[Dave has to swallow before he can reply. He made the offer sincerely, and he wouldn't take it back; it was obviously the right thing to do, just listen to her, she needed this like he needed--like he needs--like, anyway, this isn't about him.

It's still hard to sit there and hear all of it. Not even because of the words, really, because he still only half-understands some parts (and maybe doesn't want to understand, fully, until he's got some time to think it over); but listening to Ashley push the words out, hearing the real, raw feeling in there, everything for her friend, all the betrayal and love--]

I wish I could be there and hug you right the fuck now, Ashley.

[He keeps from hugging himself, barely, by balling his hands on his knees and biting his tongue.]

I wish...do you even know, how, how...I wish those were words I could've said, too. I wish you could've said them to Josh when he was here, you both need--

[His voice threatens to break and he cuts himself off and shakes his head, raking his hair back again, looking off to the side until he masters himself.]

Did...is that working at all, do you feel... [Dave, fucklord, she's crying.] I mean, take your time.