[ He returns that Look with a somewhat sheepish one, since he knows. Or, he thinks he does. The problem is, even though Rhys is pretty obviously a mess, Rhys also gives Jack something that he's both very weak to and pretty desperately craves, and that's attention and validation. It's an honestly terrible combination, and in that sense, day eight should be no surprise at all...

But Jack smiles quickly enough at the comment, and it's a genuine, fairly warm one. He already has a little narrative in mind here, which is also part of this upcoming problem, but at least it helps with that image of sweet, innocent Jack instead of selfish, egotistic Jack. ]

Ha, yeah, you got it in one. He's weird and lonely, but harmless. Like, weirdest part here is that he's not the first guy that's unreasonably obsessed with me, but, hey. Just means I've got experience dealing with it. Besides, he's not a bad guy.

[ famous last words ]

[ He shakes his head lightly ]

Would if I could, but you'll have to trust me on it. Which, uh, realize that's kinda a lot to ask, given the circumstances and your concern here. But, hey, if it helps? That number isn't random. That's how many of the staff there are, right? So, yeah, if I was one of 'em, wouldn't be to my advantage to be screwing my own people.