(Eddie could get worked up enough that sometimes it was better to let him get all of his emotions out of his system. Sometimes it was hard for him to see around them, and as Jean lets him talk, he can feel himself calming down. He closes his mouth and stares at her, the anger gone, the tears mostly tried but not entirely away just yet.)

I don't like the teasing either. I know what you're saying. It's not like- like I want her to be always teased or even think that's the best thing for her or whatever.

(He bites his lip, eyes rocking back and forth as he thinks of how to put his thoughts into order.)

I'm sorry though. You're right. I mean, I think I was upset cause I know Richie isn't like that - but Laura wouldn't know that, so it's not fair of me to get annoyed that you take it more seriously.

(He supposes at a distance he could understand. Though he still wished that no one had gotten mad at Richie. Things sorted themselves out eventually. If Laura had gotten real worked up, Eddie would have actually stepped in.)

Trust me. I stop Richie messing up all the time. I think by now I just know when I need to step in and when I don't. He listens to me, and I don't want to take advantage of that.

(He also trusted Laura too. Trusted when he had to talk to her, when she needed him to.)

No one likes making mistakes. But some of us are better at it than others. I can't make Richie perfect, and I wouldn't anyway, just like I wouldn't make Laura perfect. I don't know how to make them be- different. But I can at least- I dunno. Be here when they mess up too bad.

(Eddie says this with quiet fondness, distressed though it may be. He looks up at Jean and...his eyes clear a bit.)

I can be around for if you mess up too. I mess up a lot myself. Like, daily.