[ Aral pls. Miles can't help a faint thread of exasperation at his father - he gets it, really he does, but he's so glad Kitty didn't bring it loaded. With the way that gun has been thrown around this evening ... He shivers a bit to contemplate it accidentally going off.

But he has a more specific comment to focus on in this conversation. ]

My self esteem is fine, Kitty. It's a necessary fiction. [ A bluff further belied by his quick addition: ] And it is very important we not tar either of my parents with this. The only villain in this piece is me.

[ A fierce spark of protectiveness, equally as obvious as his fondness for Tex. ]