Wrong

•22•

⚠ Talk about abuse and eating disorders ⚠

*Eddie's POV*

I couldn't stop thinking about Richie. I think I really love him, but I can't look at him the same. When he was touching me, I didn't feel Richie, I felt Dan.

Everything Richie has done since then proves that he's an amazing guy who would never do that. But I still keep thinking, what if I date him and he just turns into Dan?

Dan was a nice guy in the beginning. So when he started doing everything, I knew it was my fault. He wasn't actually like that, he just needed to fix me.

So what if that happens with Richie? I don't want to annoy to the point where he has to physically hurt me to make me realize my mistakes.

I shuddered at the thought of Richie becoming anything like Dan. They're nothing alike. When Dan looked at me, it was full of hate. When Richie looks at me, I can see the love in his eyes.

He's nothing like Dan, and he'll never turn into someone like Dan. But I keep thinking, what if...

Just then, the Trashmouth himself walked back into the room with Bev. My breathing sped up, and I know it's irrational, but I thought he was going to hurt me. Or try to do stuff to me.

I ignored the thought for now and tried to focus on the movie I'd agreed to watch. I wasn't really paying attention when Bill asked me, but it's whatever. I have more important things to worry about right now.

Stan came back into the room with some leftover pizza. He passed out a slice to everyone, but I didn't eat mine. I just stared at it.

Dan wouldn't want me to eat. Stan and Richie have been making sure I'm eating 3 meals a day, but I don't deserve that much.

I glanced over at Stan, scared he was going to see me and give me a lecture. But he was barely eating anything himself. He was nibbling at the cheese, but only because Bill kept nudging him. I knew Stan cuts, but this too?

I scrunched up my face and took a bite of the pizza. It was tasty, but it was also terrible. Terrible because I had to eat. Terrible because I knew I would gain weight. Terrible.

The movie finally started and everyone quieted down.

•°•

"Bye guys!" Mike whispered and closed the door behind him. I sighed and turned back to Richie.

Everyone had left besides us. And Bill and Stan of course, it's their house. But they were both asleep, cuddling on the couch.

"Hey Spaghetti Head. You ok?"

"Y-yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I played dumb.

"I mean, I kissed you. And you started crying. Listen, it's ok, I know how things were with Dan and I don't want to pressure you into doing anything. I'm really sorry Eds. You mean the world to me and I don't want you to be scared I'm going to hurt you. I won't."

I swear, when he said that, my heart melted. Richie might be a little bastard 99% of the time, but he wants to, he can be the most caring guy I've ever met.

"You just went a little too fast Rich," I said and started walking towards him. "But I'd love to be your boyfriend."

"Uhh...g-great! Yeah, that's uh, that's pretty cool!" Richie's so cute when he's flustered. "Perfect, I'll um...go now. So, uh bye."

He flashed me a smile, grabbed his bag and headed out the door. I had to suppress a laugh as I turned back to the spare bedroom and went to bed.

*Bev's POV*

A rapid knocking on my door interrupted my conversation with Ben.

"Probably just some Girl Scouts or something, I'll be right back babe." I kissed Ben and opened the door.

Richie was standing there, his face flushed red and his eyes glossed over.

"Richie? What's going on?"

"Eddie said he wants to date me," he said breathlessly. "I can't believe it... BEV, HE WANTS TO DATE ME!" Richie squealed in delight and walked in.

"Fuck, this is the real thing." Realization struck Richie's face. It was honestly kinda funny to watch his moods switch so easily. "Bev! You don't even know, neither of you even know!" He finally acknowledged Ben, who was watching him with interest and confusion.

"Ok, so right before 9th grade started, Eddie and I were like secretly dating. I wasn't out yet, but we both liked each other. But then Jason was bullying me, so I got a girlfriend and I couldn't date Eds. And then we got here and he started dating Dan. But our feelings never went away! I still like him and he still likes me! We can finally date, Bev this is incredible!"

He swept me up in a giant bear hug and spun me around.

"Ben, help!" I screeched. I hate being hugged.

"C'mon Richie," Ben said laughing and pulled our lanky friend off of me.

"We're gonna date! I gotta go tell the others, bye!"

Richie ran out of our apartment, still giggling and cheering.

"What a dork..." I sighed and closed the door.

"Bev, the definition of dork is whale penis..." Ben said, flustered. I burst out laughing, and Ben joined in soon after.

*Bill's POV*

Richie and Eddie are idiots. Don't just assume somebody is sleeping, especially me. I often lay down with my eyes closed, but I'm very much awake.

So, in my night of non-sleeping and possibly eavesdropping, I've learned many things.

1. Richie "Trashmouth" Tozier can get flustered. I've never seen it happen before, but he did! He was stuttering and he kept saying "um". What a dork.

2. Reddie is so much cuter than I thought. Richie and Eddie are made for each other and I can't believe I never noticed how sweet Richie can be. He's probably only that caring with Eddie though.

3. Reddie is motherfucking real.