Reddie For You [On Hiatus]

| Chapter 1 |

Richie's ears were pounding with the loud sounds of the hospital. He doesn't remember much of what happened since he got there, all he can really seem to recall is hands on him pulling him to lie down on a cot while his arms were prodded with IVs and other medical equipment. Eddie. It was the only thing replaying in his mind while the doctors restrained him to examine his own injuries. Where the fuck is Eddie.

The staff assured him that they were doing everything they could to stabilize his friend, who was going to have a long day of surgery ahead of him. Richie winced with memories. The clown, the deadlights, the claw. He tried desperately to shake the images out of his head while the nurse rambled on about his condition. Eddie. Dead.

"Mr. Tozier?" The nurse asked gently, pulling him out of his thoughts before he went too deep. He shot her a grateful smile which she nervously returned. "You are cleared to leave, Mr. Tozier."

"Where are my friends?" His voice felt raspy, he wondered if it was the first thing he'd said after leaving the sewers. No, scratch that, he remembered yelling at the doctors to fuck off as he desperately chased after Eddie. Not surprisingly, he was not allowed in the operating room. "Your friends are all cleared as well." She smiled, reaching over him to wipe off his forehead. "I heard about the Neibolt House collapsing. I'm surprised you all made it out."

Eddie. Dead. "Yeah, it was a fucking picnic." He laughed dryly, a shiver coursing through his body. The nurse led him back out to the OR's waiting room where he was greeted with the other losers. "Richie." Bev's voice was a squeak as she wrapped her arms around him. The others let her have the moment before they all swarmed around them for a group hug. "This feels wrong without Eddie." Ben said in a hushed voice. They all silently agreed.

"You all smell like shit." Richie mumbled, pulling snickers from the group. Bill pulled away first, looking down to take in the site of his messed up clothes. "Sounds about r-right. We should head back to the inn to s-sh-shower."

"Amen to that." Mike sighed, tossing an arm around Bill's shoulder. The group decided to follow, mouths watering at the thought of a nice hot shower. Everyone but Richie. "Richie, are you coming?" Ben asked, his own arm gently encasing Beverly's waist. He shook his head and peered down the hallway to the door that separated them from their friend. "I need to be here for Eds." His words were blunt and unwavering. The group exchanged looks before Mike spoke up. "Eddie is going to be in surgery for a while man, I think you should come and at least-"

"I'm not fucking leaving him here alone!" Richie's voice echoed loudly through the room, throwing his hands in the air dramatically. Everyone was quiet for a moment before he took a deep breath. "I'm sorry- that was.... I just-" He swallowed harshly, feeling his heart pound out of his chest. "He can't be here alone you guys."

"It's okay Rich." Beverly said softly, removing Ben's arm from around her and walking closer to him. "We can bring you back some fresh clothes, just let us know if you get any news okay?" He nodded, accepting her hug again, gripping her tightly. She pulled back and rubbed his shoulder lovingly before returning to her spot next to Ben. "Bring clothes for Eddie too!" He called after them, sighing when they all nodded. He watched them push through the doors towards the elevator and disappear behind them. "Mr. Tozier?" He was almost startled by the nurse beside him, clutching at his chest.

"I'm sorry! I didn't want to interrupt." She said lowly. A silence passed between them and she looked around her carefully. "It isn't really permitted, but we do have a shower station for patients if you would like to use it. I mean, you technically still are my patient." It took him a second to process her words before he blabbered out a small "thank you" and followed her down the hall. As they walked past the staff and security he leaned over to her and ask the question that made him want to puke. "My friend, Eddie. How is he?" She inhaled deeply through her nose, face forward. "Mr. Tozier, do you-"