Of Angels and Demons

Chapter 5

A/N: WARNING: This chapter contains descriptions of past-suicide, alcohol abuse, homophobic slurs,  and tiny hints of sexual abuse.

I'm sorry...)

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"Richie... Richie! Rich, I need you to wake up."

An almost frantic voice brought Richie out of his deep sleep.

He opened his eyes, his sight a little blurry.

"Hey buddy. I need you to wake up. I let you sleep a little too long. You're getting dehydrated." Eddie continued.

A hand went around the back of his neck, forcing him up into a sitting position.

This immediately had him wide awake.

"I'm sorry! But I need you to sit up." Eddie immediately apologized.

"Here." Eddie said, and handed him a bottle.

"What's this?" Richie managed out.

"Water. You really need some right now." Eddie said.

Richie gave the item a curious glance, before slowly lifting it to his lips.

Cold liquid hit his tongue and he instantly wanted more.

He chugged nearly half of the bottle before drawing back, taking in a deep breath.

"Thirsty?" Eddie asked, a small smile on his face.

Richie glanced at him, suddenly feeling tired again.

"Since you're sitting up, maybe I should take a look at your back now. I know it received most of the damage."

Richie gave him a weak glare.

Eddie scoffed, "I know you don't want people touching your wings, and I'll try not to, but... You'll just have to trust me... Do you trust me?" 

Richie hesitated for a long couple minutes.

Did he?

He sighed, "Yes..." 

A small smile formed on Eddie's face, "Alright."

He carefully moved behind Richie, and he could feel eyes piercing into his back.

"Shit." Eddie managed in a whisper.

"What? How bad is it?" Richie asked.

Eddie was silent for a few seconds, "It's uh... Not gonna be easy." 

Richie sighed, "I can take it. I'd like to get back on my feet as soon as possible."

Eddie took a shaky breath, "O-okay then. Don't say I didn't warn you. First, I'm gonna have to clean off your wounds."

He moved away and there was a sound of clattering before he returned.

"This is gonna sting." Eddie commented.

Richie didn't get to process the words before his entire back felt like it was being lit on fire.

He nearly cried out, flinching at the never ending pain.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Eddie chanted behind him.

It took a few seconds for Richie to recover.

He was panting already, "I'm okay. What's next?"

"Uh... maybe we should take a bre-"

"No! I've ignored my wounds for long enough. This pain will never go away until I'm able to heal." Richie protested.