Eddie roamed the halls of Derry High, his hands encasing a tinfoil covered plate. The school was deserted beside the couple sport camps and band activities that went on over break.

Eddie chuckled softly to himself, The Arts were not for the faint of heart.
Meaning, they could never truly catch a break. Constantly coming in everyday after school, practicing over their 'break'.
It was exhausting, yet exhilarating all the same.

Eddie was dropping by to give Mr. Manski some of the apple pie he, Bev and Stan baked yesterday. Mostly as an apology for his off put behavior recently, it was both stressful for the cast and director to have one of their leads disconnected from the project.

And Eddie had been completely disconnected. Moping around stage, and putting out half assed performances.
Eddie caught sight of his teacher and smiled.He raised his hand in greeting waving as he advanced toward Mr. Manski. Eddie opened his mouth to call out to him when his face suddenly fell, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

A feeling like he was being watched..
On high alert, Eddie slowly began to turn around, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end.

Before Eddie could prevent it, a hand was encased around his mouth, dragging Eddie into an empty hallway. Eddie tried to scream but the grip his attacker had on him only tightened.
Why me! Eddie thought pitifully and really tried to struggle away. He fought back against his assaulter, kicking and knocking his head back against flesh. Eventually Eddies treatment became too much of a hassle for the person and they released him.

Eddie scrambled away gasping for air his chest heaving dramatically. He scoot backwards on the dirty school floors, staring fearfully up into a grinning face.
It sent chills down his spine, the grin looked animalistic, like a predator licking its jaws before it feasted on its prey.

Eddie finally recognized through blurry eyes who it was and what kind of danger he was in. He forced his wobbling legs to stand and stared back at the boy. "R-Ricky.. Fuck off! Leave me alone you creep!" He shouted hoarsely.

Ricky shoved his bruising hands deep into the pockets of his letterman jacket.
"I had to find some way to get you alone! You're always surrounded.." He scoffed eyes flickering up to meet Eddies scorching gaze then falling down to stare at the floor.

"What do you want?" Eddie sniffed, still shaken up from the harsh treatment he was put through. He felt real fear in that moment, that someone was out to hurt him. Eddie still felt fear standing in front of him. Scared that at any second he could snap and really show him a world of pain.

Ricky licked his lips and advanced toward Eddie making him fall back a few steps to keep some space between them. Ricky noticed this and scoffed again, this time there was force behind his words.
"I want you to give me another chance." He said in a demanding tone, his eyes boring holes into Eddie.

Eddie stood his ground. His face hardened and he clenched his fists at his side, ready to defend himself if push came to shove.
"No." He spat out glaring the boy down.

Ricky matched his glare, his face darkening. He eventually broke eye contact and heaved a dry laugh before slinking toward Eddie once more.
"Will you hear me out?" Ricky begged waving his hands around in a threatening motion.

Eddie jumped backwards and began to feel panic rise in him.
"No. I don't like you, I will never like you, this isn't going to happen." He spit out quickly, finding himself nearly stumble over his words. His nerves were on high alert.

Ricky sucked in a breath his shoulders hunching up. His nostrils flared and his face began to redden quickly like a ripe tomato. Rickys hand flew out making Eddie flinch instantly but it landed pointedly in the middle of his chest.
"You're a prude, and a stuck up bitch." He seethed jabbing Eddie forcefully in the chest as he said so.

Eddie pushed Rickys intruding hand away and turned his head to the side to avoid looking at him. Ricky wasn't someone he feared anymore, Eddie saw him for who he truly was. A spoiled brat who was only used to getting their way.
"Case in point." He grumbled and began to back away when he found himself in another corner, his back pressed into a cement wall.

Ricky stared at him dumbly, open mouthed and red in the face.
"What does that even mean?" He demanded eyes straining with frustration.
Ricky took notice of the trap Eddie had fallen into and quickly moved in on him. "You think you're better than me? Well you're not, I'm going to make it so no one will want you." Ricky threatened rolling his shoulders and cracking his knuckles sinisterly. A devilish grin slot on his face as he drew his fist back, "And when no one wants you, you'll come back to me." He muttered lowly.

Eddie squeezed his eyes shut, his hands flying up to protect his face the inevitable coming soon. But the hit never came. Hesitantly Eddie peeked through a slit he made with his fingers. He gawked at the sight before him.
And what a sight it was.

Richie had a grip on Rickys elbow, preventing him from doing any damage to Eddie. Richie shoved Ricky back so Eddie had time to move out of the way.
"Hey Ed's." Richie greeted with a less than happy smile but a smile nonetheless.
Eddie returned his look with a tight lipped frown, he folded his arms across his chest, ready to go home.

