Things "Best Friends" Do

{11} Start of Something New

-TW: offensive name calling, abuse, slight racism-

{a/n I am deeply sorry if I offend anyone, it's just writing. i do not agree with the things that are said, again it's just words on a screen used for entertainment. please skip over this chapter if any of the above issues bother you. if u need someone to talk to im here <3}

After the events of the quarry and sleeping over at Bills, Richie dreaded going home and then school the next day. As he's getting on his bike to leave, Eddie runs up, slightly wheezing.

"Hey Richie wait!"

Richie does, his feet planted on the ground.

Eddie stops in front of him like he's unsure of why he wanted to talk. He fidgets with his shirt and straightens, "Can... I ride home with you?"

Richie smiles his goofy grin and nods, "Hurry up." He laughs as Eddie jogs over to his bike and pedals vigorously.

"How's this for hurrying?" Eddie looks back and rolls his eyes, "Now you're behind!"

The fall sun peeks through fading storm clouds as the boys ride their bikes down the road. Eddie hair flops around as he hits bumps and juts in the gravel, Richie smiles, his life is pretty alright.
The wind whips through Richie's hair and his short sleeve button down whips his arms, Richie whoops, letting go of his handlebars to put his arms up in the air despite the consequences of last time. Eddie looks over nervously before shaking his head and laughing right along with his comedic friend. Richie studies Eddie, his hands safely back on the handlebars. Eddie's head is slightly tilted upward, his freckles stood out on his tan skin. His nose is pink from the quarry yesterday and it's already starting to peel, Richie thinks it makes him even more adorable. His legs are longer than they used to be, of course they are, it's been two years since their fight with Pennywise, and they've filled out in that time. But he's not even close to being brawny or muscular. Eddie's wearing short shorts again, of course, today they're navy. And he's wearing a white - slightly see through- t-shirt with a navy Nike emblem that makes his tan stand out. Eddie's signature long socks are shorter today, and He's wearing Navy converse that are scuffed at the toe and one of the soles is coming undone. Eddie comes across as really neat and precise, but when it comes to his clothes he really doesn't care as long as they match.

Richie on the other hand doesn't give two craps about his clothes. Not that he could afford anything else. His right converse sole is halfway off and slaps when he walks. Richie thinks it's pretty funny, but the rest of the Losers just want to buy him new shoes because, Stan's words, 'That's fucking annoying Richie.' They're all teens though and none of them have a job except Mike and Beverly who, even then, get paid minimum wage. So no, Richie won't be getting a new pair of clean white converse any time soon, but he doesn't mind. At least Richie can somewhat match his clothes, and he's not stupid enough to wear blue with orange or green and purple like some people at school...

Richie puts on the breaks as he glides down his driveway, Eddie following close behind. Richie hops off his bike and leans it against the wall outside his window, Eddie lays his on the ground and walks over to the other teen, Richie's eyes go from the door to Eddie's lips, then back to the door. He steps forward and then quickly decides against it.

"I.. can't.. my dad... y'know?" Richie frowns, pushing his glasses up.

Eddie's eyes narrow, "Your dad?"

Richie's eyes dart from Eddie to the door, "Yeah.. he- whatever, hug?"

Eddie sighs, "Sure, hug." Their hug is long and Eddie gives Richie a quick kiss on the cheek, the one away from the door and windows of the looming house beside them. When Eddie pulls away, Richie is blushing and the front door clatters open.