That's not fair. My chest is fucking killing me every time I cry now. ❪ he mutters but still unable to blink away all of the tears pooling in his eyes. he squeezes back at richie's hand and holds on just letting this moment linger for as long as possible.

it's near an hour later when bev mentions about letting him rest and eddie realizes that he's still holding onto rich's hand. slowly, they start filling out with one more hugs with ben and bev leaving together and bill pulling mike along though he shoots rich a glance. ❫

I'm gonna keep him here a little longer. ❪ he says and bill muses before following out with mike. it's only after the door closes that eddie sighs deeply, gaze focused on the doorway. ❫

I meant what I said, you know. I want to be with you, whatever that might mean and when I'm able to leave with this place? I want it to be with you too.