[ he indulges in the hug quietly for a moment, gathering up the courage to say what needs to be said - what he should have said when she tried to give him an out. he only had the nerve to mention it in passing, today it's going to have to be his turn to man up and give her the story.

he pulls back, meeting her eyes again and god - she looks so trusting. what if she'll take it as a betrayal? after everything she's told him...he's been holding back so much. ]

I'm afraid you wouldn't want me if I told you. Which - is why I should've a long time ago, I'm sorry.

[ his voice is quiet, resigned, defeated. ] Do you remember I told you about -- being like my dad? [ of course she does, winn, it's one of the only substantial things you've told her about yourself. pretty easy to remember. ]