[He frowns, the brief flicker breaking the stonewall for long enough for a crack to form. It doesn't smooth away when the frown does. Through it, there's a weary tiredness that leaks out into the next three words.]
I'm not him.
[Dirk couldn't say he hadn't thought about it. He's closer to Bro's age now than he was any other time he knew Dave here, and it was never going to be a happy reunion between them. The least Dirk can do is offer that reassurance.]
I'm-- [A tiny, grim smile ticks up one corner of his mouth.] Do you even know about the post-Scratch timelines?
[Establishing a ground for explanation would be best.]
no subject
I'm not him.
[Dirk couldn't say he hadn't thought about it. He's closer to Bro's age now than he was any other time he knew Dave here, and it was never going to be a happy reunion between them. The least Dirk can do is offer that reassurance.]
I'm-- [A tiny, grim smile ticks up one corner of his mouth.] Do you even know about the post-Scratch timelines?
[Establishing a ground for explanation would be best.]