[A forced smile makes its way onto his face, like a crack in ice spreading to either side, followed by a hollow laugh.]

You don't need it.

[Uncomfortable all of a sudden, Asher crosses his legs.]

Seriously. Most of the time I'm just messin' around.

[And just as soon as he says those words, he regrets them.

That's not entirely true.]

Since when have you ever listened to me, anyway?

[Right?]

You'll be alright. I know it, dawg.