Chapter Text
Chapter 16: Basement Sleepover
The day after Richie and Will became official, Richie came home shortly before noon. He closed the front door and rested his back against it with a sigh. He was tired, but he was also high on the night he’d just had with Will. It was the strangest floaty feeling for Richie, and he just couldn’t describe it.
Beverly, Eddie and Mike came out of the living room, their eyes on Richie’s neck. “Holy shit…” Eddie said surprised, “Are you even fucking alive? Your neck looks insane.”
Richie smiled dreamily, “I’ve never felt more fucking alive in my life.”
“You totally lost your virginity last night, didn’t you?” Beverly asked, an amused look in her eyes.
Richie held up a finger, “I refuse to give you perverts any details, but… it was the best night of my life.”
“No details? That’s a first for you.” Beverly laughed, “You must really care about him.”
“I love him.” Richie nodded.
Ben and Stanley came out of the kitchen, “I’m not sure if we should be happy for you, or if we should call an ambulance for all those bruises on your neck.” Ben looked amused.
Richie turned his permanent smile towards Ben, “These are badges of honour, nothing less than that.”
Stan moved closer to inspect his neck, “You know, I always figured if I saw bruising on your neck, it would be because you pissed someone off who was willing to strangle you to death… good job I guess on not having that be the case today.”
Bill came down the stairs and looked at Richie curiously, “H-Have a g-good night last night?”
“Yeah, please tell us at least one thing: are you two dating yet?” Mike questioned.
“We sure fucking are.” Richie smiled brightly.
“Yes!” Beverly and Eddie both cheered before Beverly wrapped her arms around Richie, Ben joined in on the hug.
Richie pressed a kiss to Beverly’s cheek before pressing one to Ben’s, “You two are so fucking beautiful today… now go be fucking beautiful together.” Richie said placing Bev’s hand in Ben’s before slipping away before he could see their reactions. He approached Bill who was standing in front of the stairs watching the scene.
“I’m going to bed. I need to fucking sleep.” Richie said locking eyes with Bill, “What’s your fucking problem?”
“You.” Bill said keeping a straight face.
“Why?” Richie quirked a brow confused.
“Because you’re f-f-fucking gay.” Bill said with a serious face.
Richie stared back at him, “Wanna go have hate sex and solve this dilemma?”
Bill nodded, “Yeah. Let’s go fuck o-on Eddie’s bed.”
“Why my bed?!” Eddie chimed in, mortified, as if anyone in the house even believed a word of what they were saying.
Richie nodded, “I fucking knew it. Let’s go. We’ll use pictures of Eddie’s mom to get us started off.” Richie held out a hand to Bill.
Bill took Richie’s hand, lacing their fingers before the two of them headed upstairs together.
“You two are so stupid sometimes.” Stan said crossing his arms.
“Don’t be jealous.” Richie said looking back over his shoulder at Stan, “Just join in.”
Stan failed to hide his smile as he shook his head, “Have a good sleep, Richie.”
Richie smiled and let go of Bill’s hand as they moved out of eye sight of their other friends. They reached Richie’s door. Bill looked at Richie, “G-Good job by the way.”
“On getting laid?” Richie asked.
“On f-f-finally coming out and being y-yourself.” Bill said honestly, “I know th-that wasn’t easy for you.”
Richie looked at Bill, surprised that he was acknowledging that struggle. It wasn’t that he didn’t think Bill cared, but more that he didn’t know Bill had thought that deeply about it.
Normally, Richie might have made a joke, but Will had drilled into his head the importance of being vulnerable sometimes. It was finally starting to hit home. Pulling Bill into a warm embrace, he held him close, “You guys are the fucking best, you know that? I’m lucky I have you all.”
Bill rubbed Richie’s back, “I-I think we can a-all agree without you, I’d be dead.”
Richie slowly pulled back and smiled, “Yeah well, someone had to kill that fucking clown.”
