[He listens. Crow's silent the whole time that Rean speaks, letting the information settle into his brain. It's nice, actually, hearing more about Rean's life, about what his parents are like. About how it was growing up as a Schwarzer. Putting into words why exactly Rean and Raina are the way they are. It makes things so much clearer, and it lets Crow actually study those problems...and how to help them.

It's got to be tough...hell, Crow remembers letting out his past when they sat there on the swingset. It's showing a vulnerable side of yourself that you've kept walls around for so long.

He's proud.]

That's the first time you've ever told me about House Schwarzer, you know...[He seems pleased, honestly. Rean's really opened up since they've gotten close.]

Guess even having parents can come with their own set of problems. Expectations. Unwritten Rules.

[Crow's voice is soft, almost uncharacteristically so.]

But if your parents aren't gonna come down hard on her, that's something you're gonna have to do yourself, Rean. You're gonna have to be the bad guy in her little fantasy world, and bring her back down to reality where we go to work, pay bills, and go to school. No being her best friend. Be her brother.

[It's not a lecture, just a reminder that Raina has to learn from this.]

...


You're really gonna tell 'em about me?