for riverjudehaimx

You remember it clear as day when you believed the concept of love was ridiculous. You first learn that after witnessing love's failure firsthand with the announcement of your parents divorce. 

The aftermath seemed heavy. To be a child with separate parents who used to seem so in love but now can't even face each other anymore was hard. 

For a long time, you felt like you were being teared apart. You didn't want to choose, the court did for you. 

So, your mother and yourself left the big city and moved to a small town called Castle Rock. 

You were only fifteen and summer began. You left everything you knew for a fresh start but it was a lonely process.

But perhaps that's what you need -- distance. You vowed that love wasn't real and you couldn't fall for such a misconception. 

You moved into a small house, it was cute and could've belonged in an advertisement about the 'American Dream' everyone wanted. 

Except it lacked the perfect family. 

Before you knew it, people were coming to your door and introducing themselves. 

A family, consisting of couple and their son, who seemed around your age, introduced themselves.

Something about them as a whole seemed..off. But nevertheless, the boy welcomed you with open arms. 

"My name is Gordon Lachance. My friends call me Gordie though." He spoke softly, with a gentle smile gracing his face. 

"[Name]. Pleased to meet you, Gordie." You reply back, slightly reluctant to open yourself up. However, something in the back your mind urged you to befriend the boy anyway. 

Looking back, you're happy you followed your instincts and looked past your fears. 

Later that day, Gordie brought you into town and introduced you to his friends. According to him, they were slightly drifting away as the summers went by. 

He joked, "Maybe you could be the glue and bring us all back together." 

"Maybe." You replied, deciding to humor him. You weren't so confident about his statement. 

The two of you entered a ice cream parlor and came across three more boys. 

"Chris!" Gordie calls out, catching the attention of a blond boy who wore a white teeshirt, light blue jeans, and chuck taylors . He turns around and smiles at Gordie before noticing you lingering around Gordie. 

"Hey man, who's this?" Chris asks Gordie. You begin notice his features and a horrible realization occurs to you, 'Oh no, he's hot.' 

"This is [Name]. She recently moved into my neighborhood." Gordie answered, gesturing to you. 

It would be an understatement to say you felt awkward. You were use to safe distances, the attention you're being given was unusual. 

The two other boys with Chris approached you as well. 

They introduced themselves as Teddy and Vern. Vern had a chubby face, which made want to pinch his cheeks. It was fitting, he was quite adorable. 

Teddy wore black glasses and had lighter hair compared to Vern, who was more of a brunet. Teddy also had a damaged and scarred ear but you chose not to look too much or comment on it. It would be rude and you wanted to have a positive impression on the boys. 

For the most part, you decided after conversing with Gordie's friends that you liked them. 

The great thing was that they took a liking to you as well. They were your first friends at Castle Rock. 

But sometimes it was quite hard. Your status as new girl dwindled as the days gradually turned into months. 

Your mother seemed happier and befriend most of the neighbors. She joined local clubs and would often have small talk with Mrs. Lachance. 

You, however, still had a hard time adjusting. While you enjoyed having friends, the need for distance was like an itch you couldn't scratch. 

You knew you were getting closer to the boys, particularly Chris. You were aware and appalled at his home environment and the way the townspeople perceived him because of his family. 

Eventually, after a few weeks of knowing you, the boys decided to show you their usual hangout spot -- the treehouse. 

It was amazing, you've always wanted a treehouse. The introduction of the treehouse proved that the safe distance you kept was closing. 

It scared you somewhat. Deep down inside, you were aware that you felt too comfortable around them. Especially Chris. 

Someone could've easily told you were in denial and the truth is you were. 

But looking at your parents' failed marriage, you believed that love wasn't worth the risk.

You were content with the loneliness that surrounded you. At least, that's what you told yourself. 

But you couldn't help but to admire Chris Chambers. He was incredibly smart, despite what he believes and what the town believes. Like Gordie, you thought he would leave this town more successful than ever. 

He was kind to you as well. Actually, all of the boys were, even if Teddy could be a little exasperating at moments. 

Somehow, the five of you all had issues and had each other's back. It was nice being their friend. 

It felt even better when Gordie ended being right -- you were the glue. 

Apparently, an event that happened a few summers ago changed things and they were slowly drifting apart. 

You weren't sure what that event was and maybe one day the boys will tell you. You won't pressure them. 

The point was, they were all kind to you. But something about Chris made your heart flutter unwillingly. His quirks, his laugh, and smile made you happy.

It had been a few months since you moved to Castle Rock and met Chris Chambers at an ice cream parlor. 

It took a few more weeks after that meeting him for you to grow feelings.

And right now, you realized you were in love.

Out of fear, you vowed to never tell him. Of course, you failed. 

--- 

As you arrived to the treehouse, you realized the only person  that was there was Chris. 

You were aware that Gordie had to help his mother with an errand at the moment. You had absolutely no idea where Vern and Teddy is. 

So, in short, you were nervous. All the boys were always with you, you've never just been alone with one of them. It saved you the awkward silences. 

However, when you did the secret knock, Chris simply greeted with a charming smile. 

You were so in love, it truly sucked. 

But you replied back anyway to his greeting, "Hey Chris, what's up?" 

"Not much, I was just hiding from my old man." Chris replies, seeming a bit sheepish. 

It made you sad. He really didn't deserve this, he was just so marvelous to you. 

