[ it's a relief to hear that jake is from the same or at least a very similar timeline. it's been weird enough with dave having to essentially start all over again and john not having any idea what he's talking about so this is nice. real nice. doubly so for it being his best bro who knows him better than anyone.

jake's enthusiasm works to put him at ease, taking some of the edge off the awkwardness. ]

I'm sure you did.

[ it's a shame that jake doesn't know his outcome, but at least it doesn't sound like he met a similar fate to his. that's good and he believes in jake enough to say that and assume he will be fine. his friends are plenty capable and they had more support around than before with the other session's arrivals around. surely they'll live even if he potentially doesn't.

some of the awkwardness returns at that halted movement and it stings. no doubt even casual, platonic gestures of affection are ruined for them now and dirk blames himself for it. he's quick to distract himself with what jake is saying. ]

Dude, no. We wouldn't do that. [ he can speak for roxy and jane with complete confidence at least. as for himself... well, he'd contemplated staying away because he considered himself a toxic element in jake's life and because: ] Honestly, I kind of thought you would rather not talk to me ever again.

[ obviously he failed at keeping his distance, but seeing jake happy to see him makes him guiltily glad he did.

still, he hesitates a split-second before he takes the offered hand and shakes it. frankly it's way too formal for his tastes so immediately after he lets go and holds up a fist. fist bumps improve any situation, right? ]

But I'm glad you're here. I mean, it's not good that we're stuck here at all, but you know. [ ugh, he's failing at trying to put it into proper words but jake nailed it with "somebody i trust" so: ] Ditto.