[That said, Michael was friends with Jeremy for twelve years, so of course he'd be more comfortable in that situation. Rich should maybe back off. But he does kind of like the support, both in Michael's touch and in his tone of voice. Rich smiles softly.]

Yeah, dude. You're right. And here I was starting to worry I had overreacted.

[A laugh.]

I mean, at least I didn't try to murder it immediately! It dodged my punches anyways.