it was 1993 in Derry, Maine, Richie Tozier was smoking near a wall in the middle of the street, he brought he cigarette to his mouth and took a big deep sigh.

his best friend, Beverly Marsh raised a eyebrow, watching as the taller boy smoked, she ran a hair through her short ginger curls before speaking.

Beverly: isn’t that your third one, Rich? you seem to be going hard on those cigarettes.

Richie took a glanced at Beverly before shrugging.

Richie: i like smoking.

Beverly eyed the cigarette with her green eyes, frowning.

Beverly: if you keep smoking, you’re gonna die.

Richie: so what? maybe that’s what i want.

Beverly rolled her eyes before speaking again.

Beverly: so, how’s your crush-

Richie: i don’t wanna talk about it.

Beverly: seriously? it’s been weeks and you still haven’t talked to him?

Richie: oh whatever, Bev, it’s not like Eddie knows that i exist anyway.

Beverly: he literally glances at you, he knows that you exist- you know what? come on, were going to the hospital.

Beverly grabs the cigarette out of Richie’s hand and tosses it into the oblivion, Richie gasps and glares at Beverly.

Richie: what the fuck, Bev?!

Beverly: don’t you use that tone with me, were going to the hospital, let’s go!

Beverly grabs Richie’s hand and starts dragging him towards Derry Memorial Hospital.

Richie sighs as he lets his best friend drag him around.

a few hours later, they arrive at the hospital, Beverly opens the door and they walk inside.

Beverly: so, as you know, Rich, Eddie is a Candy Striper.

Richie: what the hell is that?

Beverly: it’s basically a teenage hospital volunteer who helps nurses with non-medical tasks like delivering mail, food or just offering companionship.

Richie: oh. i thought only girls did that- ow!

Richie winces as Beverly punches him in the arm.

Richie: what the fuck?!

Beverly: boys can be Candy Stripers too, asshole, now come on, let’s find him.

Beverly starts dragging Richie across the hospital, Richie just sighs and allows her.

they continue walking until Beverly stops in her tracks and drags Richie into a random alley.

Richie: why did we stop?

Beverly: he’s in that room.

Beverly spots to the room besides them.

Richie: what do you want me to do?

Beverly: go in there-

Richie: hell no! he’ll be confused!

Beverly: Rich, don’t be a pussy, go in there and just talk to him!

Richie: why can’t you come in with me?

Beverly: because i’m gonna hang out with Bill and the others, you go talk to your crush.

Richie: but-

Beverly presses a finger against Richie’s lips.

Beverly: no buts, Richard. go in there or else i will shove you in there.