"I have to worry about it now," he insists, knowing he's only being so forceful about it because he's drunk and hating himself a little for that. He should be able to tell people they're important without having to drink or nearly lose one of them. "I don't have a lot of friends, I need the ones I do have to know that they're... important." He's not saying it right and he rubs his good hand against his eye, avoiding the bruises.

At her question, though, he shakes his head and it's all he can do for a long moment. His chin quivers and then he clenches his jaw. "I just wanted to take him on a date."