learning // reddie

chapter seven: comfort of familiarity.

Song for this chapter: before i close my eyes by XXXTENTACION.

WARNINGS: suicidal thoughts and actions, mentions of abuse.

RICHIES POV:

*TIME SKIP (two days before Sonia's arrival, four days to christmas)*

I sighed sadly as I watched Eddie wave goodbye. He figured it was time to go home and actually 'take care of his house,' as he had put it. He mentioned his mom not coming home for a few days but I'm not quite sure if he actually said that or not. I was too caught up in watching his lips smile and move smoothly. I am attracted to boys. I shook my head. Scratch that, just one boy. I smiled at the thought of Eddie until my cheeks hurt, and then my smile faded as I remembered that my parents would be home tonight.

My parents.

I had nearly forgot about them. Jesus, I wish I had. White hot memories doused my brain, filled with a burning pain. Flashes of fists pounding into my stomach and my ribs deteriorated the gate of emotions I had been holding in. I felt a tear escape my eye, and I swiftly wiped it away. I was not going to cry over my douchebag of a father.

*TIME SKIP: 9:37 p.m*

I glanced at the clock and broke out into a sweat. My parents would surely almost be home by now. Throughout the day, I made the sure the house was sparkling, head to toe. Hopefully my father would take it easy on me since I'd cleaned this shithole, not to mention even polished my mother's china, carefully, so I didn't break it.

I heard the keys jangling and bolted into the kitchen, hiding behind the wall. I had always done this whenever I knew my father was  i coming home; this way, if he was speaking, I'd know what kind of mood he'd be in. If he wasn't speaking, I'd listen carefully for the way his steps sounded. If they sounded light and quick, he'd been in less of a pissy mood. That means he had a good day at work. If they were slow, sluggish and drawn out, he was obviously drunk and I'd have to be careful with what I said.

The red door opened, and I inhaled sharply.

"The lights were amazing, weren't they?" I heard him inquire my mother.

"Yes. I wish we didn't have to leave," she responded simply, to which my father quieted down.

"Richard? Are you here?" His voice boomed through the house, sending a shiver down my spine. I swiftly put on a fake smile and revealed myself. "Yes, sir," I responded respectfully. From what I'd heard, he was in an okay mood. I didn't want to spoil it. His eyes narrowed at me, giving me a once-over before nodding.

"Go change your clothes. That shirt is hideous and guests are coming over soon," he dismissed me. I looked down at my shirt; what was wrong with it? It bore a simple Polaroid logo on the front, and it was black. I sighed before jogging up the stairs, and shutting my door slightly. He'd have a fit if I slammed it like usual.

That's when I heard the doorbell ring.

—————

EDDIES POV;

*THREE HOURS EARLIER*

I moved about my room, cleaning what doesn't even need to be cleaned. My room was already spotless, but I needed something to do. All of my chores were already done, and I had no habits other than drawing. I heard the front door click.

"Eddie-Bear? It's mommy!"

I openly sighed. My vacation was now over. What happened to the two more days?

I sped down the stairs, greeting the woman who claimed to love me. Now believe me, I loved her. I just don't think she loves me in the way she thinks she does.

"Hi, sweetheart! Have you been taking your pills?" She asked, a sweet sing-song voice masking her insanity. I almost rolled my eyes. "Yes, mommy, I have," I replied, taking on autopilot mode. My mother nodded slightly before running off to her garden. Gardening out of stress became a habit for her. "Oh, and Eddie-Bear? The neighbors invited us for dinner. I know it's a bit late, but they only just got home," she explained, calling over her shoulder.

Great. Not  only was I missing Rich, but now I'd have to socially interact with people. Gross.

I showered, knowing I'd regret it later as it washed away Richie's scent. I watched the suds disappear down the drain with a sort of longing in my heart. If it was so easy to disappear, why had I been unsuccessful? As if on cue, the barely-there scars seemed more opaque on my pale-ish skin, more tan than pale, but definitely not sunkissed. They were short, neat, and clean, ran along my left wrist. I don't know how Richie never noticed them, but I'm kind of glad he didn't. Surprisingly, neither did my mother. It was a shocker.

I remember the feel of the blade against my skin, the numbing of my emotions, and the soft music that played in the background; Clair de Lune. Now, I'm glad that I'd been unsuccessful. Looking back on, I realize how stupid I was.

Now, I have a reason to live. What's that reason, you might ask?

Well, his name is Richie Tozier.

*BACK TO PRESENT*

RICHIES POV:

My hands shook with nervousness as I stride down the stairs, not wishing to upset my father with poor welcoming etiquette. My fingers turned the golden knob and when I opened it, there stood Edward fucking Kaspbrak and his mother.

Eddie looked just about as nervous as I did, maybe more. I didn't realize that the guest my father had invited was my new fucking friend; my new fucking friend who stood anxious before me, before sticking out his hand to shake mine. Willfully, I took his hand into mine and firmly shook it, and greeted Mrs. K as kindly as possible. I didn't receive any glaring looks from my father or disapproving stares from my mother, so I must've done something right. When I looked over at Eds, though, everything was more than right. My heart began to hammer, my hands began to sweat, and my head swam with thoughts of the cutie. He was actually perfect, truthfully. I'm glad he's here.

Eds offered me a small smile, to which I returned. He then made small talk with me, obviously not wanting to notify my parents that we were already very acquainted. I was grateful. Eventually, one thing led to another, and our parents were sipping wine and talking about today's politics. Boring ass shit. I took his hand and led him into my room, and breathed in the faint smell of lavender and cherry medicine. It wasn't an unpleasant mixture; more like an enjoyable aroma. One you learn to love.

I was already infatuated with it.

He also smelled of coconuts and citrus, I noticed. I smelt it whenever he came close enough, or hugged me. His hands left the smell of Germ-X on my fingers as well. His hands were so tiny, but a cute tiny. One that you marvel in and wonder, "Why're they so flawed yet amazingly perfect at the same time?" He was sat across from me on my ugly ass maroon carpet, a regrettable decision made by my own mother when we first moved in. She insisted on maroon carpets. Personally, it just reminded me of period blood. Sorry, not sorry.

I admired Eds' cute dimples whenever he smiled, forming small craters in his cheeks, along with the way the corners of his eyes creased whenever he laughed. And his laugh.. God, it sounded as though angels were personally singing to me. His short, tannish legs were folded crisscross, and his sneakers lay just below his thighs. And the polo shirt he was wearing only added to the cuteness. Like holy hell, are you trying to make me fall in love with you?

Well, too late-

A/N:

haha! sorry not sorry for the cliffhanger ((:! i hope you enjoyed this chapter, expect an update tmr.

-nat