[Good. Erik knows what empty sympathy looks like, sounds like, and that wasn't what he wanted. He didn't set out looking for real sympathy, either - but better they understand. Better not to protect them from it, considering the risk of staying silent.]

If I was talking only to you, I'd have used your name. [But there, that's - that's a thing they have to talk about. But Erik is still all sharp edges and anger, and they are so alike in that way.]

Are you, Alex? Are you on my side? If you don't think I could torture people just because I was, then why did you ask? What answer were you looking for, huh?