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Richie had been acting off all day. He‘s been silent in a way only someone who spends a lot of time with him would notice. To Stan‘s knowledge, he was the only one. Although, maybe the others simply chose to ignore it. Stan, however, was starting to get slightly worried. Therefore when he was finally left alone with Richie there was no barrier to questioning him about his odd behaviour.
They were in Richie’s room. This room bothered Stan because of the messy state it was in. Stan had to suppress the need to tidy up because Richie would have a hard time appreciating Stan moving around his systematic mess. Usually, they spend their time together at the Uris residence, where Stan could think more clearly. Today however the Toziers weren‘t around and Richie, like always, said he wanted to take advantage of this.
Richie was sitting on his bed. Looking slightly less comfortable than usual, noted Stan. Stan himself was sitting on Richie's desk chair which was miraculously kept free, considering Richie never did his homework on his desk.
They had entered the room about three minutes ago and Richie had yet to make any comment. Stan studied the boy in front of him and let out a sigh before opening his mouth to speak. „Richie?“ At that, the boy in question looked up at him. Well, he was already looking at his person in general but then he really looked at him, deep into his eyes.
No additional answer. „Is something wrong?“ Stan asked carefully although he was sure something had to be off. There was just no other explanation.
Richie paused for a moment. „I— We need to talk.“ This was a line that never sat right with anyone, ever. Especially when it‘s your significant other saying it. Even less when it‘s Stan‘s boyfriend, who was never serious about anything. Yeah, something was definitely wrong.
„Okay…“
They looked each other deeply into their eyes waiting for the next line of dialogue. Eventually, Richie, under Stan‘s watchful eyes, took a deep breath before breaking their silence. „I‘m pregnant,“ he announced.
Stan stopped in shock for a moment before ultimately looking at his boyfriend with the most done expression known to mankind. There were multiple reasons why Richie couldn‘t possibly be pregnant but the main one was simply that Richie did not have the biological ability to give birth.
„You‘re gonna be a father.“ Richie said emotionally and Stan just gaped at him.
„Richie…You absolute idiot.“ Stanley sighed in frustration. „Was this planned? Did you make me worry for no fucking reason?“ Stan wondered, not rarely, why he was best friends with Richard Tozier, his polar opposite usually followed by the question of how in the world he was in love with him. He was sure there had to be some cheesy reason along the lines of: ‚He‘s a good person.‘ but ultimately he had no clue. He just was.
Richie laughed at him. He laughed at him! „Aww. You were worried about me?“ He made that annoying face that was meant to be teasing and Stan hated it because he thought it was kinda cute. Not that he would ever admit that or he would have to deal with this way more often. As if it wasn‘t enough already.
Stan felt his face heat up and if it was a blush and not anger he hoped that Richie wouldn‘t notice. „Of course I fucking was! What is wrong with you?“ As mean as this sounded, something was definitely wrong with Richie, which wasn‘t necessarily bad but it could get quite bothersome at times.
Richie knew that so he just continued making Stan regret some decisions like starting this conversation or getting out of bed this morning. „I‘m thinking of becoming an actor aside from being a comedian.“ He had a big, arrogant grin on his face. This was probably the best acting he did. When he pretended to be someone he wasn‘t. Someone proud and carefree.
„That was absolutely not funny.“
„Oh come on. Not even a little bit?“ Richie knew that their senses of humour, more often than not, did not match. Sometimes, however, he had hope.
„Not even the smallest bit,“ Stan deadpanned, which was not uncommon for him.
Richie put on a considering expression. „Okay but in all seriousness.“ He talked in a manner that most people would consider normal. „I have something to tell you.“
Stan rolled his eyes. „Oh yeah?“ He started doubting just how honest Richie would get today.
„Yeah…Come here.“ Richie tapped the free spot next to him on his bed.
Stan sighed. He seemed to be doing that a lot around Richie. Ultimately he moved to sit next to his best friend. At least he probably wouldn‘t be attacked by him.
Richie turned his body towards Stan and scooted closer until their legs were touching. He leaned over to whisper into his ear and Stan started slightly dreading whatever joke was to follow. It didn‘t go as Stan expected. Richie screaming into his ear or doing something of sorts. Instead, he just whispered, in the softest voice he had ever talked in. „I love you.“ Then he leaned back, fixating his eyes on Stan‘s.
Stan just stared at him with soft shock written all over his face. It was the first time Richie had said that to him, probably to anyone at all. Stan wasn‘t sure if he was ready to say it back just now. Maybe later, maybe tomorrow, hopefully soon. For the time being, he just hoped that Richie could somehow read his thoughts.
Richie however, did not possess such powers and with every passing moment he got increasingly insecure. When he nervously started closing himself off, crossing his arms, Stan realised that telepathy wouldn‘t be very effective. He reached out for Richie’s hands and stared into Richie’s soul. Stan wasn’t really ready for the L-word but he had to say something.
„I—“ Stan took a deep breath. „I do too.“ This was the best he could do just now and it was enough for Richie. The boy smiled at him causing Stan to smile back before he was suddenly thrown backwards by Richie.
Richie chuckled before making himself comfortable on his boyfriend’s chest. „Thank you,“ he whispered and it meant a multitude things. It meant the world. Stan took his hand and squeezed it in response.