[ Warmth suffuses his chest, and a smile blooms on his face. Because Richie remembers, Richie notices, Richie still looks at him long enough that Eddie can feel it.

It’s only that Eddie doesn’t know what to do with that information (oh, he has a few ideas now, but they’re not appropriate to test on the person kindly welcoming you into their home). ]

I was okay. Qualified for state most years. Almost made it to the top once.

[ See, every time he went home, he’d slow down and get sicker (weaker), but there had been a long stretch in junior year when he’d stayed and stayed, and ran so fast he could’ve beat the devil.

At the mention of “booty shorts,” Eddie chokes on a sip of coffee. ]

They’re not — They’re running shorts, asshole. [ pink in the cheeks. ] You wear — I still wear them while running.

[ He even has a red pair... just like old times...]