Ricky looked at Eddie bewildered then gestured to Richie.
"Who's this? Your fucking boyfriend?" He laughed dryly, shoving his hands back in his jacket pocket and shuffling his feet. Trying to act all big and bad like he hadn't just been begging for Eddie to date him.

Richie snorted and looked at Ricky like he had spiders crawling out of his ears. Like the idea of him and Eddie being together was preposterous.
"What?" He laughed awkwardly.

Eddies face heated up with embarrassment and he rushed in.
He grabbed ahold of Richie and began pulling him toward the nearest exit.
"Yes. We were just leaving." Eddie muttered walking past Ricky keeping his head down as he tugged Richie along.

"Eddie?" Richie asked confusedly, now it was Eddies turn to get his share of that look. Eddie kept his eyes downcast but hoped Richie would catch on that they needed to leave, now!
Eddie looked up at him with pleading eyes.
"Let's go. Please?" He put emphasis on 'go' hoping Richie could take a hint and they could get the hell out of there.

However, this was not the case.
"Whoa, no! Is this guy bothering you?" Richie demanded looking from Eddie back to Ricky, a scowl settling on his face.
Eddie tightened his grip on Richies arm, digging his nails into his skin.

Ricky merely laughed and began rolling his sleeves up. "No, but you're about to. Got a problem four eyes?" He snarled.

Richie stared at him dumbly then shook himself of Eddies grip, strutting up to Ricky with the confidence of a guy who had 200 lbs worth of muscle.
"Four eyes? That's what you came up with? I'm wearing a fucking Happy Feet shirt, man." Richie drew back his fist quick as a viper and strikes down in the center of Rickys face. There was a loud crack and Richie drew his hand back waggling it in front of him to ease the pain that exploded from his knuckles.

Eddie gasped and slapped his own hand over his mouth. "Richie! Did you break a finger?!" He squeaked out and quickly latched onto him, trying to pull Richie out of the fight before it escalated any further.
Ricky could one hundred percent beat his ass, and Eddie wasn't looking forward to cleaning anyone up today.

Eddie swung Richie around while Ricky was busy recuperating and began dragging him to the door. Eddie urged Richie forward reaching the side exit and shoving him out frantically.

But he just wasn't fast enough, Eddie caught sight of Rickys hand grabbing a handful of Richies shirt and pulling him into a bruising punch leaving him staggering.

Eddie cursed madly and shoved Richie out of the school. He then whirled around facing a satisfied looking Ricky.
"Go fuck your dad asshole!" Eddie raved his eyes blazing with rage as he socked Ricky in the gut then took off running.

Eddie caught up with Richie who was hobbling through the parking lot aimlessly. He slowed down feeling his adrenaline rush kick in. He hit that guy, Eddie began laughing, "I fucking hit that guy!" He shouted in disbelief then laughed even harder.

Richie snorted and slowly began laughing with him then winced blood cracking on his lip. His tongue dart out, taking a lick at the metallic liquid. "You're welcome." Richie mumbled and Eddies laughter quickly died.

Eddie stared at Richie for a moment taking him in. He felt his heart rate increase, maybe it was the adrenaline still rushing in. But then he began to think about how Richie had stood up for him, he took an ass beating for him. Cue the butterflies.

Eddie felt like vomiting, "Thank you. For that." He replied awkwardly a tense silence falling over them.

"Well-"  Richie began to break the silence just as Eddie opened his mouth to speak,
"Would you?" Eddie began then flushed with embarrassment and gestured for Richie to say what he wanted to say.
"No! You go ahead." Richie waved him off.
They began walking through the parking lot, side by side, fingers gently brushing every few seconds.

Eddie cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair. He grabbed his key fob out of his pocket and unlocked his car they had stumbled upon in their aimless walk through the student parking lot.
"Would you wanna go out to eat? Or.. Hang out at my place maybe?" Eddie offered shyly then flushed red realizing how suggestive his words had sounded and quickly shook his head. "Not like a date! Just, I feel like I owe you." He chuckled staring down at the asphalt.

"Sure. I'd love to see your mom again. Is she still hot?" Eddies head shot up angrily, he was met with Richie staring right back, amusement reflecting in his eyes. He laughed and slapped the roof of Eddies car, giving him a lopsided grin due to his injured lip.

Eddie rolled his eyes and sighed. "Still using the same tired old jokes. Let it die already!" He exclaimed and climbed in his car fighting the flare of happiness when he watched Richie clamber in next to him and buckle up.

Richie lolled his head to the side a teasing glint in his eye as he surveyed Eddie watchfully. "Never." Richie sniggered and Eddie rolled his eyes then began to drive off.

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that fight was so cheesy lmfao but I was hyped up the whole time
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