Jake could practically hear Jermaine's voice thudding around inside his head, like the world's worst game of pong. Locked up tighter than a safe... only if it's not too serious, right?... turned him into dad...

Deep breath; in through the mouth, out through the nose in a cool stream. Lady taught him that trick a while ago. After four or five times, Jake found his head blessedly clear. It wouldn't last, but it would at least get him started.

"Why are you afraid to tell me the whole story about what happened between you and Fern?" He asks, voice careful. He didn't want to sound hurt. More guilt was the last thing Finn needed. "Are you worried about how I'll react or... that I'll think less of you?" He pauses. "Either of you?"