"I think... maybe I do, sometimes, but... when I can't get away from her she just keeps pushing until I mess up," he says. Not that he's been thinking about it in a denying the blood connection kind of way, though. But, the longer it goes on, the less energy he has to try.

"I'm really glad Mr Childermass is okay," he says, smiling faintly, despite everything. "I was really worried that maybe... all of this would be happening to him, too."

He's quiet again for a little while longer.

"...Thanks for being honest with me, Peridot. Maybe... I needed to hear that. Maybe it will help."