messages; reddie

30

everyone had arrived at the party, and ellie had already come and gone home (to the pleasure of many of the other guests).

at ten, the thirteen people in the room decide to play truth or dare. after a few turns, ben turns to richie with a mischievous grin on his face.

"richard," he hums devilishly. "truth or dare?"

richie shakes his head, laughing. "let's play this round safe and say truth."

ben barely has to think about his question. he immediately knows what he wants to ask and he blurts, "who do you have a crush on?"

richie's movements halt as he peers around at everyone in the circle. will and ryan are side by side, eyes intently drawn on the victim. max has her head in el's lap while bev plays with her hair. bill is sleepy, but his eyes widen at the question. stanley can't help but look concerned. mike and dustin look curious, lucas seems confused, and eddie is staring on, his interest peeked slightly at the inquiry.

"you don't have to answer that if you don't want to," el speaks up, voice barely above a whisper. she knows all too well.

richie appreciates her gesture, but with one more look around, he bites his lip. it's the game, after all. "eddie."