THICK & THIN ✿ reddie

through times.

Richie feels incredibly tired again today. He didn't want to go to his check up, but Eddie gave him the look™️ and he caved.

"Any feelings of depression or hopelessness?" the nurse asks.

Richie tears his gaze from the window and takes a second to process what she's said. "Yeah," he says softly.

"Any thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself?"

"No," he says a little to quickly.

He doesn't have to look at Eddie's face to know the other boy is glaring at him.

Richie sighs dramatically. "Yes," he admits. "Don't have a plan though," he adds quickly when the nurse writes something down.

He was in rehab for a good two months before he felt well enough to take on the world again. Recovery isn't over though. He still goes to therapy and twice a week, sometimes Eddie comes to his appointments, sometimes he goes to Eddie's.

Right now he's at the doctor's office getting a drug test. It's something his new manager is pushing him to do so they can have it on record.

It's a pain in the ass though. He doesn't enjoy talking to random nurses or doctors. It took him a while before he even opened up to his therapist.

He knows how important it is to talk to her though. He definitely can't put all of his doubts and worries on Eddie. God knows that kid has enough on his plate.

Eddie laces their fingers together and rubs his thumb over the back of Richie's hand comfortingly.

He's not really sure what they are right now. They haven't done anything beyond simple kissing which is understandable. Richie thinks it's smart that they both take some time to heal before they get back together.

Regardless he lets himself take comfort in Eddie's close proximity. He leans down so his forehead is touching the top of Eddie's head and sighs. He enjoys the moment before pressing a chaste kiss to his forehead.

"Thank you for coming with me, Eds," he says sincerely.

"Course," he murmurs softly.

-

He takes a deep breath, letting the makeup crew do some last minute touch ups. It's his first live performance since rehab and his fans are elated.

He's under new management too. Someone who's a little less expectant of him, a little more caring. It's made a world of a difference.

It's been a while since he remembered why he got into music. Been a while since he felt that overwhelming love he has for being up on a stage.

He takes a deep breath as his cue to come out is given. He turns to his side where Eddie is standing giving him and encouraging smile and a thumbs up.

He's got this.

"Hey guys," he says into the mic, waiting a few moments for the screaming to settle down, "long time no see, but don't worry I'm back," he promises.

He speaks for a few more moments, thanking them for their support and patience.

"Now, I wanted to start off with a new song, no one except the crew has heard it actually. This is song is to my muse, even when I lost you, you still had me writing song after song about you," he says fondly.

The crowd coos as he plays the opening notes.

These bags are carry on,
and filled with many things
like song you taught me on rusty guitar strings
and buried deep inside are the shirts off your back
You gave me the meal and you only ate the snack
You handed me more than I could ever pay back