[That self-hatred they share between them, it’s always deepened their understanding of each other. Ironic, that.

And though this secret is now privy to all, the shape it took when shared with Messmer was keener, more vulnerable. Nothing will replace that, nor the moment it embodied. It’s a bone-deep part of their bond now, indelible as far as Verso is concerned.]

It won’t. Even if it changes everyone’s opinion of me, I… I’m just tired of pretending to be someone I’m not, Messmer.

[Through lies, through his masks, through parental expectation, through an identity that he could never live up to. He’s tired. He’s tired of being tired, but Messmer knows this.]

I’ll be… all right. What of you?