"Woah woah woah." Eddie nearly shrieked as he snatched one of the shot glasses from Richie's reach, "Uh. Stan, I don't think he's ever drank before. I think we should start out small, huh? How about a light Sangria."

"Oh.. yeah, sure." Stanley smiled before heading back to the endless shelves of alcohol.

"Uh... what's wrong with that one?" Richie asked.

Eddie snorted, "Trust me. If this shit is strong enough to knock a demon on their ass first try, I ain't risking it with you."

Richie still looked confused, until Stanley returned with a new slightly bigger glass, slightly darker than Eddie's.

He looked at it before glancing at Stanley warily.

Eddie snorted again, "Don't worry. It ain't poisonous. Not really anyway."

Richie glanced at him, before carefully picking up the glass.

Taking a deep breath, he lifted the glass.

A few seconds passed and he had yet to pull back from his drink.

"Okay, Okay. Take it slow." Eddie said, resting his hand on Richie's arm, which made him pause, carefully laying the glass down.

He had his eyes squeezed shut, clearly struggling with swallowing the contents.

Part of Eddie was tense, another part of him wanted to laugh.

"Well?" He finally asked after a few minutes.

Richie shook his head, "Its... different."

Eddies grin widened, "Alright. Stan, bring us some water, and maybe we tune it down to a beer."

Stanley nodded, who was clearly trying to hide a smile.

Richie was still trying to get over the new flavor and for a second, Eddie was worried he was already drunk.

Yeah. Right.

Eddie then drank his own shot with one quick swig, before setting down the glass.

Richie watched him curiously, "How do you do that? Didn't you say that was strong?"

Eddie laughed, louder than he should have, "It took a few years to adapt to it, but, now it's more of a slap to the face than a punch."

He picked up the second shot that was supposed to be Richie's, before tipping it back, only drinking half of it.

"What is it?" Richie asked.

"They call it Devil Springs." Eddie said simply, glancing at him.

Richie's brows lowered as he focused on the shot glass.

"It's just vodka. Strong, but good. Don't worry, by the night's end, we'll find your destined drink." Eddie expanded.

Stanley returned, setting down a glass of water and a glass bottle of beer. "I'd recommend drinking the water first for a while."

Richie carefully took the glass.

Yep, he was clearly slowly coming around to the demon.

For a while, Richie drank his water while Eddie called for a shot of tequila, and they drank in silence for a while, except for the occasional small talk between the demons.

Suddenly, a figure appeared beside them, hands slamming down on the bar table, "Hey Stanley. How about some margaritas."

It pulled both angel and demon's attention to them.

"Yes, you're majesty." Stanley called back, sarcastically.

Soon, 3 more people joined her, sitting on stools that were a few paces away from them.

The red-headed female seemed to notice them first.

"Hey. 'Sup!" She spoke up, a polite smile on her face.

"Nothing much. Just teaching my friend here how to drink." Eddie said, pointing at him.

Beverly stared at him for a few seconds, before giggling, "Okay."

With that, she got up and moved closer until she was sitting next to them, "Then he has got to try the margarita. Not that... whatever that is over there." She pointed at the beer.

"Hey Stan! Add another margarita! On me." She called out.

As they talked, the other 3 people moved closer to join them.

"Bev. You have got to stop putting yourself in peoples business. Remember what happened last time?" A tall, tan man spoke up over her shoulder.

"Oh shush. She was a bitch." Beverly said.

The man behind her lowered his head, taking a deep breath, a smile still on his face.

"Hi. My name's Beverly. This stranger here is my husband, Ben. That's Mike and Billy." Beverly pointed behind her.

"Name's Eddie, and this is Richie." Eddie said, also pointing behind him.

After a couple minutes of shaking hands, Stanley returned with the drinks.

"So. How's life been Stan?" Beverly asked as she sipped her drink.

"Mmm. Live here mostly. Just your average bartender." Stanley said.

"Shut up, you're the best bartender." Beverly said.

She then glanced back at Richie, "What do you think?"

"I guess he is a good... bartender." He stumbled over the word, slightly confused by the term.

"No. Not him. The margarita." Beverly laughed, taking a sip of hers again.

Richie glanced down at the drink, the sweet but sour taste still lingered in his mouth, "It's... good."

Beverly nodded, "Nice. Nice."

Eddie felt a hand on his arm, and Richie whispered in his ear, "Do they know?"

Eddie turned to him, "Know what?"

"That Stanley is...-" He motioned towards the bartender, who was talking away with one of the other group members.

"No. I'd wager not. But hey, no need to worry. They seem to be good friends. Like I told ya, he's harmless." Eddie spoke softly to him.

"So where are you guys from?" Beverly finally asked.

Richie spoke up first, "I'm from heav-"

"Here!" Eddie broke him off, jabbing him in the ribs, "We're from here."

"Well, 'from here', how long you two been together?" Beverly asked.

Eddie nearly spluttered out his drink at the question. "Come again?"

Beverly giggled, "I mean... how long you guys been friends. You guys room mates or something?"

Eddie was silent for a few moments.

"He is here to help me with a mission." Richie finally spoke up.

