Most people would be embarrassed to be called losers. But... it was hard to feel shame, when all he had was love.

When Richie came out, he didn't know what he expected. Despite it having eaten most of his thoughts, it still didn't click to him. Perhaps a few looks of disgust. Maybe a few pitying 'sorry's, or maybe even losing a few friends. Maybe it would become known around Derry, and then his life would be over. In more... literal ways than others.

What he didn't expect, however, was the fact that... he was so, so wrong.

... He was so loved.