reddie + frank knows what’s up
Frank Kaspbrak wasn’t a smart man by any means but he knew when something was up, particularly when it came to his son. Eddie was a typical teenager, he studied hard and was exceptional at sports. He spent most of his time out with his friends, occasionally bringing one or more of them back to hang out. Frank didn’t mind. He had a good relationship with his son, making sure that Eddie grew up knowing he could tell him anything. Sometimes, however, he didn’t even have to…
Eddie got home later than usual that night, nose buried in his phone as he sat down at the table. Frank rolled his eyes fondly, already warming up the leftover plate of risotto he’d made for dinner. Eddie stifled a giggle, frantically texting back whoever he was talking to. Frank couldn’t help but smile.
“So,” he began, smiling warmly. Eddie looked up, seeming to forget he’d made his way home, “when can I meet him?”
Eddie’s eyes widened, ignoring the phone in his hand that was vibrating with incoming messages, “what?”
“This boyfriend of yours,” Frank said casually, as if they were discussing the weather. He retrieved the heated plate of food and placed it in front of his son. Frank took the empty chair beside him, holding out a fork, “I want to meet him.”
Eddie didn’t bother trying to deny it. It wasn’t like it was a secret. Eddie was very proud of who he was. He did what he wanted, wore what he wanted - hence his crop top and tight fitting ripped jeans paired with combat boots - not to mention his room was covered in photos of shirtless men. Still, he wasn’t sure he was ready for this.
“No,” Eddie replied simply, snatching the fork and hastily shoving the food in his mouth to avoid discussing it further. Like that was going to stop his dad.
“Why, are you embarrassed?”
Eddie nodded, still chewing, “yep.”
He thought for a moment, pushing the risotto around his plate with his fork, “both of you.”
“How bad can it be?” Frank clapped his son on the shoulder, “I’m excited to meet the guy responsible for putting a smile on your face,” Eddie couldn’t help but smile as he thought about his boyfriend meeting his father. Frank could see he was winning the argument and added, “I promise I won’t wear my ‘proud father of a gay son’ shirt.”
Eddie chuckled, shaking his head as he picked his phone up, “fuck you, I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
Frank resisted the urge to cheer, but only just.
Frank spent most of the next day preparing to meet Eddie’s boyfriend. He’d changed his clothes about three times, going back and forth on his decision to wear a suit. Right now, he was wearing a casual button up shirt and a pair of jeans; he didn’t want to look like he was trying too hard. He’d bought drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as snacks. He’d even rented a few movies, Alien and The Breakfast Club (his reasoning being if the boy was dating Eddie, he’d have to like one or the other.)
By the time Eddie returned home from school, Frank had near enough smoked a whole pack of cigarettes in an attempt to calm down. Judging by the look on Eddie’s face, he hadn’t masked the smell of smoke very well. He smiled, standing from his chair.
“Hey, kid. How was school? Is your boyfriend here or is he coming later?”
Eddie raised an eyebrow, “dad, chill. I told him he could park his truck in the garage. You cool with that?”
Frank nodded, taking several deep breaths, “yeah, sorry. I just- I don’t want to fuck this up for you.”
“I know you’ll like him, dad,” Eddie hugged his father, smiling as the older man ruffled his curls, “just don’t fucking judge me, yeah?”
Before Frank could ask what he meant, in strolled none other than Richie Tozier, the boy who had practically grown up with Eddie. The boy his son had claimed to be disgusted by, constantly bickering with, play fighting and making fun of. Frank grinned, only a little smugly.
Eddie rolled his eyes, blushing slightly as he slipped his hand into Richie’s, “shut up, dad.”
Richie smiled awkwardly, waving with his free hand, “hello, sir.”
“’Sir?’” Frank chuckled, pulling Richie into an enthusiastic hug, “Richie, I remember when you peed in our swimming pool when you were eight.”
“Yeah, sorry about that,” Richie said when Frank let him go, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck, “not exactly how I wanted you to remember me.”
“I remember a lot more than that,” Frank said fondly, handing them a bottle of coke each, “how mad you two were for each other, for example.”
“What can I say, Eds can’t get enough of me,” Richie said in a terrible southern accent, pulling Eddie close and rubbing the top of his head. Eddie shoved him off playfully, shaking his head.
“I’m gonna put on the movie, dick.”
“Love you, too,” Richie called after him, earning a middle finger in reply. He chuckled, about to follow him into the living room when he noticed Frank watching him. He cleared his throat, “erm, sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
Frank didn’t say anything for a moment, instead taking a slow sip of his beer. Richie waited, impatiently, squirming under the gaze of his boyfriend’s father. He and Frank always got on but that was before he and Eddie were a thing. Finally, Frank put him out of his misery.
“I’m glad it’s you, Richie. I’ve never seen Eddie as happy as he is with you.”
Richie could burst, he was so happy. He let his smile take over his face but resisted the urge to hug Frank; he wanted to maintain at least some of his cool guy persona. Frank’s approval meant the world to him, though, and Richie nodded gratefully.
“I know.” Frank said happily, watching as Richie left to join Eddie on the couch, the two of the elbowing each other to get comfortable. They soon settled down, arms wound around each other and legs tangled. As Richie dropped a kiss on top of Eddie’s head and the smaller boy turned to give him a proper kiss, Frank felt a swell of happiness. Everything had worked out for the best.
