(There is something oddly ominous about the use of the term 'it' to Eddie that he can't quite put his finger on. It cannot be locked up. It, he thinks, meaning inevitable disaster. It's a weirdly mature thought for a kid his age, but there it is, clear as day in his mind. He stares at Shepard with with absent eyes.

Nothing to worry about, right now.

The key term there being 'right now'.)

But that doesn't mean there won't be in the future. Something to worry about, I mean.

(He's not going to beat around the bush.

That absent look is swiftly replaced and Eddie's grinning cheekily.)

So you're basically a badass. (He knows he shouldn't swear but how else was he supposed to describe her? A certified regular badass. Sure guys who could kick ass were cool and all, but girls had a lot more disadvantages so when they kicked ass it was waaay more impressive. He bets she could take on Henry Bowers himself.

Eddie gets the joke and instantly snorts.) Yeah. He's one of the coolest guys I've ever met.

(He means that in earnest. Sans left a strong impression on Eddie, to say the least.

Eddie contemplates this token of advice. He knew that technically adults weren't always right, but he also knew that he had to agree with them all the time anyway. They were In Charge.)

Do you think kids are worth listening to? (It's an earnest question, not an accusatory one.)

Um. I was going to stay with a girl my age but her place was full. But I'm down the hall from her now so it's not too bad.

(He doesn't mention that he's alone. Doesn't know if he wants to let Shepard know that.)