Stealing Second
Summary: Eddie Kaspbrak is the best player in all of Derry, there is only one problem. He plays for a Catholic school where being gay is the absolute biggest sin. Baseball is his ticket out of his shitty town but as he batters up against Derry High, a smart mouth boy pulls his attention away from the game.
A/N: Wow, how long has it been? I was going to update Pink Lemonade but I decided to do this one first! Still can’t believe this has a following, lol. Y'all crazy.
Word Count: 3488
Masterlist
Part (1) (2) 3
“Can you just hold this for me? Fuck, help a kid out.”
Bill scowled, grabbing hold of the sign with a huff. “Th-this is literally for another team, why do yuh-you even have this Richie?” Stan smirked from beside him, Beverly’s hushed voice saying something that couldn’t be heard from the trunk of the car.
“Oh calm you tits Billy.” Richie joked, pulling out another piece of cardboard with their school colors. “We made one for you and your lover too.”
“Watch it.” Stan warned, eyeing his friend. “You better keep your mouth shut if we are going to watch Mike and Eddie with you, last thing we need is an altercation.”
“I’ll keep my mouth shut this time.” Richie replied, a smirk curling at the corner of his lips. “Unless I have to fight some homophobic parent, then all bets are off.”
“Behave.” Beverly nipped, “You fuck up another of Eddie’s games and he will never forgive you.” Richie flinched at her words, the reality of the situation seeping deep. He shrugged, having lost his charm, and closed his trunk with an eye roll.
“So when is your first game again?” Beverly asked, pulling the schedule out of her back pocket with a frown. “I can never read these bracket things.”
“Out game is in an hour, so we will probably only be able to watch about half of their first match before we have to warm up, but we should be able to catch all of the next one.” Bill explained, the group beginning to make their way to the field where multiple schools had scattered around, figuring out where they stood in the tournament. “I mean if they make it to the next bracket, if they win.”
“They will.” Stan muttered, “They’ve got the best player in the league, I guarantee they win the entire thing just like they do every year.”
Bill led them to the bleachers where Ben was already waiting, his warm and inviting smile washing over his new friends. “Hey guys, long time no see.”
Beverly beamed, sitting next to the stout boy who blushed at their closeness. “We told you guys last week we’d watch the match, we even made signs.”
“That’s nice of you.” Ben commented, looking over the poster that Richie held. “I know they are going to love it.”
Mike and Eddie were already out on the field warming up when they finally found their place in the bleachers. Richie couldn’t help but allow his eyes to rake over the boy with the number twelve stitched into his back, his uniform leaving very little to his imagination. His heart swelled when Eddie caught a glimpse of the group, a smile growing on his face as he pointed and spoke to his teammate who turned around.
They jogged the short distance to the edge of the field, slipping though the entrance and heading towards their friends. Before they were able to make it to where the others were a large player wearing the same colors rudely threw his shoulder into Eddie’s as he passed by, making the shorter boy stumble. As the two turned to inspect who had initiated the encounter the other kid hissed, “You better watch where you’re going faggot. Wouldn’t want you fucking up another game.”
Richie watched Eddie’s face twist in disgust, the slur etching hatred into those who had begun to watch the encounter. Mike’s hand lifted to hold onto the shorter boy’s shoulder, weather it was for support or as a silent warning, it seemed to work because Eddie shook his head and turned to leave. This infuriated the other kid who pushed on Eddie’s back, sending him into the dirt.
“What the fuck!” Richie hissed, standing from his seat. He felt a hand grab hold of his wrist, stilling his actions. Looking down he saw Beverly who shook her head as a warning. More than anything he wanted to rip himself away and beat that asshat to a pulp, he wanted to drive his smug face in to the dirt and make him eat shit but he knew that was an overreaction. The interaction ended when Mike pulled Eddie to his feet, the other kid laughing as he walked out on to the field.
“It’s fine.” Eddie whispered to his teammate, shaking his head. “I’m fine.” Mike only nodded, dropping the subject when they finally made it to where the rest of them were. Eddie smirked, eyeing Richie who could only offer a sheepish smile as he sat back down.
“Well look who the cat dragged in.” Mike jeered, nodding at Bill and Stan. “You two here to see how a real game is played.”
Stan snorted, a playful grin dancing on his face. “Yeah, here to watch Eddie carry your team Hanlon. Try and keep up.”
Mike laughed, biting his bottom lip in amusement. “Oh I could run circles around you Uris, guaranteed.”
