Those Who Love | Reddie AU

Twenty-Four - Those Who Return

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Return: come or go back to a place or person.
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Richie stepped off the plane, the cool air instantly hitting his face as he slung his backpack over his shoulder. He smiled at the damp pavement and sound of traffic, and strangely found himself feeling at peace.

"Sir, everything should be ready," one of the plane stewardess' told him. "Your car is ready just outside the airport."

Richie reached out his hand to give the man a firm handshake, "Thank you." He replied, to which the man looked surprised.

It wasn't that Richie was rude before he came here, but it was definitely obvious that he had changed. He was more confident, understanding - he was willing to change if someone would point out a mistake.

Although he regrets heavily how he dealt with the prince situation, he knew that it would help him be a better person. He knew for next time; if there ever was to be a next time.

If not, at least he had the memories.

He made his way to the parked car outside, thanking again the people helping him with his bags and the extra security just in case someone was to harass Richie. Nobody gave him a second glance. He was shocked no major news outlets had heard about it - but deep down he maybe thought they just didn't care.

Maybe his whole identity wasn't as big of a deal as him and his parents first thought. Sure, his parents going anywhere without protection was seriously risky, but maybe it was different for Richie? He hoped, anyways.

As he sat in the car on the way to Eleanor's, he replayed the imagined scene of his apology to Eddie over and over again in his head. He wanted to make it right and assure that Eddie, and his friends, really knew he was sorry.

Another regret clouded over him - how he treated his friends. They were involved in that video too; they probably believed that Richie only became friends with them for a joke. And yet in his panic and desperation, he had mostly focused on apologising to Eddie.

It never occurred that maybe was one of the reasons they were upset - they thought he didn't care, and when he had the chance to show he did, he didn't come through.

But after all, Ben did admit he kind of understood Richie's reasoning.

The car pulled up next to Eleanor's house quicker than he expected, and he hurriedly collected his few bags and rushed to the door. He was desperate to see her; even though it really hadn't been that long.

Eleanor quickly thrust open the door once she heard the car outside, "Richie!" She squealed like a teenager, holding out her arms for Richie to hug her.

Richie quickly ran up and embraced her.

"How have you been?" He asked her, although the question was muffled by Richie's head being pressed into her shoulder.

Eleanor pulled back and gave him that same, warm smile Richie had become so familiar with, "Amazing. Are you feeling better?" She asked tenderly.

"No, but I will be soon." He replied with a grin.

Eleanor placed a supportive hand on Richie's shoulder, "Why don't you come in, set yourself set up and you can tell me all about this plan?" She offered.

Richie nodded enthusiastically, "You pop on the hot chocolate."

-

"So," Richie started, his hands twirling round the handle of his mug. "There's a dance obviously in about two days on Friday night. I'm planning to surprise Eddie there and show him I meant every word I said to him. That I'm sorry."

"But what if he doesn't go to the dance?" Eleanor questioned.

Richie shrugged, "Guess I'll have to climb through his bedroom window then," He said with a laugh. "Hopefully he does though. We were talking about it, uh- when we were together. Which is what makes me think-"

"You reckon he won't go because he was supposed to go with you?" She asked quietly, as if the question said too loudly would hurt him.

Richie nodded in response, "We just need to hope he goes. Then I can apologise, get back together with him, get my friends back."

"But, I thought you couldn't return here? That this was only a small trip to make things right?" She quizzed him.

Richie shrugged, "I think they're talking about whether I can come back or not. But hopefully we'll be able to find a way around it, or an alternative."

"Don't worry, there's always a way," she whispered with a grin. "Always a way for love."

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Three chapters left! How crazy is that!! Hope you've enjoyed so far :)