Kisses | Reddie

thirteen ☆ eddie's crush

by: shanisafan on ao3 (all credit goes to them, check em out!)

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It was a lazy afternoon during a long weekend. The seven kids were hanging out in Bill's garage. Ben and Mike were trying to get a TV with a VHS player they found on the side of the road to work, so they could watch a movie without bothering Bill's parents. Eddie, Beverly and Richie were sitting on the ground playing a card game while Stan and Bill relaxed on the couch watching.

"Hitting the TV is not going to make it work, Mike," Ben said bossily.

"Maybe not, but it makes me feel better," Mike grumbled, hitting the TV again.

"Do you have a crush on anyone, Eddie?" Beverly said out of nowhere. She put down her cards and said "BLACKJACK!" Eddie looked at her in slight alarm. One because of her first question and two because he hated losing. He threw down his cards in frustration, not meeting anyone's eyes. He did, in fact, have a crush on someone, but he was not about to tell the losers.

Richie laughed gathering the cards to reshuffle, "He doesn't."

"How d-d-do you know?" Bill asked, amused from the couch.

"We are best friends, he would tell me," Richie said with complete confidence.

Eddie stayed silent looking at the ground. He was trying to prevent his breathing from hitching, his obvious tell when he was hiding something or stressed out, but could not calm himself down. He reached for his aspirator and Richie gaped at him.

"You do have a crush on someone," Richie said in surprise. "Who is it?"

"No, I don't and even if I did, it is none of your fucking business," Eddie said defensively. He met Richie's eyes determinedly but recoiled a little form the thunderous stare Richie was giving.

Richie, usually good about keeping his emotions in check, bit out harshly, "What do you mean? We tell each other everything."

"Leave it alone," Stan mumbled irritably, "If he doesn't want to say, don't make him."

Richie ignored Stan, "Who is it Eds?"

"Don't call me-"

"It's Beverly isn't it!" Richie interrupted.

"No, of course not!" Edie yelled.

"Ouch Eddie." Beverly put her hand to her heart mockingly.

Eddie looked at Beverly in horror. "Not that you aren't wonderful, Bev. I love you. But not like that. I just... okay, I am shutting up now." Eddie pulled his knees to his chest and hid his face behind his hands. He could feel his face burning from embarrassment. He felt someone take a hold of his wrists to bring his hands down. It was Richie and his expression was a lot kinder.

"It's alright Eddie. If you like Greta, we will forgive you. Just know, she is always chewing gum which means if you make out, you'll be swallowing it back." Richie's eyes twinkled with mirth and Edie turned even redder, gagging.

"It isn't Greta. Oh my god, I hate her." Eddie was very aware of Richie's close proximity to him. The feel of Richie's rough hands around his wrists was so distracting. He needed to get away now.

"I need water," He yanked his hands away from Richie, shot up and out of the room.

He heard a quick, "Oh no you don't!" from behind him but kept walking into the house.

When he got to the kitchen, he grabbed a glass from the cupboard, turned on the faucet, and poured a huge glass of water.

"Eddie you HAVE to tell me who it is," Richie demanded.