𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡.

𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 | 𝐫

author's note: short chapter, but here we are.

R

    Richie opened his eyes again, luckily not greeted by the uncomfortable rough bathroom floor or complete darkness like before. Instead, he was welcomed by a comfortable, soft bed with velvety sheets. He'd fallen asleep, which was usually hard for him, but not on this particular night. His eyes opened, looking over to the clock on the dresser. It was eight AM. He'd slept through a full night without waking up.

Richie sat up, getting ready to climb out of bed through the sheets. Pulling the sheets back, he unexpectedly saw the curly-haired boy sleeping gracefully and silently, undisturbed in complete peace. Richie had completely forgotten he'd slept with Eddie last night. Nothing happened, but a smile was brought to Richie's face. He felt the heaviness slowly ease off his chest as he watched the sereness of Eddie. A sliver of canary gold sunlight shone on Eddie's face from the window which's sheer white curtains were not completely shut. The light made Eddie's skin flourish with a honey tan color, complimenting his supple chestnut curls.

His hand hovered over Eddie's head, not sure if he wanted to wake him up. Richie examined Eddie, admiring him in all of his perfection. He didn't want to disturb him, so his hand retracted from over his head and back on to his own lap. Sitting against the bed frame, Richie began to grow bored. He got up from the bed as gently as he could and opened the curtains, letting the hazy, glimmering sun rays in from being shut out all night. He opened the faded white latch on the old windows, making a small shrilling noise. Richie looked back at Eddie - luckily, the noise wasn't loud enough for Eddie to be awakened from his slumber. With force, Richie pushed up against the glass part of the window, which was warm from the sun beaming upon it. Cool air came rushing in as the window was opened, smelling fresh and pure. Richie examined the outdoors in serenity, seeing morning dew fresh on the wet, faded green grass near the pond. The dark emerald trees near the pond swayed, pulled by the force of the wind, causing a gentle rustling sound that made Richie's ears feel the most at peace that they'd been in a while, besides when he heard Eddie's voice. Birds above flew with the direction of the wind, singing charming songs that reminded Richie that today was a new day. He didn't have to worry about any past mistakes. He was going to try today. Harder than he ever had. Try to not let his anger get the best of him. Try to hold his tongue when he was supposed to. Try to be the perfect, trophy boyfriend, despite him not actually being Eddie's boyfriend yet.

Richie got back into bed, noticing that Eddie was seeming to be waking up. He shut his eyes, not wanting Eddie to know that he was awake first. He felt the bed's pressure change, assuming Eddie had sat up. He felt Eddie's willowy, pillow-soft fingers touch his shoulder, sending a torrent of chills down his spine. "Richie," Eddie said with a tired voice, getting a little closer to the boy. Richie smelt the vanilla and cinnamon scent from Eddie that made his heart flutter and his mouth nearly salivate. "Eds." He responded, turning to face Eddie, who was less than an inch apart from him now. "Hungover?" Richie asked, trying to show he cared about the boy. "Yeah." Eddie said, still seeming to be in a tired haze. Richie smiled a little, holding back the laughter and keeping it to himself. There were a few minutes of silence, Richie assuming Eddie had fallen back asleep. Richie stared at the ceiling, thinking about nothing yet everything at the same time. His thoughts were broken by Eddie's voice, which made Richie jump a bit from the previous long pause of silence that was so comfortably placed in his ears.

"Richie, I want to be with you."