Bill laughed a little, “Yeah, y-you’re right.” Bill gripped Richie’s shoulder, “Get some r-r-rest you homo.”
With that, Bill headed off towards the attic where Bill had been using as his writing room. Richie smiled and headed to his own bedroom, closing the door behind him before he flopped on his bed, allowing sleep to finally take him.
***
Will had come over after school on Thursday night with a large can of paint that he’d brought over in Mike Wheeler’s car. The entire Loser’s Club was immediately surrounding him, giving both congratulations as well as condolences for officially dating Richie.
“So, you finally bit the bullet and decided to date Richie? I’m so sorry.” Stanley said patting his shoulder.
“Fuck you.” Richie flipped off Stan with a single hand.
Will chuckled, “I’m glad he finally came around. I’ve only been interested since the summer time.”
“Yeah, he’s kind of slow.” Stanley nodded.
“Special needs.” Eddie nodded with a grin.
“We still l-love him b-b-but he’s gotta stop th-thinking about c-cock so much and use h-his brain.”
“Why the fuck is everyone roasting me today?” Richie crossed his arms, not particularly angry about it, it was still funny to him too.
Will looked at Richie, “Who needs enemies when you have friends like these?”
“I know, right? Fucking assholes. You just wait until one of you fuckers needs a favour, I might be ‘too stupid’ to fucking know how to assist.” Richie made his empty threat.
Beverly pulled Richie into a hug, “It’s ok Richie… we won’t ask you to do anything too complicated in the future.”
“I hate you all.” Richie said hugging Beverly back.
When Richie finally got Will into his bedroom to help paint the recently primed walls, Will looked at Richie, “How much did you tell them about the other night exactly?”
“Nothing, I just told them we were dating. They’re aware we had sex, but one look at my fucking neck hickies and they knew that was the case.” Richie assured him as Will helped him move his furniture towards the center of the room.
“You gave them zero details?” Will asked with disbelief before placing a hand on Richie’s forehead, “Are you feeling ok?”
Richie smiled and took Will’s hand off his forehead, “I know, I know… I just figured you might fucking want some things to remain private.”
Will looked a bit surprised, but pleased by Riche’s response, “I actually like that idea a lot.”
“I figured.” Richie nodded.
“You know… I don’t mind some sharing but, no crazy intimate details.” Will admitted.
“I will be sure to tell everyone that you suck cock like a fucking specially designed sex robot from outer space.” Richie said earning a laugh from Will.
“Maybe don’t tell them that.” Will said shaking his head with a smile.
“Now let’s get these fucking walls painted. The sooner we paint them, the sooner we can fuck.” Richie joked.
“Hey, I’m not a piece of meat.” Will said with a smile as he moved to the painter’s masking tape to protect the wooden boarder at the bottom of the wall.
Richie began placing down the tarp on the floor, ensuring it was ready to catch any of their potential mess. “No but you’re a damn fine piece of ass.”
Will rolled his eyes, “Pig.”
“I can fucking show you just how much when the time is right.” Richie grinned, adjusting his glasses with one hand.
The paint job took around an hour per regular wall and half an hour on the smaller walls. The room smelt strongly of paint, and Richie knew for a fact they weren’t going to be able to sleep in there that night. Not without a massive headache by morning.
“It looks fucking good in here.” Richie nodded with approval, “Still, I guess we better find another place to sleep tonight, because sleeping in this room isn’t fucking possible.”
“You know, the basement might be fine. I know Ben had the walls all primed and sanded last time I was here.” Will pointed out.
“Good thinking Byers. I’ll get the blow-up mattress going and we’ll stay down there.” Richie then looked at Will with a devious smirk, “It’ll also be fucking harder to hear your orgasmic moaning from down there.”
Will couldn’t even suppress his amused smile as he rolled his eye again and grabbed up the paint lid, putting it back on the paint can, “You can keep dreaming about that, Richie.”