Honestly, he had an old soul despite being only fifteen. 

Realizing that you weren't going to answer, Chris tries to change the subject, "Why are you here? Gordie isn't here." 

"I know, I'm just bored. I've been kinda iffy being at home. My mom has a new boyfriend and I'm not sure how to feel about it." You answer, feeling unnerved about the concept of your mother dating. 

Chris, along with the others, were aware of your parents' nasty divorce. 

"Isn't that a good thing?" Chris asked, noticing that you were fidgeting with the hem of your stripped shirt. 

"It is, I'm just worried. I'm not use to change, moving here took me a long time to cope with. I'm just glad you and the rest were with me. I don't think I would had faired well without you." You confessed, mentally hitting yourself the moment those words left your mouth. 

It just seemed so intimate that you indirectly admitted that you needed him. 

"Oh yeah?" Chris asked, a playful smirk appearing on his face. 

You blushed, feeling defensive all the sudden, "Hey, don't get cocky Chambers. I equally needed Gordie, Vern, and Teddy for emotional support." 

"Aw, for moment I thought I was special." Chris melodramatically stated, acting as if his heart has been pierced. 

"You wish." You grumbled, finding interest in one of Gordie's comic books that were sprawled out on the floor. 

"You need to relax, [Name]. You're so uptight and fidgety." Chris comments, pulling out a can of beer and opening it. 

How did you not notice before? Well, probably because you were too busy trying not to make yourself look like a dweeb in front your crush. 

"I'm not uptight...I'm just careful." You argue, there was nothing wrong about being careful. 

"Yeah right! Uptight is your middle name, [Name]. I bet you wouldn't even drink a can of beer with me." Chris dared you, taking a swig of his beer. 

Usually, you'd grimace at the smell and sight of alcohol. You were a good girl, sincerely. 

But now, you felt motivated to prove you weren't uptight. 

"That sounds like a challenge, Chambers." You sneered, feeling a bit provoked. 

"It is, unless Queen Uptight isn't up for the challenge." Chris teased, making you feel irritated. 

You really liked him, but man, you wanted to punch him in the face...with your lips. 

"Game on, loser." You said, accepting the challenge. 

'Uptight my ass, I'll show him...' You think to yourself, taking the can of beer from Chris. 

"Hey, that was mine. You could've asked for your own." Chris whined at his lack of beer.

"Sorry, I can't hear you over my uptightness." You sarcastically say, taking a swig of the beer.

Truthfully, it tasted horrible but you needed to prove that there wasn't always a stick up your ass. 

"So cold, [Name]." Chris says, taking the beer back from you. In the end, you guys ended up sharing the cans together. 

Can after can of beers, you did feel more bubbly and giggly. You felt carefree. 

And what Chris learned out of this so far was that you were a serious lightweight drinker. 

For awhile, the two of you messed around. You played card or board games, then settled into reading Gordie's comics, and did ridiculous dares around the treehouse. 

You were seriously drunk, and Chris began to notice that. 

Before you could reach for another sip of the beer, Chris takes the can away. 

You pout, "Hey, what's the big idea?" 

"You're seriously a lightweight. You're not uptight, [Name]. You right, I'm wrong. No more beer for you." Chris says, feeling buzzed and intoxicated but not nearly as bad as you. He slides the remaining pack of beers far, far away from you. 

"No fun, Chris." You mumbled, scooting closer to him before leaning your head on his shoulder. 

Chris blinked, you were a touchy drunk, which was a 360 degree difference between sober you. 

"You're real nice, Chris. Really nice..." You slurred a little. Man, you're mom might just kill you if you come home drunk. 

"Thanks [Name]." Chris answers, feeling a little embarrassed. He wasn't expecting this from you, who seemed so closed off at times.

You see, despite your insecurities and ignorance, Chris actually liked you back. 

He didn't think he'd ever have a moment alone with you, let alone you cuddling him. 

"No, really. Chris, I like you a lot. I get scared because my parents weren't that great together. I don't wanna end up like that but you're soo..." You draw out, feeling a bit more emotional than earlier. 

"I'm what?" Chris asks, urging you to go on. He felt more nervous than before, people from Kansas could probably hear his heart pounding. 

"Perfect. I love you, Chris. I really didn't want to fall in love but you're the only exception." You confessed, closing your eyes as you snuggled into his side more. 

Chris smiled, any trepidation he felt before gone, "I love you too. You should take a nap or something. I'll be here when you wake up." 

And just like that, you were out. Later on, in the evening, you woke up mortified when you sobered up. 

You really had no filter when you were drunk. The good thing was that Chris liked you back. Your mom might kill you for reeking like cheap beer and staying out past curfew but you didn't care too much. 

Chris Chambers was amazing, no matter what anyone says, and luckily he was yours. 

You were still terrified at the idea of being in a relationship but felt comforted that you weren't alone. Chris was with you and you guys would do fine. Both of you aren't like your parents. 

Thanks to him, you were on your way to believing in love. 

--- 

author's note:

this is for kali! I'm 99.9% sure that chris chambers is ooc and this sucked but I tried. I'm also sorry that this was shorter than expected.  I proofread this out loud so I'm hoping there isn't too many mistakes. also, requests might come slower than usual now that my winter vacation is over. anyway, i hoped you enjoyed kali!!