Jay almost laughs. The sound he makes, a low hiss through his nose, a choked sound at the back of his throat, is almost a laugh.

Tim just deals with it. Tim's been dealing with it his whole life, dealing with it since he was a kid. He's used to this. This is normal for him, so of course he'd be able to keep going.

Tim shouldn't have to just deal with it. This shouldn't be normal, not for either of them.

Jay's free hand wraps across his chest, fingers digging into his other arm. When he speaks, it comes out low, bitter.

"I'm not sure I can really do that."