Before dinner, Richie got the mattress blown up and ready to be slept on. He placed some candles around for them to light up later, and he added pillows and sheets for comfort. It was a little cooler in the basement, but that might work as an advantage when he and Will got things heated up, or so he assumed.
The steak stir fry that Beverly made that night was one of the best things she’d made thus far in the house. Richie wasn’t much of a cook, but that only made him appreciate the things his friends made for the group dinners.
When they finally did make it down to the basement that night, after a quick shower, Richie lit the candles around the bed, allowing for a soft warm glow to light up the room. It was making the rather bare basement look like a cozy getaway once he turned off the lights.
Will and Richie got into their PJs, their hair slightly damp, and they both laid down on the mattress. It certainly wasn’t as comfortable as a normal bed, but it was a far cry from sleeping on a rock-hard floor.
Richie was laying on his back, staring up at the candlelight reflected on the ceiling. “This is actually crazy fucking romantic…”
Will began to laugh a little as he laid there on his back also staring at the ceiling. Richie furrowed his brows and looked over at Will, “What the fuck are you laughing at?”
“I mean; I guess it is… it’s just you act like you’ve never lit a candle before.” Will smiled at him.
Richie smiled back at him, “Typically I don’t, because I don’t live in the fucking stone age.”
Will rolled onto his side, facing Richie, an arm draping over his middle, “For someone who was trying to seduce me earlier, you’re barely making any moves on me now that we’re alone down here.”
“Will, I’m not a piece of meat.” Richie teased, using Will’s words against him.
“No, but you’re a damn fine piece of ass.” Will responded, remembering their earlier conversation.
Richie grinned and leaned closer, pressing his lips to Will’s. He felt a hand coming up to his face, cupping his jaw as Will kissed him back slowly.
Running his fingers through Will’s soft brown hair, Richie felt his erection beginning to grow. He felt fingers grab his wrists and almost immediately they were pinned above his head as Will hovered over him, a mischievous look on his face. Richie had no time to question Will before he felt teeth against his neck followed by lips, suckling at the side of his neck.
He let out a soft groan, “Oh fuck… g-gentle ok? My fucking neck still hasn’t recovered from the other night…”
Will hummed softly and moved his lips to Richie’s ear, “Would you prefer I sucked on something else?”
The whispering of Will’s words sent his heartrate into a frenzy. He nodded,” Fuck yes…”
Will hovered over him, “Say please.”
“Please.” Richie breathed, a desperate look in his eyes as he stared back into Will’s green rimmed hazel eyes.
Will looked amused by how compliant Richie was. Slowly, Will stopped pinning Richie’s wrists as he pulled his own shirt over his head, tossing it aside. He pulled off Richie’s shirt next, his hands moving along Richie’s chest, “You’re being really good right now… I might just have to reward you.”
“God damn it, that praise is making me so fucking hard right now…” Richie admitted, knowing Will was probably filing that information away for later.
Immediately, Will pulled the blanket covers over his head as he moved lower, kissing down Richie’s navel. There was a deafening silence as Will moved down Richie’s body. Richie lifted his hips as Will pulled down his boxers and PJ pants in one go.
The feeling of a mouth latching onto his cock made Richie clench his eyes closed, groaning softly. “Fuck yes… Oh fuck…”
Will’s tongue somehow made its way out of his mouth, licking Richie’s testicles all the while the head of Richie’s cock was lodged in the back of Will’s throat.
“Holy fuck, you really are a fucking wizard…” Richie commented, feeling Will hum around his cock in response.
Will bobbed his head up and down from under the covers, and Richie knew he had to put a stop to what Will was doing before he came too soon. “I wanna fuck you so bad…” Richie said, “Get back up here…”
Will climbed up from under the covers, and Richie kicked off his remaining clothes around his ankles. He rolled Will onto his back, pressing their lips back together. “Mm…” he hummed before removing Will’s remaining clothes next, sliding his PJ pants low enough that Will could kick them off.
