"You don't have to be perfect, Gene." Tony reaches across the table for his hand. He's still looking at Gene, even though Gene has looked away, and his expression is serious and earnest and a little sad.

"I was angry because you kept a secret from me, and that's what I was afraid of: that you'd lie to me again. But if you didn't tell me because you were afraid I'd hate you... I think that means I might be doing something wrong, too. I don't want you to be afraid to tell me things because you think that I'll leave you if you ever make a mistake. Getting upset about something doesn't mean I hate you. I want to help you. I don't want to just be the— the person who punishes you when you mess up."