[ As much as Eddie doesn't want her to feel the need to lighten the mood, the remark catches him off guard. He can't help the goofy little laugh he lets out, smiling for just a moment. ]

Chrissy, you're like, the most metal person I've ever met in my life. Seriously.

[ He bites down on his bottom lip as he makes another turn, trying to slow down a little so Chrissy isn't thrown around too much. It's not exactly the smoothest ride on the road, so to speak. It's good for hauling their gear to shows and for sitting in the back with a friend and a joint, but that's about it. Not exactly ambulance material or even the kind of car he's sure Chrissy's used to, but he's trying his damnedest.

Every little sniffle and sob breaks his heart. Trying to ignore it is impossible, even with his eyes focused solely on the road. Someone as sweet as her shouldn't have to suffer like this - it's cruel. If some kind of - monster - is after Chrissy, why her? ]

Almost there. Two minutes tops. You're killin' it. You're super metal.

[ Hawkins Memorial Hospital doesn't hold good memories, but what hospital does? Eddie parks the van right outside the EMERGENCY sign, then looks to Chrissy as he unbuckles her seatbelt, her face bathed in the red light. ]

I've got you -- you can lean on me if you need. And uh - I can stay as long as you want me to, okay?

[ He doubts her parents will want him around once they arrive, but at least until then. No way is Eddie leaving her alone in there right now. ]