"It does," Evan agreed, blinking hard to stave off the threat of impending tears. Someone had to keep it together; had to make it easier on Elliot. This was about Elliot, his final moments. Grief could come later. Regret could come later. Guilt... could come later.
Laughing weakly at Elliot's mention of their first conversation, Evan nodded his head. "I do remember. Leah was both confused and livid, and I was confused, because even though I didn't know you, what I knew of you didn't seem the type to talk like that. And we both know that the day I form a tag team with Brandon fucking Stone is the day that pigs fly." A sad, rueful smile accompanied his joke. Because he knew that he'd not walk away from this conversation in a good mood, like he always did with Elliot. And if he'd somehow managed to forget, the small pistol in his back pocket served as a reminder.
"You've... you've come a long way from then, man. I knew you would, too." He took Elliot's outstretched hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "That's why I wanted to train you. Because I knew that you'd end up even better than me." He nodded seriously. "And look at that. I was right. I don't think I knew back then, how awesome of a consigliere I was getting, though."
Shaking his head no, Evan blinked hard once more. Elliot's thanks leveled him, especially when he used the word brother. "Not like a brother, man. You are my brother."
He paused, collecting his thoughts for a second and then cleared his throat, trying to be comforting again. Knowing the right thing to say. Like he usually did. "I never had a best friend. You know? I always used to use that cheesy line, that Olivia was my best friend. Or my sisters, or Danny. And when I took you on as a student, I didn't expect... the last thing I expected was to find a best friend." He leaned down, hugged Elliot and patted him on the back. "I wouldn't be with Leah, if you hadn't encouraged me."
A thought struck him, when he said that. "I attribute a lot about my change, about the way I am now, to Leah? But the truth of it is... it was just as much you, man. Maybe a little bit more." He cleared his throat. "Not many people, especially not other guys, thought much of me. But after that initial doubt? You believed in me, you trusted me, through and through. Right... right to the end." Saying that felt like a smack in the face.
"You may not think you're anything spectacular, Elliot, but you are the best person I know, okay? You've always been brave in the face of everything that was thrown at you, and that bravery, that strength, has allowed everyone you know to flourish. To be strong. You should be proud of yourself. Of the way you've lived. And I'm going to try to live the rest of my life more like you."