( It's not the first time that Eddie has been guilty of getting a little... distracted by contact from Richie. It's just that the stakes are normally more along the lines of a dropped pencil rather than a bleeding wound.

It's half a second later than he'd like when he responds by clamping his hand down hard on top of the bloody shirt, expression frantic. )

Jesus Richie!

( He's probably squeezing too hard, but he's still not entirely convinced that Richie isn't about to bleed out right here and now, so it's a sacrifice he's willing to make right now.

( Unhelpfully, Eddie is reminded of the time he swore he'd never hurt Richie again. He doesn't have time for that right now. )

His grip does ease up, but only a little, only enough that Richie stops wincing at his touch. )

It's here, okay? Like literally right near the books. I'm not going anywhere, I swear. I'm not gonna leave you here.