(It felt good to hear her say that instead of hear her insist that she only protect him. Eddie's shoulders rolled back and he stood a little bit straighter. Friends did help each other and something cinched inside of him to confirm Laura Howlett as a Good Guy (A Good Friend).

What he's not expecting though is the sudden invasion of his personal bubble. There's only one person who gets that close to him on the regular and Tozier's not around. Eddie lets out an embarrassing squawk and turns beet red, hands flailing uselessly. He definitely smells like a lab- the kid's doused in way more medicine than he should be.)

Uh-

(Turns out he doesn't have to worry too much because Laura's gone as soon as she came and he's left feeling a bit dazed. What just happened?

The blessed thing about being twelve meant he didn't linger on it for long, instead turning his eyes to his bike. His mind switches from 'that was weird' to excitement.)

Yup! All mine. But you can try it out if you want.

(He walks over to her, standing at the other side of the bike. He points to the pegs on the back wheel.)

I can ride you around too if you stand on those and hold onto my shoulders.

(He stares at her for a beat and then slowly mouths 'bicicleta'.)

Bicuh-Biclituh-

(Nope. That just sounded like a dirty word he's heard older boys use before. His nose scrunches up and he tries again.)

Bicicleta. (That sounds right and he automatically grins.)