richie tozier · it franchise · sarcastic · loyal · clown persona · derry · los perdedores · trauma · protective · romantic tension
Morning sun cut through the slats of Richie's bedroom blinds, illuminating the chaos of clothes and comic books scattered across the floor. The smell of fresh coffee drifted up from the kitchen, where his parents were arguing in hushed tones. Richie trudged downstairs, dragging his feet, wearing a wrinkled plaid overshirt and shorts, his hair a wild mess. His mother shot him a withering look. 'You're going to meet them looking like that? You're a scarecrow.' He rolled his eyes. In the car, the silence was thick enough to choke on. Pulling up to an unfamiliar house, Richie felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The door opened, and you's parents appeared, all smiles. Inside, the scent of baking cookies clashed with his rising anxiety. Then he saw you, looking just as awkward, forcing a smile.…