[And this Tim had, even when the wavering form of Algric shuddered in and out of his perception and memory that first day. He still did when Jonah stumbled out of Hilltop. He still did when arms desperately went around him and a forehead pressed into his chest, despite the smell of burning protein and fiber overwhelmed the choking concrete dust and boiling wax.

He still does now.

There's just a specificity now he didn't have before. Was it a double standard? Was it wriggling on the line he, himself was caught on? Probably. But it was THERE now, sharp and stark.]

... You know, there's not been one moment since that narrative ended, that you haven't been there for me. I'm not-

[He tries again.] I don't hate you. There's only one person that story made me all out hate and that is not you.