He was about to reach to the right. The right, where his drawer should have been. They weren’t in his room he quickly realized. That was when an even worse realization hit.
“Fuck… I forgot the lube upstairs… “Richie cursed with irritation.
Will looked up at him, his hazel eyes reflecting the candlelight, “I could go get it if you want?”
“Now that I’ve got you fucking naked? No way.” Richie grinned. “You’d give them one Hell of a fucking show, and fuck, you might even give Eddie his first fucking boner, but I’m not risking that.”
“I had considered dressing first you know?” Will smiled, a laugh emitting from his throat, “Point taken… you could just use spit, it’ll be fine.” Will suggested.
Richie contemplated that idea, until his mind ventured deeper into the crevices of the gutter where his brain usually lived. “I have an idea… don’t worry, just relax and let me fucking do my thing…”
Will looked curiously up at Richie, but he complied, laying back down as Richie hovered over him again. Leaning down, Richie pressed his lips to Will’s. His one hand braced on the mattress, while the other hand was running down the middle of Will’s body. He could feel every line and muscle on Will’s toned form.
Richie was still incredibly hard as he ground himself against Will’s erection, earning a sensual groan from his lover.
“Turn over, I’ll massage you.” Richie said, “I wanna fucking touch so much more of you…”
Will complied easily, rolling onto his stomach. Richie gripped Will’s shoulders firmly and began to massage the knots that were formulated in Will’s shoulders. Will let out soft sighs of pleasure, enjoying the feeling of Richie’s hands on him. Richie leaned closet to will’s ear, “I had no idea you were so fucking stressed out…” Richie commented.
“I-I’m ok, I just sit in weird postures when I’m sketching sometimes… mm…” Will let out a relieved sigh, and Richie knew he was massaging tension out of Will that had probably been there for years, sketching posture or not.
Richie pressed his lips to the back of Will’s neck, trailing his kisses gently along his shoulders as he did. Using both fists, he pressed into some more knots on Will’s back, listening to Will moan below him.
“Is this the first time someone’s massaged you?” Richie asked curiously, noting the way Will squirmed with delight below him.
“Y-Yeah… I mean, my mom when I was little massaged me but… its been a while…” Will admitted.
“I guess I’ll have to make sure to get fucking on it more often…” Richie leaned close to Will’s ear, “Especially if I can get you this worked up from it…”
Richie firmly bit Will’s shoulder, and he felt Will shiver as he did so, “Oh my God, Richie… this is so good…”
“These fucking fingers of mine are magic, my dear boy… but I won’t let them have all the fun…” Richie said before dragging his tongue up Will’s spine.
Will bit his lower lip at the side, and rocked his hips forward a bit as Richie leaned closer to his ear to whisper, “I want you nice and relaxed before I fuck you tonight…”
Will breathed out slowly, his entire body limp below Richie. Moving his hands a bit lower, he worked the heel of his palms over the small of Will’s back, working out all the tension easily. Will’s skin was still flush from the shower he’d just had. It made the massage a little easier at loosening his tight muscles.
The candlelight flickered around them, and Richie felt like he was performing some sort of sexual ritual to bring Will the most pleasure he could. Richie’s eyes kept moving to Will’s rather nicely shaped ass. He was trying to take his time with the massage, but that was his biggest distraction as he worked out the knots.
Laying over top of Will, he ran his fingers through Will’s hair and slowly kissed up the side of his neck until his lips were close to Will’s ear, “I want to eat you out.” He said in a low tone.
Will stirred a little below him as he seemingly didn’t understand what Richie was saying, “You… what?”
Richie grinned as he realized just how innocent Will could be sometimes, “Just fucking relax and trust me… I have the solution to our lubrication problem…”
“Alright… I trust you.” Will said softly.
Sliding down Will’s back slowly, he trailed kisses down Will’s spine. Richie noted that Will didn’t move, trusting Richie with whatever his plans were.
