[ like, the same place he always is? which dave has realized in recent months is a terrible spot, but he has no idea how to fix it. he'd been trying for years before getting here, had figured out it was all right to allow people beyond rose jade john to care, but really most times he's not sure where he stands on a lot of shit.

dave had allowed himself to be tugged along and just. shrugs. at the question. ]

I'm fine. I don't need to talk to anyone about the stuff we were talking about. I never did before.

[ so: he pulled back hard and plans to stay that way, at a wary, casual distance. ]

I'm not about to fall to pieces, Kitkat, gimme a little credit here.