[ He opened his mouth to speak but he didn't... he couldn't. That hit him like a slap in the face. His head turned down again and he found that his tongue caught in his throat. Quietly, he drew his hand away. ]

Yeah... m'not. Nothing about me's right anymore, I know. Wasn't supposed to end up like this. It'd remind you over'n over again, wouldn't it? I'd end up being a ruddy burden to you somewhere down the line.

[ And clenching his fist a moment, eyes shutting tightly. He held it tight enough to dig his nails into his own palm. He hesitated, his hand moving to clutch his left shoulder. That damn shoulder that was concrete proof that whatever happened at that school wasn't a nightmare. It hurt. Like it did when the cold set in. For some reason, he seemed even more conscious of its absence. ]

Would prolly end up hurting you even if I did decide to be with you because of it. M'hurting you right now, anyroad.