"Alright, alright. I can't promise you anything if somebody deserves it, but I'll try, okay?"

Mission success. He paused, then added, "And if anyone asks, I had to be bribed."

Grif knew this wasn't a bribe, but he had to get started on putting the bullshit shield back up somehow. He almost left it at that, and then remembered something.

"Y'know, Brainy? Your hypothetical guy?" he said, trying to be perfectly casual. "He probably takes a lot of shit he doesn't deserve."

Grif couldn't have given him direct sympathy anymore than Brainy could've admitted this story was autobiographical. He could, however, communicate it on the same slant. One embarrassing good turn for another, between people who wouldn't talk.