[ For a long moment, Eddie's quiet while he lets Richie muddle through whatever the fuck it is that he's actually trying to say. It becomes clear just before Richie has to come out and actually say it in exactly so many words and Eddie has to take a second to formulate a response. Somehow, he thinks his reflex

I knew it. I fucking knew you were overcompensating with all those jokes about fucking my mom.

seems like an inappropriate response. By, like, a lot. And, by now, Eddie's actually been hit on by a guy who wears skirts while riding floats in the parades winding through Eglaf, so... All in all, Eddie likes to think he's pretty open-minded at this point in his life. ]

It was only my business once you wanted it to be, man. Don't be sorry.

[ Is that an appropriate response? No, probably also not, but it feels kind of important to address Richie's apology first because he doesn't need to give it in the first place. ]

I mean, it's...yeah, okay, so you like dudes.

[ He pauses, considers, nearly reconsiders, and then says it anyway. Fuck it, Rich will probably appreciate the levity. ]

My mom's gonna be really upset when she finds out.

[ A soft huff of amusement escapes him. Jesus, she's probably rolling in her grave by now, but... Well. Hopefully, that'll cut the tension, anyway, and it'll be worth it. ]