Oh no...

"Uhh... what he means is... well... he's always wanted to see the world, that's pretty much how our friendship sparked. So, here we are, seeing the world. We just stopped by here because we haven't seen old Stanley here in a while." Eddie explained.

He was anxious as to if Richie would speak up again when he used the term 'friend'.

Were they? They obviously weren't enemies by now.

"Yes, which you will have to tell me all about. Where did you go off to so suddenly?" Stanley asked.

"Well. You know I'm a straggler, I just go wherever my feet take me, you know? You should try it sometime. Step away from the alcohol." Eddie said.

Stanley scoffed, but a grin remained on his face as he handed Eddie another shot of tequila, "Yeah right."

"Richie isn't much of a talker is he?" Beverly spoke up.

"Uh... he's shy." Eddie said, mostly as a joke.

He knew it'd spark a reaction.

"I am not." Richie spoke up.

"Alright. Tell us your story. What is your favorite place you've visited so far?" Beverly asked.

Richie remained quiet, and Eddie was really curious as to how he'd answer this one.

"Uh... I like the theaters... I like open plains away from civilization.. I like to look at the sky, where I belong." Richie ranted.

Eddies heart stopped for a few seconds, but had calmed down the more he talked.

He hadn't heard him sound so sincere and... interested.

Did he really like the places he'd been? The places Eddie showed him?

"Aww. That's amazing. You'd probably make a good poet, you know that?" Beverly said.

A small smile crossed Eddie's face, he probably could be.

A few hours had passed as Eddie, Richie and the others talked and drank.

During that time, Richie had become more open about conversing.

He told stories of his life, and he rarely talked about heaven, or angels, even though Eddie knew that's where his stories came from.

During these hours, as promised, they found Richie's preferred drinks. He seemed to like the fruity flavors. It didn't matter how strong it was, he enjoyed it.

Now it was Eddie's turn to be the silent type in the group. He just couldn't get tired of Richie's voice. How open and even happy he sounded.

Of course, he supposed most of it could be the fact the alcohol had definitely gotten to him.

Finally, Stanley had cut them off, deciding not to serve them anymore, for their own safety of course.

"Well. Wanna ride? We can pay a taxi for you-"

"No, it's fine, we're staying in a hotel that's not far from here. I think Richie needs some fresh air, it's a cool night." Eddie said.

Beverly almost protested but quickly replaced it with a smile, "Well. In that case, I hope you guys have a wonderful night, I hope we can meet again sometime. I'd love to hear more about those adventures." Beverly said.

"Yeah. You should write a book, seriously. It'd probably be better than Billy's over there." Ben spoke up.

"Can you n-not?" Bill spoke up.

"Alright guys. Lets get home. Got a long day tomorrow. And I imagine they do too." Mike spoke up.

They all agreed, and soon, Richie, Eddie and Stanley were the only ones in the building.

"And so I said 'oh yeah? Well I fucked your mom.' Didn't mess with me again after that." Richie ranted as they walked, Eddie having to support him to maintain his balance.

"Richie. I was there, you told Stanley that, remember?" Eddie snorted.

"Oh yeah. Why did I say that?" Richie asked, seeming to snap into a sober state for a few seconds.

"I don't know, why did you say that?" Eddie grinned, trying not to laugh.

"It was funny." Richie said.

Eddie finally let out the laugh he'd been holding, "Y'know. For an angel, I didn't think you could be such a trashmouth."

"Oh yeah? Well, for a demon, I didn't think you could be such a..." Richie trailed off, coming to a stop.

Eddie glanced up at him, eyebrows raised, "Yes?"

Richie was silent for a while, staring blankly in front of him.

Finally, "Eh. I got nothing."

Eddie laughed before continuing their walk.

Suddenly, somehow Richie had stumbled over something which sent Eddie stumbling back, Richie still holding onto them.

He let out a rough 'oof' as his back suddenly met a hard concrete wall.

They were in an alley, an easy shortcut to the hotel.

"Shit." Eddie gasped, but couldn't stop laughing.

Richie was still leaning against him, their bodies pressed tightly together.

He was laughing with him, almost giggling.

It suited him, and he almost wanted to call him cute for it.

Finally, their laughter ceased, only replaced by silence.

Neither had moved yet.

Eddie smiled, "Well. Isn't this ironic? It's just like the day we first met... Only, back then, you tried to kill me." He let out a weak chuckle.

Richie remained silent.

Eddie swallowed, slowly growing nervous by the silent reply.

However, he continued, a light laugh escaping him, "You know. Cause... you found me in an alley and... had me... pinned... to the...-" He trailed off as if he forgot what he wanted to say.

Maybe he had.

He stared up into the angel's hazel eyes, that seemed to never leave him.

It was as though he were hypnotized.

Slowly, without even thinking, he cautiously reached up, carefully resting his hand against Richie's cheek, until he was gently caressing it.

Richie didn't react, he seemed to accept the touch, which Eddie wasn't expecting, but didn't complain.

Still, as though he were in a trance, he slowly moved his hand up until his fingers gently ran through his short, curly, soft hair.

