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James finds that there is something uniquely stirring about Anders' tears, as if witnessing a seasoned actor break character in the middle of a scene. They flow slowly down his face, like peaceful winding rivers, like clogged water. Barely a sound escapes him, but he trembles perceptibly, like a machine. It's unlike Nikolai, who makes a mess of his tears and scrambles to apologize. It's unlike Donna, who stubbornly hides her tears behind jewelled hands. James finds that he cannot find it in himself to console Anders, or to offer him empty platitudes, empty platitudes like a guidance counselor. Anders is incapable of human comforts.
James has held him in alien regard for far too long.