[ For all his attempts at swatting him away, he ultimately settles on gripping Steve’s arm (maybe a little too tightly) like it’s the only only anchor he has to reality and the only thing keeping him from slipping into total insanity, because none of this makes sense and the more he thinks about it, the more questions he has. ]

Is it okay, Steve? Is it? Because it doesn’t feel okay!

[ He can’t help it, the way his voice rises with anxiety. He seems to realize his mistake a moment later, though, because his dark eyes dart around, fearful that he may have called unwanted attention to their conversation. He pauses for a beat, silent and still, his ears strained for any sort of sound in the distance. When he hears nothing, he doesn’t relax (he can’t relax, but he does focus on keeping his voice a little quieter. ]

Jesus Christ…No, I’m not bleeding, man. I’m not hurt, I’m not—

[ Dead? He shakes his head, shakes away the thought for now. He's only going to whip himself into another frenzy if he dwells on it. ]

You remember too, then? You remember all that bullshit with—with Vecna?