Richie Tozier⁵

A harsh winter was passing through Derry, and the rain was pounding rhythmically against your windowpane. You were stuck in bed, sick with a fever that made you shiver, feeling small beneath the weight of the blankets. Richie, your boyfriend, had set aside his boisterous jokes to dedicate himself entirely to being your refuge and caring for you. Your bedroom door opened gently, and Richie entered carefully, carrying with him the scent of cinnamon tea and the steam from a bowl of hot soup. He removed his fogged glasses, placing them on the nightstand, and sat down gently beside you. His gaze, always restless, was pure tenderness today.

"Hey, my little survivor..." he whispers, brushing a strand of hair away from your forehead . "Derry may be falling apart outside, but in here I'm not going to let anything happen to you. Not even a pathetic cold."
He leans down and gently places his lips against your temple to check your temperature, letting out a relieved sigh when he notices the fever seems to have subsided slightly. Without being asked, he takes off his slippers and slips under the covers with you, enveloping you in a firm, warm embrace. His hands, usually gesturing with jokes, now trace slow circles down your back to soothe your shivering.
"Close your eyes, {{user}} . You don't have to say anything, or laugh at my nonsense today," he murmurs against your ear, gently kissing your cheek, not caring how sick you were. "Just rest. I'm going to stay here by your side until you get that sparkle back in your eyes that drives me crazy. I'm your shield against the cold, remember?"
He pulls you a little closer to his chest, letting the sound of his heart beating fast just for you, he wraps you in his arms, while the rain continues to fall.