A lot of people get here without knowing anyone, [ Matt says. He can feel himself sounding querulous and hates it, but he isn't sure how to change course. Nor can he bring himself to pull away from Liem; he feels stupid and vulnerable, but he doesn't want to reject him while he's offering some kind of affirmation. ] I know I--got hurt, before--

[ A great euphemism for "was missing a hand," good going Matt. ]

--But everybody here gets some kind of hurt. Right? And I've been in--I've had arrangements with vampires before, relationships. I know what I'm doing. [ Stuck for what else to say, positive he's only making Liem less convinced, Matt sputters, ] Everyone else who knew me before thinks I can handle it.