Summer of '93 - Stozier

35

Thursday came quickly the next week, and Stan, physically and mentally exhausted from being Bowers' punching bag, literally and metaphorically, dragged himself over to Richies house, careful to avoid any sign of anyone from The Bowers Gang while taking the short cut passed Bassey Park.

He couldn't help the nervous thrill that ran through him at the thought that he might get to actually hang out in public with his friends again, after what felt like forever, but in reality was only a few weeks. But there was also a sicky feeling settling at the pit of his stomach, remembering that if they were caught, the whole town of Derrys homophobes would be sent that photo.

Oh jesus, He thought, stopping in his tracks. My parents might see that photo.. Oh god. I cant do this.
But when he looked up, He was already there. Richies house was just a few feet away and he could see Mike from the window. Ah shit.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•

"S-so, we all nuh-know what we're doing?" Bill asked, slinging his arm around Eddie.

"Yup." Jenny nodded, a hint of disgust in her voice.

"Jens distracting Belch, Im gonna try to take the photo from him while Bill and Eddie keep a look out for Vic." Bev explained. "I'll try and make it quick." She said to Jenny.

"And after that, Bill and I take the photo from Vic." Eddie said.

Stan nodded, feeling nothing but pure love for his friends at this moment and time.

"Mikes gonna drive us down to the Bowers farm and take Henrys photo while I crate a distraction." Ben smiled almost proudly, their plan of action being his idea.

"Right," Richie nodded. "And Stan and I are gonna.. slay the dragon!" He laughed nervously.

Stan checked his watch. "We better go now, actually. Patty'll have a bird if i'm not there in time."

Richie rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Girls."

"Hey!" Bev and Jenny both mocked offence, Bev holding her hand over her heart.

"Not you two, your.. cool." Richie shrugged, beginning to make his way to the door.

Eddie slapped his back the way a father would. "Go gettem, soldier." He laughed.

Richie straightened up and turned to him, saluting. "Aye aye, cap'n."

Stan stopped in the doorframe. "Maybe it'd be better if I left through the back way- Y'know- incase of- Bowers."

"Right." Richie nodded.

"I'll leave first." He said. "Wait five minutes so I can get far enough. We'll meet at Center Street."

Richie shrugged. "Yessir." He walked back over to Eddie and slung his arm around his shoulder, they same way Bill had a few moments ago.

Stan watched for a moment as Richie whispered something into Eddies ear, causing Eddie to kick him and turn red. Again, he felt a pang of jealousy. He shook it off and started walking towards the back door.

"Ouch!" Richie winced. "Im just sayin' Eds! I don't think he'd mind! Grab his hand!" He whispered, glancing over at Bill, who was talking with Mike and Ben, who were getting ready to leave.

"Fuck off, Trashmouth." Eddie muttered through gritted teeth. He then pulled Richie far enough away from the group that they couldn't hear their conversation. "Also, little heads up, Stan kept looking at you and blushing almost all through the week. Wasn't gonna tell you but eh." He shrugged.