“It’s different, and you know it. I don’t let friends or partners in my head, and I wouldn’t even if they could.” Tim is a reasonable amount of aloof from his partners, and it’s not any sort of fear or incomprehension of intimacy.

(It’s just. Private.)

“You didn’t see Sleeper across a crowded room and think they’re hot. I’m trying to understand, because I want to decide that this isn’t a liability.” Tim trusts Jason and is looking for a reason to continue to do so. They get along. Tim doesn’t like it when someone turns over the chessboard. “I don’t want to be like B, okay? He made me wear a mask to sleepovers.”