"Um," says Johnny, definitely noticing the subtle changes in -- everything. "Oh."

Well this is nerve-wracking. He doesn't know why, really, but he didn't expect Topher to actually know Gabe, much less have... strong opinions about him. Maybe not good opinions, from the sound of it. He's not sure he's ready to hear someone talk shit about a guy he's just started feeling really good about -- and he's definitely not comfortable hearing Gabe's secrets from someone other than Gabe -- but he can't stop the question from coming. It was so obviously prompted, and it's so hard not to ask.

"Whhhhat is he?"