One shots

Returning home (Richie Tozier)

AN: Flashbacks will be in italics.

"So I'll meet you there?" I asked, throwing together both my suitcase and Richie's as we talked about how we were getting to Derry.

"As much as I'd hate to leave you there on your own for an hour or so, I think we have to." Richie said. I could hear rustling on his end, signaling he was packing up what he had taken to Los Angeles.

"I'll pick you up at the airport. It's only a couple hour drive to Derry from New York." I zipped his suitcase and started on mine. "How's the Mustang for this trip?" I heard Richie laugh.

"(Y/N), leave it to you to drag that car out for a life or death situation." I chuckled as I gave a shrug I knew he couldn't see.

"Hey, listen to the historian Rich. I'm not repeating how we left. We arrive in style and we will leave in style." I trailed off as the memory of Richie and I driving my mom's beat up station wagon out of Derry after high school came back to me. I came back to Richie calling my name. "Sorry sweetie." Richie sighed.

"Your mom's station wagon right?" He asked. I agreed. "Fuck. This might be harder than I thought." We stayed on the phone as we finished packing. "I have to go (Y/N). They're waiting on me to get to the airport."

"I'll leave in ten minutes Rich." I zipped up my suitcase. "I will be there when you land Richie. In the red Mustang." I said. Richie laughed. "I love you Richie."

"I love you too, (Y/N)." Richie said, going completely serious. "I'll see you in Derry." He hung up and I went to pack the car. Getting in after locking up the house and calling work to let them know I needed the week off, I took off. The closer I got to Derry, the more memories came back. Most of them were of Richie and I growing up. The rest were of the summer we went after Pennywise the dancing clown. Finally pulling into the city limits, I went to the Derry Townhouse and checked in. It would be another hour before I had to pick up Richie so I drove around the town to see what had changed. Various memories broke through the haze and made me smile as I played with my wedding ring. I texted Richie that I was headed to the airport. Leaning against the car, I thought back to how Richie and I met.

"Bowers!" I yelled as I caught the mullet-wearing bully rearing to punch a kid wearing glasses. "If you hit him, I'll pound you!" Bowers turned towards me before turning back to the boy he was picking on.

"I'll be back four eyes." Bowers threatened the boy. He turned towards me. "And I'll get you freak!" I raised an eyebrow and let my fist fall into my open palm forcefully, ensuring the resounding smack was heard by Bowers and his gang. My mission was accomplished when Belch turned to follow the others, dragging Bowers with him. I made my way over to the boy.

"Thanks for that." The boy said, standing up and adjusting his glasses.

"It was no problem." I shrugged as I bent to pick up his books. "I'm (Y/N) by the way." I held out my hand. The boy bowed and kissed my hand.

"Richie Tozier, at your service." He said in the worst British accent I had ever heard. I laughed as he straightened up. "I was headed to hang out with my friends down in the Barrens. Want to come with?" I nodded and followed him, listening to his crazy voices. It was then that I realized he would be in my life for a while.

I pushed off the car and snapped out of the memory as Richie came running to me. He pushed me back into the car when he reached me and engulfed me in a hug. His smile was bright as he pulled back.

"I missed you." He said before kissing me. "Let's agree that next time you just come with me. I can't do this whole week apart thing anymore." I laughed as I kissed him back and ushered him into the car.