He pulls away only slightly, wiping his own tears away.

❝ ... He was such a good man. It was an honor to be his friend. ❞

❝ They may have to beat me off it, ❞ Rose mutters, glancing at the ring. Oh, Lois... he feels just awful for her.

His eyes trail to Ma, and he smiles as he hugs her back.

❝ Ma... I know... ❞

He rubs her back, tears welling in his eyes. He misses Clark just as much as all of them.

〖 ✎... 〗

!!

He hadn't expected such a tender kiss. He touches his lips gently, his face flushed.

Once he arrives, he makes a beeline for the familiar group.

❝ Hope I didn't miss anything, ❞ he states with a sad smile.

❝ ... how are you? ❞

❝ I do know... that wasn't nice of him. You're very important. ❞

He takes a breath through his nose.

❝ ... Hey. How about we make a day out of this? Not just boba. We could go sight-seeing and everything. ❞

Rose looks at the blood trickling from Richie. A flash of worry crosses Rose's eyes.

Before Richie can react, he has his handkerchief out. And he dabs gently at the blood.

❝ ... this ISN'T you. This isn't the Richie I know, ❞ he rasps out.

He'll tell himself it's just friendship.

And he'll continue hanging out with his friend.

【 ♡ 】I LOVE IT TOO Imagine having two super cool dads but they're actually one REALLY super cool dad

Deep breath.

❝ ... always pushed me too hard. I was just the loser girl that became the loser boy to most people. ❞

He slowly stands, his glasses completely obscuring his eyes.

❝ Life is hard for people like us. But you need to fight back. Not let the rage consume you. Please... ❞

Rose feels his heart break in real time. This isn't Richie. Is it?

The ray almost makes contact with his forehead before he ducks out of the way. He's no longer Agent Rhodonite. He's Bleeding Heart Rose.

❝ ... I grew up similar to you, ❞ he admits. ❝ My parents always... ❞

〖 ✎... 〗