[ there's no real scope for comparison with his own life here, and without it John's left grappling with concepts as far away to him as fiction. one day that sort of thing will come easier, understanding perhaps instead of observation, but for now all that he can do is appreciate the attitude that comes along with it. respect, and heartily, the boundaries Charles has set for himself.

the closest person to a mindreader he knows has limited scruples in the use of his skillset, and even fewer rules of conduct that he can understand. often, John struggles with that, even when his own morality has its own revolving door of composite parts.

but this is a clear and definite line drawn in cooling concrete, not sand, and it's something he can value. ]

Understood.

[ and, in a fumbled attempt to shift the mood to a slightly lighter one, ]

If it's any reassurance, you're fairly sci-fi for me. [ that's... rude? maybe? who knows. ] So I won't be asking anything of you that you haven't first suggested yourself.