HEART ACHE <3 REDDIE

chap 21: Hey Buddy

!! slurs. violence.

Richie

It took me a second to process what was happening. Bill was stood in the doorway with his jaw hung open and Eddie's face was beat red.

"Bill my boy!" I chirped, not even bothering to move my hands from Eddie's thighs. Mostly because I truly wasn't processing what was happening.

"Richie." Eddie snapped. His eyes were wide and I finally realized what was going on and pushed Eddie off me onto the bed.

"Bill... Bill look at me." I got off the bed and stumbled toward him as he stood stunned.

"I know what it looks like," I slurred , "And that's exactly what it is."

"Richie!" Eddie practically screeched.

"Which is why you can't freak out." I ignored Eddie.

"I knew i-it! I k-knew!" Bill laughed loudly and I slapped a hand over his mouth.

"Shh! Shh! Shut up!" I hissed. I felt him smiling against my palm and he slowly moved my hand away.

"I won't." He nodded, shooting me a wink and turning back down the hall. I shut the door behind him and turned to Eddie.

"I cannot believe that happened." Eddie was wheezing, puffing on his inhaler.

"It's Bill. He can keep a secret." I reassured him and climbed into bed, tucking myself in. Eddie set his inhaler down and seemed to still be upset. Something was on his mind. I didn't want to ask and ruin the mood.

"I'm all worn out, Spaghetti." I folded my glasses and set them on my beside table. Eddie flicked off my light and pressed his back against me.

"Richie, will you hold me?" His small voice said into the dark. I smiled sleepily and didn't hesitate to wrap my arms around him, falling asleep like that.

I woke up with a killer headache, and slipped out of my room for work. Eddie was still fast asleep and Ben, Bev, Stan and Bill were all nursing their hangovers in the kitchen. Mike was still out like a light.

"I'm never drinking again." Ben groaned as Bev rubbed his back.

"Morning Rich. H-how was your n-night?" Bill asked playfully as I pulled my shoes on. I looked into his coffee mug and back up at him.

"This black?"

"Y-yeah why-"

I took the mug from his hands, downing the rest and handing it back.

"Have a good day guys!" I chirped and Bill flipped me off.

Work went smoothly, and I even dosed off a bit. I almost half expected Jane to show up and scream at me for being a ghosting asshole. But she didn't. My dad stopped by though, just to catch up and seeing him was a bit weird but I liked the company.

It was odd that he stopped by, something felt off about that but I was grateful.

I locked up and it was freezing. It was nearly the end of October and the wind in Derry was kicking my ass as I pulled my jacket around me tighter.

I reached the parking lot and a blue rusted camaro swerved in, nearly hitting me. And as if god himself had wished for my death Buddy Freemorn and 3 friends jumped out.

"Tozier! You gonna pay for my broken nose?"

My heart dropped.

God no. Please jesus just kill me now.

"If you're gonna knock my teeth down my throat, here they are." I sighed, flashing a smile.

"And if you're gonna break my fingers here they are." I flashed then my middle finger and instantly realized I was going to get my ass kicked and took of sprinting down the alleyway. I was almost to the road when a strong hand grabbed the back of my hood and threw me against the brick wall. Buddy was inches away from my face.

"Why don't we start with giving the boy fucker a haircut boys?" He flipped out his switchblade and for the first time I was actually nervous.

"Yeah yeah, I think you should start just below the chin." Another boy laughed and Buddy pressed his blade to my neck. I pressed my head against the brick and swallowed sharply.

"Here?" Buddy grinned. I did the only thing I could and spit. He flinched and his eyes grew wild with anger.

Oh god. I'm gonna die. Kissing Eddie was my make a wish. It's over.

"You little faggot! I'm gonna fuck you up!" Buddy yelled and soon I felt his knee slam into my crotch, causing me to groan and double over onto the cement.

"Fuck... you." I managed to mumble which earned me a sharp kick to the ribs. Not just one, but 6... 7... 8. A foot flew to my face and I thought my teeth had cracked right out but I realized it was my glasses, broken into shards.

I tried to roll over. To fight back. I wasn't going to curl up in a ball and cry.

"I got something for you fag boy!" Buddy grabbed my bloodied face with a tough fist. I couldn't even see him but I knew he was grinning. He forced my mouth open and spit into it. I just rolled my head over the cement and spit it out, blood coming out with it and... a wisdom tooth.

"Tastes like your moms pu- oh!" I got kicked in the stomach again, kicking the wind out of me.

Jesus just kill me already. Do it. Now. Now. Now.

"Keep talking and we'll cut that queer tongue right out of your mouth, Tozier." A voice from one of the other boys echoed in my head. I could taste the copper taste of blood in my mouth and the empty spot in the back of my mouth where my tooth once was.

My vision was burry and their yells were just echoes to me.

I'm gonna die. I cant close my eyes or I'll die.

I felt myself about to pass out and looked up to Buddy, forcing a grin.

"I still hate your fucking hair."

Lights out.