“Alright, that’s enough testosterone.” Beverly cut, rolling her eyes. “Look at what we made you guys!” Richie recognized his cue, holding up the poster. “See, so you know how annoying your friends are!”
“Dude, that’s awesome!” Mike beamed, grabbing hold of the bottom of the sign to inspect it closer. “You really didn’t have to do this, it looks like it took a long time.”
“Nonsense, ‘twas nothing.” Richie retorted, “We figured we might as well root for a winning team for once.”
“H-hey now.” Bill nipped, shooting his friend a crude glance. “N-no need for th-that.”
Richie shrugged him off, jumping from his spot on the bleacher to nearly shove the poster in to Eddie’s face, his pride getting the best of him. “Whatcha think Eds, pretty awesome right? Bev and I worked all night and-“He paused, noticing the confusing look on his friends face, making his heart drop. Tears? Why were there tears? “What? You don’t like it?”
Eddie laughed, shaking his head shyly. “I love it Rich, it’s just-uh well-“Whipping his eyes he looked up to Beverly and smiled before returning his gaze back to the trashmouth. “No one has ever made me a sign before, hell the only person who shows up for my games is Ben. I just don't know what to say.”
There was a pull in Richie’s chest, his stomach twisting in to a tight not. “We’re friends remember? You don’t have to say anything, it’s what friends do.”
The shorter boy opened his mouth to reply but was cut off by the coach calling the two players names, demanding they return back to the field. Eddie nodded, giving Richie one last look before heading back with Mike. The trashmouth watched him leave before returning back to his seat, the lingering buzz from Eddie’s smile dancing on his skin.
The game was quite a sight. Richie gaped as Eddie took the pitching mound, fire dancing behind his eyes. There was a quick rush of air as his pitch slipped past the batter, landing squarely into the catcher’s glove. It had been a blur, and if he had blinked he would have missed the entire thing. Ben chuckled, nudging him playfully. “I take it you’ve never actually seen Eddie play full strength?”
“N-no, I haven’t.” Richie admitted, his eyes glued in the seemingly disappearing ball that cut through the air.
Ben smirked, “Ah, well you’re in for a treat.”
Richie soon found out that he wasn’t lying.
It was a clean sweep for Eddie and Mike’s Catholic School, wining every game in their bracket by a landslide. Derry High lost their second game, and Eddie explained that he was impressed by the spread due to the fact that their opponent was the state runner up. Bill and Stan explained later that what the short boy had said was true, but the fact that Eddie had lead his team to state championship every year he played was reviled only when it spilled from the other two players.
Richie admired Eddie’s modesty.
The sun was low in the sky as Mike hit the final run for the last game, the ball flying over the fence and sealing their win. As he ran to home plate the group of friends cheered, hollering and hooting with such enthusiasm that Mike shook his head from embarrassment. There was many students around them, some amused most annoyed by the results whispering rude and untruthful things about the star members on the team. It took all of Richie’s strength not to give them a piece of their mind but refraining because he knew that it would only piss everyone off.
“You are the most amazing fucking player I’ve ever seen!” Richie gushed, the group of friends now walking through the parking lot. Eddie groaned, rolling his eyes in annoyance. “I’m serious, how did you even learn how to play like that?”
“Oh come on, I’m not that good.” Eddie replied, shaking his head.
This made Stan scoff, “Please, you can out play some of the pros on TV. You don’t need to be modest, I’ve hated you since freshman year.”
“Yeah, Stan’s been having wet dreams about your skills since he was 14.” Richie jeered, narrowly missing Stan’s bag as it swung at his head. “That’s got to be nice to know, huh Eds.”
“That’s still not my name.” Eddie corrected.
“Oh you love it.” Richie played, ignoring the way his heart pounded in his chest. His face caught fire as he threw his arm around his friends shoulder, pulling him closer and pinching his cheeks. “I just know you do.”
Eddie huffed, pushing him off. “Beep beep Richie.”
The trashmouth gasped. “Et tu Eds?” He gripped at his heart dramatically. Glaring at Beverly’s smug smile. “You told him about that? How rude Bev!” She only shrugged in response.
“S-So are we g-gonna hit th-the after party? It’s a-all that our t-team’s been talking about. S-Some kid’s parents a-are out of town a-and it’s guh-gonna be a rager.”
Eddie cringed, “I don’t think so. I don’t do well at parties.”
“Oh come on Eddie.” Beverly whined, “There’s going to be liquor, everyone does better with liquor.”
“Just go without me.” He replied, shrugging. “I’ll be a drag, ask Mike.”
