Because I'm Still in Love With You

Chapter 6

*Authors note*
soooo uhhh funny story.. this story is a repost from my ao3 and i completely missed the last chapter 💀 anywayyyysss this chapter has a trigger warning for talk about self harm, please read carefully, love you all and ty for reading!!

Eddie lies in Richie's bed, hands roaming over the chest hair dusting Richie's chest. The soft glow of the sunlight makes Richie look so peaceful that Eddie can't help but admire his beauty. It's far too early for Richie to be awake, so Eddie isn't too worried that he'll be caught. Richie grumbles and shuffles around a bit. Eddie plants a kiss on the top of his forehead and pushes his face into Richie's neck. He takes a deep breath and feels himself falling back asleep. He can let himself sleep in, he deserves it.

The next time Eddie wakes up it's because he can feel Richie stroking and kissing his hair. He stirs a bit and places a kiss on Eddie's neck. "Mornin' sweetheart," Richie mumbles, his voice rough and deep from sleep. Eddie could definitely get used to it.

"Morning Chee," Eddie replies, placing his lips back on Richie's throat.

"Hmm," Richie hums, "I could definitely get used to this." He turns his face to slot his lips against Eddie's. "I'm so incredibly lucky."

"I love you," Eddie sighs against Richie's lips.

"I love you too, asshole," Richie replies, though he sounds a little choked up. Eddie decides to play nice and not tease him, not wanting to ruin the moment.

They lay there for a while until they hear the sounds of cabinets closing. They both get up, get ready for the day, and go out to get some food. Bill was standing by the stove, talking very intently with Mike while Ben and Bev snuggled on the loveseat together. They were wrapped up in blankets, Bev holding a steaming coffee mug in both of her hands, laughing at something Ben had whispered in her ear. "M-morning sleeping beauties!" Bill calls out. Richie, still a little sleepy, flips him off. Eddie just walks into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee for himself and Richie. Richie sits on the couch opposite Ben and Bev and pulls his phone out. He hasn't mentioned it to anyone yet, but ever since his phone call with Steve he has been writing some material in his notes app. Small jokes here and there, and some points he wants to hit in the more serious parts. He wants his coming out to be smart, but also a little light hearted. He knows he'll have to tell Eddie soon, because he's definitely going to be talking about him, but he wants to when he's absolutely sure that he's ready. It's not like he's in a huge rush though, he doesn't think he'll be ready to come out to the whole world for a while . The thought makes him freeze up. It's getting better, but it's still not great.

"So," Mike starts, "while we were shopping the other day I found a cool place that we could go to."

"R-r-really? What is it?"

"It's a fucking laser tag place," Mike grins. Bev shoots up.

"Hell yeah! We have to do that!"

When they arrive, Richie immediately yells, "I do NOT want to be on Eddie's team!"

"Oh really?" Eddie raises his eyebrows.

"Yes, I'm totally gonna destroy you small fry," Richie crosses his arms with a smug expression.

"Oh it's on asshole," Eddie challenges back.

"Oh man this is gonna be great," Bev rubs her hands together, "I wanna be on Richie's team."

"I wanna be on Bev's team if that's okay," Ben speaks up.

"M-M-Mike, me, you, and Eddie are gonna k-kill them."

"Fuck yeah!" Mike and Bill high five while Eddie laughs at them.