Billy felt like he'd been struck across the face twice. Once with the 'in heat' comment, like he and Ronnie were...no, he wouldn't dignify that with further thought. The only outward sign of his thoughts was a bright red flush to his face.

Second, of course, at the insistence that he hadn't answered the question. "Then you want to know why I'm upset. I'm bothered because I've spent most of my life trying to figure out how to communicate with others. I'm sure you've noticed, but I have a tendency to talk around you without really understanding. That led to be being ostracized and bullied as a child."

Those unwelcome memories pushed at him again. "Here I am, unintentionally pushing you away. Just like I've done all these years."