It:Throughout The Years (Reddie, Hanbrough, Beneverly, Statty)

Chapter Fourteen

So I can't believe I didn't give another Trigger Warning before this episode. Some extreme stuff happens in this chapter and you should be aware of that. I promise you that the extreme stuff happens for a reason tho.

1

Age 29

Richie drew himself a bath and got in, his muscles relaxing to the hot water.

Richie stared at his naked body, he hated it. He hated the way his stomach looked. He hated the scars that lined his legs. He couldn't see how Eddie could love this mess. Through all the hatred and doubt, Richie now had hope, that Eddie would still love him like this and that Eddie will teach him how to love himself.

Eddie walked into the bathroom and sat on the ground.

Richie smiled and winked, "Like the view?"

Eddie laughed and shook his head, "I hate you."

"Love you too," Richie said in a bit of a cute voice.

Eddie looked into Richie's eyes and Richie stared back.

"I thought about what you said," Eddie said.

"And?" Richie asked.

"I'm going to apply to a nursing school," Eddie answered

Richie smiled, "I'm glad. My Eds is going to help people."

Eddie smiled back, "Yeah I am."

There was a comfortable silence in the air as the couple stared into each other's eyes.

Eddie broke the silence, "I feel the urge to get to know you all over again."

"Then do it," Richie said.

"What are your hobbies?" Eddie asked.

"Comedy," Richie said.

Eddie shook his head, "Right but what else?"

"Drinking?" Richie seemed to ask, "oh and smoking is pretty fun too."

"Those aren't hobbies," Eddie said.

"Au contraire," Richie said, "drinking can be a hobby, pricy at some times but fun all the times."

"Drinking alcohol is a mood heightener," Eddie said, "meaning what ever mood you're in will heighten it. So if you're sad it'll be as sad time not a fun time. I wouldn't call that a hobby."

"Eds," Richie said, "I've always had a great time when drinking even if I was sad beforehand so explain that."

"Come on just tell me," Eddie said.

"I did," Richie said.

"Richie," Eddie groaned.

"Eddie," Richie mimicked.

"I hate you," Eddie said.

"I love you too," Richie said back.

Eddie shook his head, "How do I deal with you?"

"How do you?" Richie seemed to ask seriously.

"Because I love you," Eddie said.

Richie smiled. He took his hand and put it in the water and then splashed it at Eddie.