Eddie had always been a sweet boy. He’d always been babied by his mother but more so since his father passed. Even in school, he was treated like he was made of glass. He didn’t mind it though, no, not when everyone treated him kindly and looked out for him. His best friend Richie on the other hand was always the rough one. Never afraid to throw a fist or too or to sling insults and curse words. The two couldn’t be more different, Eddie loved being clean and neat, Richie loved getting his hands dirty and always found a way to rough himself up.
Based on the everyday fights one could never guess they were best friends. Most were shocked to find they spent every waking moment together. Even their close friends were surprised when the pair began dating in freshman year.
“No way. You guys are trying to trick us.” Was the first thing out of Stan’s mouth.“Eddie have some sanity. It’s amazing you’re so confident with who you are, Im proud, but trashmouth come on. THis has to be a joke.” But soon even he could tell the love was real. They bickered night and day about trivial things but their love was more than serious. When Richie’s parents left him alone for too long he’d walk over too Eddie’s, up the tree near his window and into his room. And if Eddie hadn’t begun locking the door to keep his mother from kicking Richie out, there she would find the two the next morning sleeping in each others arms.
Everyone told Richie not hurt Eddie. He wouldn’t dream of it. But each loser watched each scaring fight to make sure Eddie didn’t get his delicate heart broken. Being the only openly gay couple in Derry came with stressful moments that always seemed like they would mean the end of the dynamic duo. No one ever said a word to Richie as he would immediately fight whoever hurt his boyfriend. He threatened each attacker with the same “Don’t hurt him or else” Eddie on the other had did face some hardships head on.
The worst ones always were to him but one autumn day when Richie had the flu and Eddie refused to let Richie walk with him to school, the Bowers gang followed him home. He was cornered in an alleyway. Four against one.
“Look at this little girly boy. All by his lonesome, no fag to protect him. Where is he?”
Henry asked in a sickening sweet voice. THe rest of his goons just laughed
“Leave me alone Bowers” Eddie said terrified of the boys in front of him
“Nooo. You know girly boy, I’m a little hurt you didn’t go for a real man” Patrick cut in licking his lips. “You know your idiot is probably of with some girl, trying to be normal.”
“You know what Patrick, he is an Idiot but like you said he’s mine so don’t you ever try and make one of us doubt each other.” Eddie yelled at him getting closer with each word. He got Patrick against the wall and ended his sentence with a punch.
“You’ll pay for that you little shit!’ Henry yelled as Patrick held his now bloody nose. Little Eddie had unleashed the lion. By the time Eddie even realized what he did the boys where on the ground and bleeding. Eddie had a few scratches but wasn’t injured very badly.
He ran to Richie’s, not even worrying about his flue, Just kept running to him. Richie opened the door with wide eyes.
“Eds wh-what happened you look like a mess. Why aren’t you freaking out? Who did this?” Richie stepped aside letting his boyfriend in. He held his hands up to hug him but put them down remembering he was still sick. The other losers walked out of the kitchen, took one look and ran to Eddie. Eddie just hugged Richie.
“Babe I’m still sick.” Richie said rapping his hands around his small boyfriend.
“I don’t care right now.” Eddie said nuzzling his head into Richie’s shoulder. He told the story. Everyone starred in aw.
Richie jumped up and cheered.
“HA I told YOU guys. He’s the OR ELSE HA” He fist pumped.
“Wait, wait, wait. HE was the or else you always talk about?” Stan asked.
“Hey what’s that supposed to mean?” Eddie spoke up from Richie’s shoulder.
