Shadowheart

[ the self-awareness is a double-edged sword. people are so kind here, to the point that it makes him want to believe it's true. that maybe if he was normal, he still would've been loved. but... it's so easy to doubt. even when he doesn't want to. if he still felt things like hatred and contempt, and turned that against people who harmed him, would he still be worth loving? isn't it safer to exist here, as an oddity of a person, knowing that this is how he receives the care he wanted so badly? ]

... thank you. [ it means something that she'd say so, even if just to comfort him. he'll reach out for her hand again, just to hold. then, just to try to lighten the mood: ] I have been told I get a bit pouty sometimes, you know.

[ but even that's only playful—only enough to be charming or endearing ]

But... I don't know if I can change anymore. Sometimes I want to, sometimes I don't. I just thought...

After all you've shared with me, and how much care you've shown me... I wanted you to know.