Late Nights... ✨- Reddie (ON HOLD)

Chapter Twenty One

Richie looked in horror as he saw Henry Bowers grab Beverly from behind, the shrieks of happiness stopping as quickly as they started.

"BOWERS, GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM THEM YOU ASSHOLE!!" Richie yelled, dragging him and Eddie onto the rocky shore as they scrambled to climb the mountain back to their friends.

When the two emerged from the tree line, Richie saw one of his worst fears; Henry holding a knife to Beverlys neck, and the rest of the losers in an all out brawl against the rest of Henry's crew.

"Bev!" Richie yelled as he dove into Bowers, knocking him off his feet, allowing Beverly to get away. She ran to Eddie, wrapping her arms around his small frame, sobbing uncontrollably as she dragged him away to a nearby rock.

"You fucking piece of shit! Sloppy ass bitch, coming here, tormenting the shit out of us? What could you possibly get out of it?" Richie ranted, climbing on top of Henry and alternating his fists as he punched him, over and over again.

"Get off me faggot! I'll bash you and your little twink boyfriends skull in!" Henry gritted, trying to reach his hands to Richies throat. Did he REALLY just threaten Eddie? Also, my boyfriend??

This fueled his fire even more. He proceeded to pick Bowers up, slamming his face into the nearby tree. Richie places his forearm against the taller ones neck, pressing his face deeper into the bark. Richie leaned close to Henry's ear, lowering his voice to a soft whisper.

"If you or your gang EVER threaten my friends or Eddie again, I swear to GOD, I won't go as easy on you."

"Oh- Please. Richie "Trashmouth" Tozier? Beating the Bowers Gang up? You and what fucking army, dipshit. We'd have you-" Henry grunted, being cut off by Richie slamming his face into the tree again.

"Never again, Henry. I will make your life even more hellish than it is already. Don't forget, I have shit on you too, faggot." Henry's eyes opened wide at the last word. They flicked to Richie, his mouth gaping wide.

"Now call your dogs off, Bowers." Richie said, gritting his teeth.

"B-Bowers gang, they've had enough! Let's roll out." Henry said as Richie released him. He gave him one last shove, as he hollered to Henry's back, "Remember what I said, Bowers!"

As the guys ran off towards Henry's, Richie turned to inspect his friends. Bills nose was bleeding, Stanley's neck had bruises forming from where one of the egg heads had choked him, and Ben, Mike, and Eddie were consoling a sobbing Beverly. He decided to do some damage control on Bill before going to check on Bev. He made his way over to the injured boy, Stanley beating him there to sit Bill on the ground.

"Tilt your head forward Big Bill. There you go, atta boy. You'll be better in no time." Richie said as he checked the two boys over for any other damage. He caught Stanley's eye and pointed to his own neck, signaling that he'd have to be aware of the bruises when he got home to his parents. Stan nodded his head over to Eddie, mouthing 'go check on him', as he held Bills hand.

Richie walked over to where the rest of the group were sitting with Beverly. Silent shushing and and back rubs were prominent as her tears started to dry. She caught Richie walking over and met him with open arms, wrapping him in a tight hug. He breathed her in, the smell of lavender and honey, with a pack of Marlboro mixed in. He wrapped his arms around her too, squeezing her softly.

"Thank you, Richie Tozier, for being my hero all these years." Bev said, kissing his temple softly.

"Right back at you Bev Cakes."
•••
Eddie watched as the friend group came together. Stanley supporting Bill as he walked over, Ben and Mike having their arms around each other, and the way Richie hugged Beverly. He adored this angsty, lanky, teen boy with all his heart. Not only was he Beverlys hero, but he was Eddies too.