THICK & THIN ✿ reddie

i love you.

Eddie feels hot tears sting his eyes as he hears his mother scream at Maggie on the Tozier's front porch.

"She's my daughter, Margret! You can't keep her from me!" she screeches.

Maggie sighs, keeping her voice calm. "Sonia, she's a legal adult, neither of us can make her do anything and I'm not kicking her out of my house."

Eddie makes a metal note to pay his thanks to Maggie for putting up with his insane mother.

"I should have never let her associate with your children when she was young, it's clearly only hurt her," Sonia seethes.

"Okay, Sonia, I'm gonna go make the kids dinner, Eddie will come over later if she wants to," Maggie says, shutting the door on a protesting Sonia.

"Oh, my God, Maggie I'm so sorry," Eddie blurts the second she turns the corner and enters the kitchen. Richie squeezes his hand comfortingly when they start shaking.

Maggie cuts him off with a firm look. "I've said it once and I'll say it again, you're always welcome here, especially whenever she lays a hand on you."

Richie who had been sitting silently in the kitchen chair next to him suddenly speaks up. "Wait has this happened before?"

"It's only happened a couple of times, Richie, it's okay," Eddie assures.

Richie doesn't look satisfied with that response. "You should start staying here over breaks."

Eddie looks shyly at Maggie who's rummaging through the fridge for something to make for dinner.

"You're always welcome to sleep in the guest room, Eddie," she says.

Eddie ignores the blush he knows is on his cheeks. "Yes, ma'am," he replies.

-

Eddie leans forward, lovingly eyeing Richie as he gets into character. It's not often that Eddie's free, considering he's a starting player on a Division I sports team, but he makes time for his boyfriend. Especially once rehearsals started. As anticipated, Richie got the part he auditioned. Eddie had enjoyed the adorable smile on his face when he found out.

Eddie loves watching Richie perform whether it's acting, singing or both. So, whenever he finds himself with a little extra free time he stops by the theatre to catch Richie in action.

Today, Richie and the actor who got the role of of P.T. Barnum are practicing the lines for "The Other Side".

It was almost amusing to see Richie play the part of a snobby rich boy. His vocals were amazing, but Eddie could tell he struggled slightly with the dancing part. As much as he loves his boyfriend Eddie would admit he has no sense of rhythm.

Regardless seeing Richie sing his heart out with the lead actor was enough entertainment for Eddie.

By the time rehearsal is over Richie looks slightly exhausted and Eddie's more than happy to walk him back to the dorms.

"You looked good on stage," Eddie compliments.

"What can I say? I was made for the spotlight," Richie brags jokingly.

Eddie gives him a genuine smile. "You definitely belong on stage."

Richie looks slightly taken aback by Eddie's sincerity, but covers it up by placing a sweet kiss on his lips.

"Where would I be without you, Eds?" Richie says.

"Probably in a ditch somewhere," he deadpans.