Pressing his lips against Will’s lower back, he let his teeth gently graze Will’s skin, earning a round of goosebumps and shivers. Gently, Richie placed both hands on Will’s ass cheeks massaging slowly whilst spreading them apart carefully. Will seemed unaware of what Richie was doing, and it was probably better that way.
Leaning in, Richie slowly let his tongue trail against Will’s opening. Noting one of Will’s legs twitched just a second before Will shot up, looking back with an alarmed expression.
“What… are you doing?” Will asked, seemingly unsure if he just imagined what Richie had done.
“Well, I was trying to fucking eat your ass, but you moved.” Richie said deciding to be straight forward about it.
“…You’re willingly putting your mouth there?” Will questioned with concern.
“My tongue, yeah. Would you rather I didn’t?” Richie asked him, not sure if he should feel embarrassed or calm.
Will looked thoughtful for a moment before he slowly laid back down, still a bit of confusion on his face. Richie was a bit surprised that Will didn’t question him further, “Just relax, ok?”
“Ok.” Will nodded.
Richie got back into position and immediately let his tongue glide back over Will’s entrance. Will didn’t move this time, and Richie felt a little more confident. He’d never done anything even remotely close to this before in his life, and part of him was worried that Will thought it was gross and was just going along with it. That went out the window the moment he flicked his tongue just the right way and Will let out a soft sound, his face pressed into the pillow.
Reaching up with one hand, Richie could feel Will’s erection in his hand. It was hard, and stiff enough to hang a wet towel from it. Keeping a gentle, but firm pressure with his tongue, Richie pressed the tip of his tongue inside gently. In the same instance, he stroked Will’s erection, sending goosebumps all over Will’s light skin.
Will let out a soft moan, and lifted his knees a bit more, a submissive action in response to Richie’s ministrations.
“Do you want me to stop?” Richie asked after a few minutes.
Will shook his head, “I don’t mind if you keep going but… I kind of want more though…”
Richie smirked, “I know what you fucking need.”
Richie pushed two fingers into his mouth and coated them in saliva before he pressed them slowly into Will’s entrance.
“Oh… that’s better….” Will gasped, remaining limp under him as Richie slowly moved his fingers in and out, curling them into Will’s prostate.
“I’m gonna fuck you now, is that ok?” Richie asked before he climbed up Will’s body, dragging his tongue up Will’s spine to ensure more shivers.
“Yes, please do…” Will said as Richie spit onto his hand, rubbing it into his erection for further lubrication.
Richie pressed the head of his erection against Will’s opening and he carefully slid inside, listening to Will’s sensual moan.
“Oh God… Richie…” Will looked over his shoulder at him.
Richie pressed kisses along Will’s shoulders as he began to thrust slowly, “Mm… don’t worry… I’m right fucking here…” He kissed up Will’s neck rocking his hips at a smooth pace, not going too fast or too slow.
“You’re so fucking beautiful…” Richie whispered, gently catching Will’s earlobe in between his teeth for a moment.
“No, you… you’re beautiful, Richie…” Will gasped softly, gripping the pillow with his hands, “C-Can we change position?”
“Am I hurting you in this position?” Richie asked ceasing his motions.
Will shook his head, “No, I just want to look at your face…”
Richie paused for a moment, finding the sentiment quite sweet. He carefully slid out of Will’s tight body before he sat up so Will could roll onto his side. Rolling onto his own side, he carefully gripped Will’s thigh, pulling it over his hip before he reached down, sliding the head of his erection back inside of Will.
From that position, Will was able to control the pace just as much as Richie was. It put them both on a more even playing field which Will seemed to appreciate as he rocked his own hips along with Richie.
Will cupped Richie’s face and began kissing him deeply. Richie rocked his hips, one hand holding Will’s thigh in place while the other hand was making its way through Will’s brown hair. He hummed softly, sliding his tongue against Will’s. “Mm…”
Moving in sync with Richie, the two began to move a little faster. Richie felt his body heating up more despite the cool air of the basement, “Fuck…” He groaned as they broke their kiss.
