The corners of Sam's mouth tighten briefly as he considers the question. As much as he loved Jess -- loves Jess -- it wasn't refreshing to find out she knew all those dark parts of him. It was unnerving when he really stopped to think about it. If you tell the same lie enough times, it starts to feel real, like something physical that can actually protect you from harm. When that gets taken away, suddenly you're in the thick of it without protection. Friendly fire does as much damage as the enemy; well-intentioned words can hurt as much as those meant to sting. And then there's the judgment, which Sam knows all too well given how much he heaped upon himself.

Yeah, it's fucking terrifying.

"Yeah," he says, nodding. "People say.. the truth will set you free. Stuff like that. It's probably true, but it's hard to get there. Takes a lot of courage." He gives Natalya a small smile.