[Once Ronan's sure that Adam's gone and not just hanging around the corner, he sighs and opens his eyes again, directing them to Andyr. Adam's history is his own to share, Ronan knows that. But it's beginning to feel like he might never tell Andyr about his abuse, and it's suddenly so painfully relevant.

So after a moment of internal conflict, Ronan answers the unasked question:]

His father used to beat him. All the fucking time. We'd drop him off at home every night and the next day he'd show up to school with fresh bruises. The last time, before I got him away from there, the fucker beat him so hard it wrecked his ear. He's deaf now. Forever. That's why you can't...

[Ronan scrubs at his swollen jaw, which really only makes it hurt more.]

I mean, take it out on me all you want, but just don't do it where he has to see it.