(The apology is somehow worse than the vomiting. He frowns and presses his hand against the towel at the back of Richie's neck. He was definitely upset about where Richie's life had gone, but he had no interest in making him feel ashamed about anything.)

Don't apologize. It's not your fault.

(Which...It wasn't. Problems like these rarely were anyone's fault. Bad situations lead to bad habits. Eddie knew all about that himself.)

It's not...like I had your number exactly. Or. Anything.

(Number, e-mail. They hadn't been in contact in years.)

Sorry I surprised you. Here. Drink some water, okay? You'll feel better for it.