Daniel was waiting for them at the top of the stairs, arms crossed. Winter greeted him and Ian gave him not so much as a look before they both went straight down. Chris reached his friend a moment after.

“Listen,” he said in a low tone, “I know you don’t like Ian, but you need to start getting along with him a little better if you’re going to come too.”

Daniel shrugged and started walking down.

“Why? You don’t.” He seemed to be in a worse mood than the day before.

“At least I’m trying... most of the time.” Chris got a hold of his friend’s shoulder to stop him. “But, look, you’re going to spend a while in each other's company, and with the new situation with you and Julia… anyway, he’s no treat to be around, but one of you two has to be the bigger man. Just… grit your teeth and think of something else. Don’t snap and leave like you did yesterday.”

“Fine.” Daniel shook him off and continued walking. “But that guy has some serious issues, attacking everyone on sight this way, and I don’t plan on playing along.”

Chris hurried to catch up, a feeling of guilt regarding the whole issue building up again.

After a moment of pondering he slowly started “Dan, is there anything--”

“No.” After a pause, the boy added with a faint smile “Sorry. Thanks. I just need... some time. You think of yourself instead.”