[He knows he asked for candour, but the way he so plainly says it still makes something curdle in his stomach, sour and nauseous, and before he's thinking about it he knocks back the rest of his drink in one hit.

He keeps the glass in his hand, though, rolling it against his thigh as he tries to find the right words. Almost to his own surprise, it's honesty that comes out as well.]

...I don't have many people in my life, doctor - at this point it really is just John. I don't go out of my way to cultivate friends, and the fact that I have any - not just here, but ever - is testament more to people's stubbornness than my own willing.