[He'd so hoped it was some kind of sea-bird, that sound. No such luck, it was a scream of agony, drawn out by distance. Even without just-in-case dodging the monsters he isn't totally sure aren't there, even though he is running, Eric still doesn't manage to make it there for what must be two minutes.
It's too much time - if Arthur's having some kind of fit, if he's bleeding, it's too much time - he can't panic once he's there, can't let himself - can't see anyone but Arthur, no matter what his eyes are telling him.
He kneels, breathing ragged, and for a moment freezes with his hand at Arthur's shoulder, Arthur who is staring at nothing, still screaming - it may mean getting attacked or thrown up on when the boy comes back to himself, but the best (the only) thing Eric can think of for a night terror in the middle of the day is to ignore the screams and pull Arthur into a rough sort-of hug.]
You're not alone. Can you hear me? You're not alone, you're not there.
this will end well, i'm sure
It's too much time - if Arthur's having some kind of fit, if he's bleeding, it's too much time - he can't panic once he's there, can't let himself - can't see anyone but Arthur, no matter what his eyes are telling him.
He kneels, breathing ragged, and for a moment freezes with his hand at Arthur's shoulder, Arthur who is staring at nothing, still screaming - it may mean getting attacked or thrown up on when the boy comes back to himself, but the best (the only) thing Eric can think of for a night terror in the middle of the day is to ignore the screams and pull Arthur into a rough sort-of hug.]
You're not alone. Can you hear me? You're not alone, you're not there.