I give you the hugsy hugs. It is only when friends are called upon to stand up for you that you see what they're truly made of. Most of the time, when I part with people, they do not leave amicably; I think they sense the simplicity of how I cut people off, should they betray me, and attempt in some way to get one wound in before I slam the door. This is why most friendships and relationships I have had end on cranky-ass terms, and why there are more people than this particular one out to insult me in any way they can, whether it lowers them to absolute infantile behavior, keeps them locked in some eternal phase of immaturity, or urges them to behave in an uncharacteristically (or characteristically, depending) cruel fashion. I think you're one of the very few people I know who has ever stood up for me in the light of that, but then again, that's why I trust you more than I trust or ever trusted most people. (Some people cannot leap into this particular fray, just as you cannot leap into particular others; but when the supposed 'battleground' is set where one is allowed to, that is when most show their spots.)

Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You're the only one of this disbanded little group who ever did stand up for me. I think you're the only one with spine enough. And, seeing as how most people are ridiculous, belly-slinking worms, this is quite a compliment.

Also we need to see Master and Commander.

Hugs.