[ uhhhh that last one stills him, and he hazards a glance over at him. he doesn't comment on it though, because it feels personal and even though connor is prying at him, he doesn't want to assume or pick at old wounds.

maybe he should be meaner, but he's tired.

there is definitely something about the striders taking off their glasses around him, even if connor refuses to examine it.

anyway dirk sits back again before looking at him more and finally shrugging. ]

I just never saw myself as someone needing to have heart-to-heart conversations about anything. Things are what they are, and if you can't change them you can't change them.