Mike offered a sincere smile but eventually nodded his head in agreement. “Eddie attracts the worst type of attention, he’s like a small target. No offense.”
“It’s true.” Eddie admitted. “Besides, if I don’t get home my mother will think I’m off giving in to my sinful ways.”
“No” Richie whined, tugging on Eddie’s arm with a frown. “You have to go Eddie spaghetti! Please, just tell your mom that you’re going on a date with a girl or something, Bev can pick you up. I’m sure your ma would wet her panties at the idea of you actually being with a female.”
“I don’t know.” Eddie replied, eyeing his desperate friend with doubt. “I feel like this is a bad idea.”
“Everything Richie comes up with is a bad idea.” Stan replied coldly.
Richie shot him a sharp eye, his annoyance radiating from his chest. Stan held his hands up in defeat, turning to toss his gear in to the trunk of the car. Looking back to Eddie he felt his stomach churn, the idea of going anywhere without the small boy making him nauseas. “Eddie. Eds, Eddie spaghetti, Eddiebear, come on. When’s the last time you’ve lived a little?”
Eddie sighed, pulling his arm from Richie’s grasp. “Fine. I’ll tell my mom I have a date but Bev’s going to have to sell it.”
Beverly smiled, smirking over to where Richie stood, “I’ll even leave hickeys if need be, no worries on this end.” Slowly she leaned down and kissed Eddies cheek, patting him on the shoulder in support. Eddie blushed, touching his cheek fondly before nodding.
Richie had never been more excited or more jealous in his life.
Eddie Kaspbrak hated parties, loathed them. The stench of hormonal body odor mixed with weed and alcohol wafted back to him, making his entire body cringe. Bill had been right, the entire thing was a compete blow out. There was kids from every school, players bringing anyone that would agree to come. People spoke too loudly, drank too much, it was a complete shit show and Eddie had never felt more out of place in his life.
He stood near the back corner, his cup feeling like a lead weight in his hand. His friends had scattered, Mike and Beverly were currently defending their champion beer pong title with Ben cheering them on, San and Bill were keeping themselves busy with other members of their team and Richie….well Richie was all over the place.
One moment he was beside Eddie, making crude gestures and horrible jokes, the next he was being pulled towards the dance floor by some girl who looked as if she had one too many. Eddie had smiled and told him that it was fine, because it was right? Richie was single, and apparently was the apple to many girls’ eyes as he was kept on the dance floor for a good long while.
There was a bubbling feeling under Eddie’s skin that he couldn’t pinpoint. It gnawed at his flesh, demanding more and more attention with each passing gaze that others offered the trashmouth. Richie always found his way back but was almost immediately dragged back in to the sea of students. Eddie couldn’t shake the sinking feeling in his stomach every time Richie left him, an underlying need for attention making him feel neglected.
Eddie shook his head. This was stupid. So what if girls fawned over his friend, it was all in good fun right? Most high school boys would kill for the type of attention Richie was receiving, they would soak in in and allow themselves to drown under it. Eddie didn’t understand why it bothered him at all, it wasn’t like they were together and it wasn’t like Eddie actually liked Richie that way…right?
Right?
“Hey Kaspbrak, what the fuck are you doing here?”
The small boy looked up, noticing his teammate as he barreled his way to where he was. It was the same kid from earlier, a constant problem in Eddie’s life. Some other students glanced their way, curious about the altercation. “I thought I made it clear that this party wasn’t for faggots.”
“Look I don’t want any problems.” Eddie squeaked, falling himself back into the wall behind him. “I just came with some friends, please just leave me alone.”
“Leave you alone? Your type isn’t welcome here!” The glares from other people burned Eddie’s skin, the hatred seeping from his words like poison, infecting those around them. “No one wants a fucking sissy boy breathing the same air as them.”
“Hey back off!” Richie’s voice cut, his body suddenly appearing beside Eddie. “He’s not bothering anyone, this was an open invitation celebration, he is just as welcomed here was the rest of us.”
“Oh what are you his boyfriend? You a cock sucker too?”
Riche’s body tensed up beside him, his body jolting forward. Eddie caught him by the arm, shaking his head firmly. Richie looked like he was going to burst, his eyes like darkened orbs staring blankly back at his friend. “Violence won’t help.” Eddie whispered softly in to his ear, bringing the trashmouth back to earth. He blinked, his body relaxing and his eyes softening.
Bill and Stan appeared, their brows raised in confusion. “What’s going on here?” Stan asked, glancing to Richie and then back to the other kid. The party seemingly stopped around them, all the attention being drawn to the altercation. “Do we have a problem?”
