Bro hadn't expected Dave to do that at all. He'd figured that whatever negative feelings Dave had for him would prevent him for returning the gesture in any way, that he would hide behind his shades. And he wouldn't have blamed him. But... Dave did, and he was filled with relief and even a little pride, that Dave was mature enough to do something like that. It made Bro feel better to not be the only one in the room completely vulnerable.

He still didn't look at Dave right away though, not until after he spoke. And Dave's words, though not malicious, twisted his stomach more than he knew they should've. He knew he was a shitty dad, but hearing it from his own son hurt him in stupid ways, even though he knew what Dave was trying to say.

Before he finally turned to look at Dave, he tried erasing the hurt, tried putting on more of an impassive face. But maybe as his eyes met Dave's, there was still a ghost of pain in his, before it finally disappeared as he composed himself, before any vulnerability left despite the fact he still had his shades off.

Except it wasn't all gone, and he stared Dave in the face for several long seconds, just. Looking his son in the face, reminded of when he was a baby and they'd connected. Despite his pain and regret, he was feeling that connection again. It was almost enough to erase the pain. Almost. In a way, it made it worse. But it allowed him to finally give Dave a genuine smile. It was small, maybe even a little sad, if Dave could read that much into it. But it was a smile, and then he nodded. Because he didn't trust his voice, had no idea what it would even sound like if he tried speaking then, because he was feeling way too damn much.