[ ah. John nods, expression briefly stumped and then smoothing out again.

understood or not, it does make him feel less separate from it all - takes the mystique out of it. that magic had physical repercussions to its users in Thomas' world isn't a good thing, exactly, but it does neutralise it. takes it out of the realm of fantasy, somehow. humanises it. ]

That's alright. This is the first time I've heard of it having consequences to the user. Medical consequences. It's— well, not good, obviously, just— real.

[ dragging himself to a halt, John shakes his head. casts Thomas a look, checking to make sure he hasn't offended. ]