[Dave does not want to talk. Not about this, not about anything. But he can't leave it, not when she thinks--when he's letting her think that Bro--anyway, no. He can't do that.
He sits there without speaking, teeth hard against his fist, alternately holding his breath and hiccuping with it, for a long time. When his answer comes, his voice is low.]
He died anyway.
[There. Now she knows.]
That's what happened. When I fucked up with Jade. He died, that's why.
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[audio]
He sits there without speaking, teeth hard against his fist, alternately holding his breath and hiccuping with it, for a long time. When his answer comes, his voice is low.]
He died anyway.
[There. Now she knows.]
That's what happened. When I fucked up with Jade. He died, that's why.
[audio]
I... I kind of...figured. You said it...it had something to do with family, after all.
[...]
I won't ask about it. But the offer's still there, if you ever...ever want to.
[audio]
He's trying to.
What's she asking? He swallows, nods tightly even though she can't see him. Right. If he ever wants to talk.]
Okay.
[Never ever ever, ever. He takes off his shades to press the back of his wrist against his eyes. His fingers are still trembling. Holy shit.]
I should. I should go, I got an. Egg to walk. 'N Li'l Jon gets antsy if I leave him c-cooped up too long.
[audio]
This is not like Josh. Dave is not like Josh. Jesus Christ, she will make sure Dave never ends up like Josh.]
Of course. [Soft, raw but gentle.] Thank you for listening.
[(No one should hear about that one. The second one. No one should have to-)]
Take care of yourself... And I'll talk to you some time later, alright?
[audio]
[His voice has dropped nearly to a whisper.]
Later.