He nearly flinched when Richie had moved only to rest his own hand against the cement building, as if he were to try and regain his footing.

He didn't move again, however.

Eddie sighed, before slowly, ever so slowly, closed the distance between them, pressing his lips against the angel's.

It was soft and barely even a kiss, but Eddie knew he was testing dangerous waters at this point.

After a few seconds, he pulled away, his eyes scanning Richie's for a reaction.

Anger. Disgust. Shock.

He saw nor sensed neither, simply slightly surprised by the movement, but hadn't said anything.

Taking a deep breath, he repeated the action, a little more sensual this time.

His lips melded with his like a perfect puzzle.

They hadn't moved during the ordeal, however.

Suddenly, by about the third kiss, the angel's lips began to reply, slowly moving against his, unsure and uncoordinated.

Eddie had tensed for a split second when he received his first reply, but gradually relaxed when it was a positive reply.

His stomach did flips as he pressed further.

Richie's kisses were slightly sloppy, but Eddie didn't care.

Instead, he simply guided the angel's lips with his.

He carefully brought his other hand up, caressing the other side of Richie's cheek, pulling him closer, which caused the kiss to deepen.

Over time, Richie began to progress.

His kisses became more firm, almost demanding.

Eddie shivered when he felt Richie gently caress the side of his neck, the other burying into his hair.

Eddie let out a light moan, but was quickly absorbed by Richie.

They had to have been in this position for what felt like hours, but had turned out to only be a couple minutes.

Suddenly, it was as if a switch had been flipped.

Richie suddenly pushed away from him as though he'd been electrocuted, leaving Eddie to regain his own footing that he swore felt like jello.

He was panting, focusing on the angel's eyes, showing obvious confusion.

Had he done something wrong?

Yes. Yes he had.

"Wh-What was th-th-that?" Richie gasped out in a demanding voice.

Eddie swallowed, trying to keep calm, "Uh. I believe that would be called a kiss."

Richie's features darkened, and Eddie knew he was fucked.

"I-I... Richie... L-Look... I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean-" Eddie stumbled over his words so quickly he couldn't even think of what to say.

"Didn't mean it? You didn't mean to drag me all this way? Didn't mean to make me let my guard down? Didn't mean to fucking touch me like that?" Richie ranted on and on, suddenly having the ability to stand on his own.

"I..." Eddie was left speechless, what the fuck could he say?

Richie was practically right.

"Has that been your plan this entire time? Get to know me, gain my trust, and then just... use me? Try to turn me into something for your gain?" Richie continued.

Eddie felt tears prickle in his eyes, but refused to let them go.

"N-no! Richie... I... I-I'm sorry! I shouldn't have come onto you like that, it was stupid, but I never felt that way about you. I would never use you... Rich... you're... you're my friend, I would never..." Eddie cautiously tried to approach him, but Richie just backed up further.

His entire being was surrounded by a powerful aura that warned him to keep back.

"Friend... Right. That's what those humans kept saying we were..." Richie said, before trailing off for a few seconds, "But they were wrong. I'm not your friend. I am an angel. And you are a demon. A sinful abomination to this world. We don't mix, I don't know why I even thought otherwise."

That was it. The tears were free.

He shook his head, as if denying what he heard, "Richie... y-you don't mean that..."

"Do I?" Richie said more than questioned.

"Please. After everything, don't do this." Eddie begged.

Only Richie seemed to be the one who could break him so easily.

"What, that I'd started caring about you? I don't. I don't care about you." Richie continued bitterly.

"Stop!" Eddie begged.

"Sure. I'll stop." Richie said.

Eddie wasn't sure if he should take that as a good thing or a bad thing.

"Goodbye, Eddie." He finally said before turning, heading another direction, disappearing into the darkness.

Eddie remained frozen in place, even as thunder began to rumble above him, soon followed by rain, falling relentlessly on him, instantly drenching him.

He didn't care.

No matter how many times he wanted to blame Richie's words on alcohol, he seemed 100% sober when he had snapped.

'He didn't mean it.' He repeated to himself.

'This is what happens if you get close to someone.' His conscious began.

'You were foolish to think he'd even cared for one second.'

'Love is weakness.'

'Who could love a demon like you? Don't you remember how you got into hell?'

'You should feel ashamed'

Eddie slowly slid down to the ground, resting against the wall, hands fisting into his hair.

Shut up. Shut up. Shut up!

He swore he'd never felt this shattered before. This was worse than the people he'd faced when he was alive. Worse than the demons who tormented him because of who he was.

He felt as though Richie had torn his heart out of his chest and squeezed it, and taken everything else out while he was at it.

He never thought he'd feel so broken and affected by just one person.

For the longest time, he just sat on the wet ground, pulling his knees close, huddling into a big ball.

He just wanted to vanish at this point.

To disappear.

Forget this entire thing.

But it never left. It'd left too deep of a hole in him.

He sat there for hours, completely numb to the world around him.

He buried his face into his knees, tears seeming to never end, even though he kept telling himself he had to stop.

He couldn't stop.

He just couldn't.

A/N: Don't worry. We'll get to hear Richie's point of view in the next chapter. :,)

Hope you're enjoying so far.