[ Matthew nudges him for the snorting, just a little, a moment of brotherly playfulness. But then it's back to the serious conversation. ]

I know, me too. [ He also likes people, that is. But there's a huge difference between liking people and getting so attached to them that it's like the whole world catches fire and begins to tailspin when they're gone, the way it was for Ronan when their dad died. ]

It's just-- [ A little shrug. ] I don't know. It's not like when Dad died. He's not doing stuff to try to piss you off.

[ That word just slipped out, whoops. ]

Like, he and Jesse've gotta be real friends.

[ Matthew's still not arguing, even a little, just trying to see both sides as always. ]