[ it's easier than he thinks, to imagine dustin's reaction, to finding out eddie is alive and well several hundred miles away. still within driving distance, so not completely isolated, but isolated enough that the assholes that were still convinced of his guilt wouldn't come and look for him.

at least, he hopes word doesn't get out where he's moved to. he knows it's not likely that steve will let that slip, but dustin? dustin does sometimes forget the volume of his voice, or when to keep certain subjects under wrap. ]

I miss that small fry. [ he smiles to himself as he turns to look at steve, his breath hitching when he realizes that they're a little bit closer than he thought they would be. but he knows fully well that he's the only one having these thoughts, so he tries to keep his face looking as neutral as he can. ]

You should bring him. And anyone else who wants to come with. [ and then he chews on his lip as he thinks carefully of his next words. ] How have they all been doing?