( alec appreciates the honesty and realness a lot. he likes when they can talk like this. it showcases how far they've come, and shows their friendship is based on something real, something they worked at. )

Well... Thanks. ( barely any awkwardness in taking the compliment, this is progress!! he really is flattered, though. ) I always thought dark colors would make me blend in. That the less I stood out the better. ( a bit of a sad thing to admit, but it's the truth, and maybe would give vex some context for any colors alec might start wearing. they're a step toward being more himself. )

I've been too judgmental before. People cope in all sorts of ways. ( that's an apology, really. he can be a bit of a hypocrite, but he's trying to be better. he might not think sex or booze are the best things to throw yourself at during a hard moment, but neither is proposing to a woman or training with an injury or causing yourself one. )