Work Text:
The late summer sun draped its warm glow over Derry, casting shadows on the sidewalk as Richie Tozier leaned against a lamppost, his signature grin plastered across his face. He was waiting for Eddie Kaspbrak, who was always fashionably late. Richie could not help but feel a flutter in his chest whenever he thought about Eddie. The boy was everything he was not—organized, responsible, and extremely endearing with his sharp wit and cautious nature. As if on cue, Eddie rounded the corner, his cheeks slightly flushed.
“Sorry, Richie! My mom—"
“—almost had a heart attack because you forgot your inhaler?” Richie interrupted, raising an eyebrow with a teasing smirk.
“Very funny,” Eddie replied, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a smile.
“Let’s just go before she sends a search party.” Richie pushed himself off the lamppost and offered his arm.
“Lead the way, Kaspbrak.” They headed toward the local arcade, the sound of laughter and the chimes of video games filling the air. As they entered, Richie felt the thrill of competition coursing through him.
"Loser buys ice cream,” he declared, his competitive spirit igniting.
Eddie crossed his arms. “You’re on. But remember, the stakes are high—this isn’t just any ice cream. This is the perfect summer treat.”
“Yeah, well, prepare to be handing over your allowance, loser.” Richie chuckled.
They spent the afternoon challenging each other at various games, exchanging playful banter that brought a lightness to their hearts. Richie couldn’t help but admire the way Eddie concentrated, his brow furrowed and his tongue poking out slightly in concentration. There was something undeniably cute about him, and it made Richie’s heart race. After a particularly close round of air hockey, Richie leaned over, panting slightly, his face just inches from Eddie's.
“Looks like you owe me,” he said, a cocky grin spreading across his face.
Eddie huffed, pushing at Richie’s shoulder with mock annoyance. “It was just luck, Tozier. You know I’m the better player.”
Richie leaned back, a playful glint in his eyes. “Let’s settle this with a tie-breaker.”
“Deal,” Eddie said, a challenge sparking in his gaze.
But before they could make their way to another game, Richie’s heart fluttered with a bold idea. “Hey,” he began, his tone suddenly serious. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
Eddie’s expression shifted, curiosity replacing the laughter in his eyes. “What’s up?”
“Just that…” Richie grinned, searching for the right words. The air felt thick with unspoken feelings. “I don’t think I tell you enough how much I—” Before he could finish, Eddie stepped closer, his breath hitching slightly.
“What, Richie?” Eddie asked innocently.
Feeling the courage swell inside him, Richie ducked his head and took a deep breath.
“I like you, Eddie. Like, really like you. More than a friend, and it scares me, but I had to say it.”
Eddie’s eyes widened in surprise, then softened. “You mean… like, more than just friends?” The moment hung between them, the noise of the arcade fading into the background. Richie nodded, a nervous smile tugging at his lips.
“Yeah.” With a hesitant smile, Eddie closed the distance between them, his voice practically a whisper.
“I like you too, dummy. I’ve just been too scared to say it.” Richie’s heart soared. In a burst of boldness, he reached for Eddie’s hand, entwining their fingers together, pressing a soft kiss to Eddie's lips. Eddie quickly reciprocated, deepening the kiss. After a moment that felt like hours, they pulled away.
“So, what now?” Richie asked with a goofy smile on his face.
“Now,” Eddie said, a shy grin spreading across his face, “We finish the ice cream challenge and then… maybe we can figure this out together?”
Richie laughed, relief and joy flooding him, pressing a quick kiss to Eddie’s cheek before they both blushed fiercely. “Together sounds perfect.”
As they made their way to the ice cream shop, hand in hand, the summer sun setting behind them, it felt like the start of something beautiful—something they had both longed for but never dared to dream of until now.