Being Richie’s best-friend wasn’t always as easy as one would think — the man was loud, unapologetic and mostly an ass to everyone around. Though, he was a real sweetheart when you knew him more personally; he was someone that kept trying and pushing in life until he was satisfied.

You had met him during one of the famous Berzatto’s family dinner a few years ago; being Carmen’s real cousin. It had immediately clicked between you and Richie and you haven’t left his sides since then.

You went through everything with him; his marriage, the birth of his daughter, the divorce, Mikey’s death — and not once you had thought of leaving him and his bullshit alone. Richie knew that, and God, how thankful he was. He knew he could count on you, no matter what.

You were patient, hardworking, funny and had your head on your shoulders. You supported him, knew when to call him out or slap him behind the head when he went too far and God… what is wrong with him?

It felt wrong for Richie to think about you like that; wasn’t it?

Because for a few months now, every time Richie thought about you, his heart skipped a beat. He turned his head when your name was mentioned in conversation. He found himself waiting for your texts and calls all day. It was weird — he fell in love with his best friend.

And Richie had no idea what to do about it, should he risk the friendship he forged and ask you on a date or just — shut up and forget about it? Act like those feelings didn’t exist.

“What are you doing tonight? I thought we could have a movie marathon like we did last month? Marvel, if you want.” he asked you when you passed by his apartment to grab some items you had forgotten. “Hell, we could go out and grab pizzas too.”