Right. That's what I meant. [He stops deliberately, because if Erik can do it, so can he.] I know that . . . you'd do anything to take c-- to make sure we're okay.

[Actions speak louder than words, Bruce said, and Alex thinks maybe he was right. Still not convinced that he might be able to lead anybody someday, but it's a start.]

I always will. [He realizes this now. No matter how angry he is at Erik, no matter what happens, he always will take care of his family. That's why he's hard on Erik, like Erik used to be hard on him. Because they're the same in so many ways.]

[I always will, it's code. It means I'm never going to leave you. I have faith. If there's one thing Alex has, if there's just one thing he's learned from Charles, it's that faith makes all the difference.]

Look, you know I'm not good at this. I just - I'd take some of it on myself, if I could. To make it less.

[His father has suffered enough.]