[ At the quips, Eddie beams, pleased to be the annoying one for a change (and that Richie listened, despite his whining). Still, Richie scarfing down the food and drink earns a mixture of mild fascination and horror that only breaks with a laugh.

God, it was stupid to worry. Even if they've changed, the togetherness is the same. ]

Jesus, I'll treat you to a drive-through, Scoob. I promise. [ with a bro-y pat on the shoulder. ] You mind taking one of my bags to the car and kicking up the aircon? [ casually, ] I'll check us out at the front desk.

[ Just in case. He doesn't want Richie to face that bullshit again, and Eddie's planning on making a stink, no matter who he sees in the office. It was one thing to feel that hurt himself, but to see it in Richie's features last night — he can't stomach it. ]