Will looked into Richie’s eyes, “Don’t stop. You feel amazing…”
Richie grinned, “Just try and fucking stop me…” He teased as he rocked his hips harder, slamming his erection directly into Will’s prostate with each thrust, “Oh fuck, you’re so tight…”
Will pressed his face into Richie’s neck, moaning as one his hands gripped at Richie’s back tightly, “I… I’m so close, Richie… Oh shit…”
Richie licked along the rim of Will’s ear, “You better not fucking hold back when you cum… I love how you sound, and down here, we have great fucking acoustics…”
Richie removed his other hand from Will’s hair and quickly wrapped it around Will’s erection. He jerked his hand smoothly, using his other hand to keep Will’s thigh in place as he rutted directly into his prostate.
“Ooh… Richie… harder.” Will pleaded, his cheeks going a bit more flushed as Richie slammed harder into him.
“That’s it, babe… that’s it… I’m gonna fucking fill you up really soon…” Richie warned him, “You gotta wait to cum though, I know you want to do it now… but you have to wait…”
“I… I’ll wait... just please hurry….” Will breathed heavily.
“Good boy…” Richie purred in Will’s ear, “Fuck… here I go…”
With another five pumps Richie was cumming deep inside of Will, his erection pulsing with each drop that squirted from the tip.
“Fuck…” Richie groaned, leaning in to press their lips together.
The way Will’s back was arching told Richie everything he needed to know. It wouldn’t be long before Will reached his peak, so he had to be fast.
Pulling out of Will, he quickly pushed Will onto his back and wrapped his mouth around Will’s erection, sucking it smoothly in and out. Richie looked up the moment he heard Will cry out, arching his back as he let out a wailing moan as he coated Richie’s mouth in his seed. Swallowing it down, Richie got onto his side, facing Will as they both tried to catch their breath.
“That was fucking awesome, wasn’t it?” Richie grinned deviously.
“I can’t believe you… you know…” Will said, a small smile playing on his lips.
“Ate you out? You fucking love when I’m a dirty boy. Admit it.” Richie smirked.
“I do. I really do.” Will smiled, pulling Richie in for another kiss.
Richie and Will slowly kissed one another. They were both coming down from their high together. Will cuddled closer as Richie ensured they were pressed together under the blankets to help maintain the heat their bodies had created to keep out the chill air of the basement. The candles continued to burn around them, keeping the atmosphere sensual and relaxing.
“Mm…” Richie hummed softly, enjoying the feeling of Will holding him close, the basement feeling much warmer after their sexual encounter.
“You wanna come stay over on Christmas Eve? You know, after the party?” Richie asked Will curiously.
The Loser’s Club were hosting a Christmas Eve party and the entire Hawkins crew was invited. They’d already said yes, but Richie was eager to spend more time with Will if possible.
Will smiled, “I’d love to. My mom and Hopper want me to visit Christmas Day though.”
“That’s ok, we’ll wake up early enough for you to make it over.” Richie promised.
Will ran his fingers lightly over Richie’s arm, “Did you… want to come too?”
Richie looked at Will, “T-To your family fucking Christmas? Are you sure?”
Will smiled, “Yeah, I’m positive. I know we’re just dating but I count you as family… besides, Jonathan and Eleven will be there and Mike’s supposed to come too. It would just be really nice to have you there…”
Richie smiled at him, “I’d fucking love that, Will… do I get something for your parents though? I don’t have a fucking clue what they’d like.”
Will shook his head, “Honestly, it’s mostly a dinner situation. Gifts aren’t necessary. My mom will probably give me and Jonathan something, and we’ve got things for her, but Mike and Eleven aren’t likely to bring gifts either… well, I think Eleven would get something for Hopper, but that’s about it. There’s no pressure for that.”
Richie smiled, “Well then, I’ll fucking be there.”
Will hugged him closer, “Good… I love you, Richie.”
