[ there is no link for eddie to be able to tell through, but billy's heartbeat is what signals him into anything but the outward demeanor. eddie’s own hand twists in the back of the others shirt, an anchor to something familiar even if it is supernatural and fantastical and crazy.

it’s hard to focus on the answer, but he shakes his head to try to snap himself out of it. ] What the fuck could we have done?

[ he sounds a bit incredulous actually, annoyed but tired too. there’s plenty, actually, given what’s happening back home and that there are creatures out of his nightmares on the fucking streets.

the question almost draws out a somewhat humorless laugh. he’s not fine, he’s going fucking nuts with all of these fucking curveballs the universe keeps throwing at him. ] I’m always pale, man. [ except that now that they’re away from the crowd he lifts his hands and takes a look at them because why take his chances and —- ] What the fuck.

Do I look… [ he turns toward billy hargrove. who is alive. and here. and solid and acting like he knows him but that is so not important right now. ] Jesus Christ. Do I look past death’s door pale?

[ that’s probably really fucking insensitive but —- eddie is deathly pale, his ears are pointed, and if there weren’t before as he panics his gums ache. ]