[In ways, it surprises him that John hasn't cracked under the strain sooner. And it brings into stark relief, just one more way that John is more of a hero, a stronger, better person than he is. But he swallows that down, because it's not something he'd ever voice, and it's not the kind of thing that is important, in the face of everything else.

When he pulls back a little to rub at his tears, Dave will drop his hands to sit on his shoulders properly, adopting the slight smug air John is accustomed to, and burying the discomfort deep]

There's not much to expect out of you Egbert, when the train wings haven't even come off, and you're still attempting to doggy paddle across the pool and just going in circles.