[Liem’s expression brightens a little when he manages to surprise that ghost of a laugh from Matt. The small sound makes him want to coax out something warmer and more genuine, just to see what it would sound like—what it would look like. The only time he can remember seeing Matt look actually happy was months ago, in sickness-fuelled daydreams.

He finds himself glancing down at his mouth, and meets his gaze again almost guiltily.]

I would have said… like two moral degenerates who might prop each other up.

[Despite the tenor of Matt’s response, the quiet words seem earnest. He smiles faintly.]

Although… I wouldn’t have used that word to describe you.