“Yeah we do, Kaspbrak isn’t welcome here. He needs to fucking leave before I beat his ass.”
“W-why nuh-not? He j-just wants to cel-uh-brate too.” Bill replied, his stutter becoming more pronounced with the rising pressure in the air. “H-he played guh-good today, h-he des-deserves to-“
“O-oh duh-does he?” The boy mocked, laughing at Bill’s obvious nervous tick. “Fucking freak, why don’t you go back to therapy, maybe they can decipher your mutant talk.”
Eddie didn’t realize what he was doing until his fist made contact with the much larger boy’s face, the force from his punch knocking him out cold. There was an accumulated gasp among the group, the sound of the body hitting the floor the only sound around. Eddie could feel his body catch fire, his small frame looming over the other kid as he spat on his unconscious body. “No one talks to my friends like that. No one.”
“Holy fucking shit Eds!” Richie boomed, grabbing hold of his shirt. “Oh my god, you knocked him out in one punch! Oh-oh fuck.” There was shouting from the opposite end of the room, a group of large boys pushing others aside as they yelled profanity at Eddie.
“Should we run?” Eddie asked, unsure how to even process what was going on.
“Yeah. Run.”
The two bolted through the back door, running around the house and out to the street. Eddie could feel the cold air bite at his skin, his heart pounding loudly against his ribcage. The shouting continued to follow them as they ran, the vulgarity echoing through the empty neighborhood.
Eddie’s feet carried him further and further away from the house, eventually losing the group of boys. Still they contained to run, their laughter like music and their footsteps like a pounding beat. Never in his life had Eddie ever done something like this, never did he stick up for himself let alone someone else. There was a type of high coursing through his veins, making his body catch fire.
“Okay.” Richie breathed, stopping short of the city limits. “Okay I think we lost them.”
“Holy fuck, did you see that? Did you see what I did?” Eddie yelled, unable to control his excitement. “I punched him, holy shit, I punched that kid!”
“Yeah.” Richie smiled, biting his lip and shaking his head. “Yeah, you did. Way to go Eds, out could after one punch.”
“My hand fucking hurts.” He confessed, suddenly aware of his aching knuckles. “He had a hard head.”
“Let me see.” Richie nipped, pulling his at his wrist. “Shit, you’re hand is swollen.”
“Yeah because I punched a guy.” Eddie replied proudly, bouncing on the balls of his feet. “I defended a friend! I’ve never felt more alive in my entire life.” Richie didn’t reply, shaking his head as he rubbed the tender flesh. Eddie winced in pain, surprised that he hadn’t felt the pressure of his joints.
“Are you drunk?” Richie asked.
“No, I didn’t drink. Alcohol doesn’t mix with my medications.”
“What were you doing with all those refills I got you?”
“Let’s just say their plants won’t need to be watered for a while.”
“Wow.” Richie sang. “Just wow.”
“Feel this.” Eddie demanded, pulling Richie’s hand to his chest and placing it above his pulsating peck. “You feel that? My heart is beating so fast.
Richie’s face began to turn red, his mouth gaping open in surprise. “I-uh yeah, I feel it. It’s fast.” Eddie laughed, his smile growing. “Real fast.” Richie whispered, his gaze dropping to their conjoined fingers.
There was a bright light shined at the two as a car turned the corner, heading their way. Richie dropped his hand, taking a cautious step away from his friend as the vehicle neared. “There you two are!” Stan hissed, stopping in front of the two. “God way to make an exit!”
“G-Get in lo-losers, we a-are going fuh-for ice cream.” Bill said from the passenger side, smirking at the two.
“Where’s the rest?” Richie asked, glancing at the empty back seat.
“They are meeting us there, just get in.” Stan replied rolling his eyes, “You two look like you’re up to no good.”
Eddie laughed again, opening the car door and sliding in. “Weren’t you at the party, I’m not.”
“Yeah, you’re going to have to watch out Monday, that kid is going to hunt you down.” Stan replied, the doors slamming as he began to drive down the street. “That was real stupid Kaspbrak.”
“It was worth it.” He admitted, shaking his head. “I don’t regret a thing.”
“Good.” Richie replied, “Because any one of us would have done the same thing if the roles were reversed.”
“Really?” Eddie asked, surprised at the sudden confession. Looking to the front seat, the two boys nodding, approving to the statement. He laughed. “What a night.”
“Yeah,” Richie agreed, staring at Eddie as a blush began to crawl up his neck. “What a night.”
Eddie had never been happier.
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