[ hearing eddie repeat those three words back to him over and over makes richie want to start crying again. he tears up a little, but manages to hold most of it back by focusing on kissing eddie - on his lips, then his cheeks, his nose, his forehead, everywhere he can reach.

this man is the most precious thing in his life. he always has been, even when richie didn't have any idea who he was. there's no way in hell he's ever going to let go of him again. ]

Eds, [ he murmurs, not really sure what he wants to say but feeling the need to say something nonetheless, ] you're so - I can't believe - I missed you so fucking much, Eddie, I love you so much. So fucking much -

[ ah, shit, there are the tears.

he sniffles and tries to discreetly wipe at his eyes, but his heart's about to burst. how many times did eddie need him over the years? how many times could richie have helped him if he'd been able to remember what they went through? as good as it feels to be back together, there's still so much pain in his heart that he can't ignore no matter how hard he tries. ]

Fucking -- [ he closes his eyes, presses his forehead to eddie's, bites his lip. ] Just - fuck, Eds, I don't wanna let go of you. I don't want to lose you again.