Steven opens his eyes again. Given Tyler a tight little nod. "Sorry," he says, softly. "That's-- maybe not always my strong suit. You're right. I just-- I need to give you time. I'm-- glad. That you still want me in your life. You're really important to me, Tyler, just because-- well. Just because you're you. Which... maybe you know. Or otherwise I wouldn't keep trying every time you shut me down for being a complete and utter asshole."

Then he laughs, suddenly. "God, you must have hated him," he says. "For just-- being even more not the guy you met and not knowing you at all. Completely the opposite of me talking to his friend... friends?"