"Something that liked me a little too much did some very bad things," Tony replied carefully. "I know you like me a lot. And I know this is the first time for you feeling that way about someone. But I have a girlfriend who I really like too."

He sighed, feeling all that sleep deprivation hit him behind the eyes like a truck.

"I'm not saying you have to get over it right now, but you do eventually. You'll find someone who can like you back in that way and I'll be there to keep you from stealing their clothing."

Like a good friend.