I was recruited into the program because I was exploitable. That was it. The others had some of that too, I'm sure, but they were also incredible. I was out of my league, from the start. [ He did almost barely manage to keep up with them, but it was through sheer hard work and dedication. He was never under the illusion that he had anywhere near the talent any of them did. They were always just -- better. ] They liked to compare us, besides.

[ And aw, well. He glances up at him again, something soft and appreciative in his expression. ]

That lesson took me a while to learn. [ And he honestly still has trouble with letting go with people digging at him for his sanity. He's better about it now, at least. ]