“It’s amazing how good I look when all the blood's on the inside. Excessively so, I had rosy cheeks this morning, although it was probably because of how warm they keep that gel.”

It is normal, and that does catch up with him. He’s missed this, the familiar old-jeans comfort of this friendship. Robbie doesn’t have time to think 'why am I making myself miss this?' when he remembers. Because it was hurting Vance.

But Vance seems like he’s enjoying himself now, and Rob benefits from the greatest thrill he allows himself: making Vance laugh. It’s not the biggest challenge, but it gives him the warmest fuzzies.

Maybe this is okay. Vance certainly deserves to feel better.