A few years ago, Newt's assessment of Sawyer would have felt completely implausible. A good friend? Taking care of others? Some part of Sawyer might argue that the only reason why he didn't get around to any of that was because he didn't have the luxury of caring for anyone other than himself — but the greater truth is that he never wanted to put in the effort. People were unreliable, unpredictable, and downright cruel. The only way to avoid being constantly shortchanged because of it was to join in the activity.

Or at least, so Sawyer thought.

It's been a while since he last was that cold and calculating, and these days, the smiles he wears are genuine more often than derisive. Still, being called a good friend only pulls Sawyer's memories back to the first time he'd really had someone believe that deeply in him. Someone who didn't treat him like some jerk who needed to be fixed, but instead like a person who'd simply been wearing the wolfskin for far too long.

He's pretty sure that the way he is with Clementine and Flavia wouldn't surprise Juliet at all.

"You know, I'm pretty sure you're just a barnacle who hangs on until someone has to take care of you, or otherwise risk your life weighing on their conscience forever," he remarks, crouching when Clementine suddenly rushes over, tutu bobbing through her run as she reaches out for her cup. "You start callin' me daddy though, and I will spank you. And not in the sexy way."

Cleo sits herself down on the floor, sipping from her cup while she stares at the pair.

"Oh, and don't worry about swearing in front of her. Not like she understands. And not like swearing has ever broken a kid."