✓ 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲 ━━ 𝗋𝖾𝖽𝖽𝗂𝖾.

𝘅𝘅𝗶𝘃.

     𝓐 week passed since the reunion between Eddie and Richie occurred. The two were inseparable, always spending time with one another. They were simply attached at the hip. It was a Sunday afternoon, the sun beginning it's take on setting. Bill, Mike and Stanley we're sitting at the table in a small huddled circle, their heads lowering as Stanley gave a glance toward Eddie and Richie who were on the couch, talking. "When is Ben getting here?" Bill asked softly, a bit of a frown on his lips. He knew Ben had a big say on all this, even if he loved seeing his friend so happy.

"In a few minutes..." Stanley answered with a shake of his head. The raven haired beauty held a hand up, a smile adorning his face as he allowed his arm to sling around Eddie's shoulders. Eddie had a grin plastered on his face as he pushed the boy away. "Stop it, you're insane." He joked. "Not even." Richie replied. He's never felt so light. Joking and actually having fun, Richie's never felt like this in his whole time being here.

     A faint horn could be heard from outside the house, catching the attention of the three boys and at the table. Moments later, a door opened, revealing Ben with several books held close to his chest as well as an old bag hanging from his left shoulder — Beverly walking in from behind Ben with a smile on her face as she said threw a 'Hey' at the three.

     Everyone looked up, seeing them walk in. Eddie simply said a greeting before going back to talking to Richie about his favorite genre of music, which was classic rock. Stanley glanced at the two at the couch before motioning Ben to come over to the small circle, Eddie unaware of what they were all whispering. Ben seemed puzzled before he went to the kitchen with Beverly.

     Stanley was silent before deciding to speak his mind. "I don't think Eddie's gonna cross him over." He truthfully said, glancing at the two. Ben's eyes also traveled to the two. "Why wouldn't he?" The dirty blonde questioned. Bill's brows raised, wondering if he was serious. "Look at them." He motioned to the two. "What about them?" Ben still seemed confused. Bill rolled his eyes at his clear obliviousness. "Eddie likes him." He muttered. "Likes likes him. As in not willing to give him up." Stanley butted in.

     Beverly frowned and had her eyes on the two, watching the way the two talked. "They seem fine to me. Why can't you guys just leave it alone?" She breathed. Ben shook his head to the side. "Spirits can't stay that long, Bev." He addressed. The red headed girl then went silent, feeling sympathy for her friend Eddie.

"We were waiting till you got here. Maybe you could talk to him, since you know more about this stuff than any of us do..." Stanley trailed. Ben then let out a breath of hair — not so much wanting to end the night on a bad note but he had no other choice. He set his bag down on the back of the dining room chair before making his way over to the living room. The four others observed the scene timidly, hoping Eddie would understand that Richie couldn't stay here.