That sounded... better. Much better. A little something coiled tight inside loosened on hearing it from someone who was living it. It still left him with that deep question about Simon's intentions. Was it some form of love, the something more Caleb was looking for someday, or just someone to have in this stuff? Simon hadn't taken on anyone else... why? Not a red flag but confusing for sure.

Peter was now red around his ears but he managed to keep his voice level. "I'm not sure I could do anything with other people around. I barely am managing tonight -- at least I hope I manage tonight." It felt like that depended somewhere between level of alcohol and topic of the learning tonight.

But he paused in what he was doing and admitted quietly, "I probably care for Simon more than anyone outside of my family." JC... he was a whole different level. Above all of that probably for them both. "Which makes all of this harder, you know? He makes it sound so easy though."