[As Ian explains, Lance is quiet, watching him intently even as he tries to turn it down a little so Ian doesn't feel too scrutinized. He hadn't really expected Ian to be able--or, more accurately, willing--to articulate his feelings about this issue, or for them to be quite as familiar as they are.

So, once he's sure Ian's finished for now, he gives a quiet sigh and a small smile to acknowledge the faint humor in what he's about to say.]

It seems necessary to mention that we've had almost exact conversation before, but in reverse.

[But he doesn't need to go any further into that, because the point is made, and when they'd had that conversation Ian had let him get away with it for awhile. He'll extend the same courtesy and not push for now.

However, that doesn't mean he won't make something clear before he backs off.]

I understand feeling like it's more important to help people, but you can't forget that one of those people that needs help might be yourself.

[But that said--]

It doesn't have to be all at once, though. And none of us have been here that long.

[So if Ian wants to wait a little to address things, that's okay. It just can't be too long because it'll only get worse and worse.]