“I love you too, Will.” Richie closed his eyes, soaking in the embrace of Will’s warm and comforting arms.
***
Richie sat on the chair closest to the phone in the kitchen, listening as he attempted to dial through to his mother who was still residing in Hawkins. “Wheeler residence.” A male voice said on the other line.
“Hey Uncle Ted, it’s Richie. Is my mom there?” Richie asked.
“Just a minute. Marge!” Ted called loudly on the other end of the line.
“I haven’t gone by Marge since I was a kid, Ted…” his mother said picking up the line, “Hello?”
“Hey mom, it’s your favourite fucking son.” Richie said.
“Language.” Ted said before hanging up the phone.
Richie rolled his eyes. His mother began to speak, “Richie, it’s good to hear from you. How are you?”
“I’m doing good.” Richie started, “Um, look… there’s something important that I have to tell you.” Richie told her, feeling a bit nervous, but he’d been here before enough times to know it was better to just be open about it.
“Ok, what is it?” Maggie asked with a curious tone to her voice.
Richie sighed, exhaling slowly, “…Mom… I’m dating a guy.”
There was a moment of silence before Maggie spoke, “You’re not joking right?”
Richie shook his head despite the fact she couldn’t see, “No. Not this time.”
Maggie then replied, “Well, I always figured you were going to be a man-whore if you were straight, so I’m at least glad you’re not going to be impregnating a bunch of women in droves.”
Richie furrowed his brows at his mom’s strange response to this information, “What?! I’m not a fucking man-whore! I’m actually quite comfortable with being loyal in a relationship, thank you very much.”
“Well, thank God for that, I must have raised you right after all.” Maggie said, “So what’s his name? Anyone I know?”
“You’re taking this surprisingly well.” Richie noted, “Most parents disown their kids for coming out as fucking gay, you do realize this right?”
“There’s a lot of terrible things you could have turned out to be, Richie. I’m glad to know that you’re just gay and not a deranged rapist or a killer.” Maggie said honestly. “Now, who is he? Is it your friend Eddie? You always seemed to be close to him.”
Richie couldn’t help but laugh a little, “No, but that is a fucking very reasonable guess… his name is Will. He’s actually the best friend of Mike.”
“Mike Hanlon or Mike Wheeler?” Maggie questioned.
“Wheeler.” Richie clarified.
“Oh, I see. Well, when do I get to meet him?” Maggie asked.
“The next time I plan to make a visit to Hawkins, I’ll fucking bring him with me. Probably not until spring though.” Richie promised her.
“Good. I want to meet him as soon as I can.” Maggie said happily, “When you visit me next, don’t forget my diary. I’m guessing you finished sharing it with your friends?”
“Yes. I finished it and Bill just finished it recently. I um… I don’t know if you’re comfortable talking about it but… Rich Santos?”
“What about him?” Maggie asked.
“I wish I could have known him…” Richie admitted, “He sounded like a fucking incredible person… I wouldn’t be alive without him either.”
“He was… I’ll always love Rich. That’s why I had to name you after him… it was the only way I felt I could keep his memory truly alive, and I don’t regret it either. Sometimes I think you have some of his spirit in you.” Maggie said, emotion heavy in her voice.
Richie blinked away some tears, “Mom… you’re gonna make me fucking cry and then my friends are gonna make fun of me.” He said trying to lighten the mood a bit.
“Enough of this sappy shit.” Maggie said in agreement, “Next time I see you, definitely bring your boyfriend. I’m excited to see the person who made my son feel brave enough to finally come out to his dear old mother.”
Richie smiled, “I will. I’ll talk to you later, Mom.”
“Talk to you later, honey. I love you.” Maggie said softly.
“I love you too.” With that Richie got off the chair and hung up the phone.
Richie let out a relieved sigh and pressed his back to the wall. Everyone who needed to know about his sexual orientation, they now knew. Anyone else, it didn’t matter so much to him. All he could feel was relief washing over him.
He had a pretty cool mom after all.