“Are you sure we’re equipped for this?”
Steve brought up a good point. And, honestly, if Richie had been going at this alone, he definitely wouldn’t have scooped up the little thing so casually-- part of why he did, though, was definitely because he knew Steve would have objections, and Richie Tozier was a naturally contrarian individual.
“Rich, answer me, come on, you don’t even like babies?”
Another reason, though, was his big heart. It got him into trouble sometimes, but Steve loved that about him. And... Somehow much of the worry Steve had was erased by Richie’s knowing puppy dog eyes. They were standing in a broken down house with half a window and after having ransacked it for food and supplies, and somehow Richie’s stupid puppy eyes were able to erase any worry he could or should have.
He sighed. “Okay. we can. Let’s find somewhere to get this little guy cleaned up.”
Rich grinned victoriously, shifting the toddler or infant (he really wasn't sure, and neither was Steve) in his arms. “I knew he’d win you over! How could you say no to this little rascal’s face?”
“Richie... it’s dirty as--... It’s dirty. His face is dirty, this house is dirty, and we need to get out of here before we put everyone in danger. Lets go.”
“You mean we need to wash his face, alright alright, you dont want him to be filthy like me I get it.”
“It’s far less comfortable for everyone else than it is for you, Rich. Plus he reeks! Are you sure these things don’t have a sense of smell?”
Richie covered the babies ear in mock offense, bouncing him in one arm. “Covall, my love, they barely even have noses.”
“Maybe their smell receptors are even less blocked because there’s no cover!”
Ah. They. They referred to the roaming, rotting corpses just outside. Steve, even if he didn't seem to have ever paid attention in biology classes, was certainly right about needing to go.
Richie held the little one close to his chest and headed out the back, and Steve held a gun in one hand and knife in the other. Most of them had relatively Less Hearing than your average human, but it was still optimal to keep from making noise as much as possible, so Steve really would have preferred Not to be using a gun.
He did think Richie was cute, though. He really did like the idea of raising a baby with him... even if these weren’t the best circumstances to raise one in.
They managed to all be quiet enough, baby cooing in his soiled yellow onesie and a purple binky in his mouth.
But then, it fell. There was a bone tearing cry.
“Shit, Book it, Rich! Get to the car, I’ll meet you there!”
“You’ll meet me there, are you crazy?”
“Go!”
“No, I’m not leaving without you. Never.”
Steve wasn’t happy about this, but he guessed there was no time to argue any longer. They were already shooting through zombies as they were on their way, so it didn't make sense to stop now. This kid was crying so loud, fuck.
They finally got to the car, Steve in the drivers seat, and Richie huddling over the kid. “Thank god he wasn't grabbed. Holy shit. I just met you, little guy! Would suck to lose you... so soon. Huh?”
Steve’s eyes were on the road. But from what he was hearing, he could tell he was gonna be seeing a lot of Richie Tozier Being Gentle. He was very okay with that.
“Only time you talk quiet is when it’s to a baby huh?”
“You know come to think of it. Do you think that shooting affected his hearing at all?”
“Maybe. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, though.”
Steve smiled. Then his mouth spread to a grin.
Richie taught him that. Richie taught him how to do that. Cross that bridge when it came.
“I uh... Don’t suppose you’ll... change the first diaper, though, huh?”
Steve rolled his eyes, the corners of his lips still digging into his cheeks. “We can do it together.”
Together.
