Finale

A Life so Changed

One year later

The warm scent of meat, sounds of timers, clanking pans, and the bustling of quick feet set the holiday mood in Richie's new house. It was Thanksgiving, and the whole gang would be showing up soon.

"I got it!" Mike said, hopping up to respond to the doorbell. He had arrived an hour early to help final preparations for the feast.

"Hey guys!" Ben and Beverly stepped in, carrying a tray covered with tinfoil.

"Welcome mister and missus Hanscom!"

"Good to see you guys," Bev smiled, hugging Richie.

"How's little Ember doing?"

"A bit fussy today, but I think she's happy to be out of the car now."

"Come to uncle Richie," he held out his arms.

Bev handed her daughter over to the hardworking friend. She giggled and reached up for his glasses. As another timer went off, he handed her to Mike and took sweet rolls out of the oven.

"I'm impressed, Rich," Bev leaned on the counter, watching him. "Look at you taking charge of everything."

"You don't know how much I've eaten along the way, we almost weren't gonna have rolls at all."

"I know you, trashmouth. You become master chef when you're stressed."

"Bitch I will toss my salad in your valentino white bag."

He leaned against the fridge, sighed and rubbed his forehead. Stepping around the corner, he called up the stairs.

"Excuse me, where is my love?

Tiny tapping came down the stairs along with a bouncing orange fluffy tail. Richie rescued a small pomeranian a few months ago, insisting he would not get attached but quickly grew very fond of the company.

"There's my little boy. Sit!"

The fluff obeyed him, panting with his tongue out and a big smile. Rich gave him a bite of meat and patted his head.

"I still can't believe you named your dog Street Fighter," Ben laughed from across the kitchen.

"I can," said Mike. "I'm just most surprised that you-know-who approved."

The stairs creaked lightly as more steps came down. There stood a man with a red button-up shirt and smooth, slicked hair.

"Eddie, my love."

"Morning, dumbass," Eddie smiled as Richie kissed his forehead. "My stomach is eating itself, also I hope you remember my allergies-"

"Soy, gluten, peanuts... of course."

Eddie punched his shoulder and went to the kitchen to finish his husband's work, slicing the ham and gathering plates and silverware.

"I can help with that," Bev said, taking them from Eddie and began setting the table.

"The whole gang's here!" shouted a familiar voice. Bill had just arrived, his wife Audra following behind him.

Everyone said their greetings and began to settle at the large table in the dining room. The Toziers had cooked a whole feast for days in time for the holiday meeting of the loser's club.

They passed around food and talked for what seemed like hours, enjoying all the company. Bill had just published another novel, Mike was settling into his new house, and the Hanscoms had their hands full with baby Ember, who was born on January 27th.

After the large meal, everyone sat in the living room playing games and making craft decorations to exchange for Christmas. A sudden flurry of snow began at dark, and the group gradually said their goodbyes.

Bill and Audra stayed longest helping to clean and box up the leftovers. Finally at 8 o'clock all the dust cleared and the Toziers were able to have some time alone.

"Feet off the table please," Eddie commanded, bringing over two mugs of hot chocolate.

"What are you gonna do about it?"

Eddie sat beside him and playfully poked Richie's foot with his fluffy socks. They knew they didn't have to follow regular house rules, all that mattered was it was kept tidy.

Eddie turned the tv on to a calming fire with holiday music.

"Tell me this isn't the cheesiest night ever. Snow outside, drinks, and a fireplace?"

"You forgot this fluffy little bitch. Come on up boy!" Richie patted the seat on his other side, letting Street Fighter jump up.

"You're a fluffy little bitch."

"Okay eds-spaghetts."

"Fine, truce," Eddie pulled a blanket over them and nestled under Richie's arm. "I'm not particularly fond of food names."

They decided to change the cliche fireplace to the holiday channel, beginning to play Christmas films the second thanksgiving was over.

Richie's chest rose and fell calmly with steady breathing. This was what he had been secretly looking forward to all day, having his husband all to himself.

Though he wouldn't admit it, he loved the cheesy gestures and tender moments. But Eddie knew well enough. Street Fighter nestled on his lap and fell asleep quickly, snoring with tiny nose whistles.

"I love you," Eddie said softly.

Richie's heart swelled with affection as he gazed at his spouse's eyes and smiled.

"I love you."

Then they too, drifted to sleep peacefully in each other's arms, loved and safe.