His stomach twists at hearing that. But, for the first time, Jeff seems to actually relax a little against Bash. He never doubted Bash would hold him and keep him from drowning, but having that assurance spoken aloud is like... Permission, in a way. He practically goes boneless against Bash, spent from emotional exhaustion.

"I've got you, too," he says softly. Even if he isn't in any state to be anyone's rock right now, it still feels important, and necessary, to say it. "I didn't, um... kill you, did I?" And though he doesn't ask, there are more questions swimming around his head. Who killed me? How did I die?