<Arlie_B> "Look, I'm sorry for my part in all that mess, you had the right intent, but I had completely lost it."

<Avery> "It's okay. Given the circumstances...I can't really blame you."

<Avery> "We'll get through this."

<Arlie_B> "You had no idea. I might have really hurt you if Aurelia hadn't been there, and I would have regretted it for the rest of my life."

<Arlie_B> "You've brought me back from the brink before, in dreams, and I thank you for that."

<Avery> "I know. and...honestly, I wouldn't have blamed you if you did." he blushes faintly. "You'd do the same for me, any day. You have."

• Arlie_B nods and slaps his back. "Now, about this leader thing,"
• Avery nods, listening.

<Arlie_B> "I asked Damon the same thing when I realized you guys were listening when I gave commands."

<Avery> "...What'd he say?"

<Arlie_B> "I never lead in the field before I joined you guys, did you know that?"

• Avery shakes his head, faintly surprised.

<Arlie_B> "He said that I was a idiot, and I already knew how to lead."

• Avery chuckles.

<Arlie_B> "And he said to know the men you're with."

• Avery pauses a moment, then nods.

<Arlie_B> "He's a natural born leader, and that's what he does."

• Avery grins wryly. "Dunno if I'll ever be on par with him, but I can try, right?"

<Arlie_B> "It's not about trying."

<Arlie_B> "It's about helping your friends."

• Avery blinks, then nods seriously.

<Arlie_B> "And you've got the right intent."

• Avery perks up.

<Arlie_B> "I'm in a bad way, Avery. I'm dying. Again."

<Avery> "You'll make it through. You always do."

<Arlie_B> "You want to know my secret?"

<Avery> "Sure."

<Arlie_B> "I don't plan on living tomorrow. That's the reason I can stand up and shout when blood hits the walls."

• Avery looks almost shocked.

<Arlie_B> "But I want to live, and that's the other thing."

• Avery nods a little. "And you will."

<Arlie_B> "I always do something. And it's rarely the smartest thing, but at least it's an action."

• Avery looks down a little. "...yeah..."

<Arlie_B> "In the near future, I might be doing dumber and dumber things. When that happens, I need someone to shout over me."

• Avery looks up at him.

<Arlie_B> "You'll have to use your judgement, fighting amongst ourselves can be death in these situations."

<Arlie_B> "But when the time comes, I need you to call me out, and I'll follow, no complaints."

<Arlie_B> "Got it?"

• Avery nods. "Yeah...Jack's trying to keep the peace, too. But listen, Arlie...You are gonna try, right...? You can beat this, really beat this, if you really try."
• Arlie_B grins. "Never fight a dying man who wants to live. He breaks all the rules, he does the impossible."
• Avery grins.

<Arlie_B> "Go on, talk to your dad and make us proud."

Avery> "..." he nods, straightening up.