Jermaine let’s out an uneasy breath, sinking just a little lower into the chair.

“This time I really am fine. I’m…I’m good, even.” His own expression softens a little, his defensiveness receding. Jake’s concern actually was touching, even if it was (in this case) pretty misplaced. He almost wanted to explain everything to him, just rip that bandaid off, maybe give him a little peace in the process. But it wasn’t the right time. Everything with dad would probably come boiling up, they’d really have to talk about it. It wasn’t what he’d come here for.

Jermaine turns the hot cup in his hands, looking thoughtfully at his last dregs of tea.

“I promise. And I promise we’ll really talk soon. You and me. Okay?”