie's shrill voice, glaring as Richie popped the movie into the player, grinning the whole time.

"Aw, Eds, I'll hold your hand, don't worry my love," Richie said with a laugh, picking up Eddie and sitting on the couch with the smaller boy laying on his lap. "On second thought, I'll just hold you. Don't worry, Eddie. I'll always protect you!"

Eddie tried to act annoyed, but he couldn't. Not with Richie holding him and genuinely trying to reassure him. They cuddled close, Richie holding Eddie even tighter whenever there was a jump scare, whispering reassuring things in his ear.