[ He never expected her to stay. Not once -- he expected screaming and more anger, and to be left alone. But when he hears her voice finally, he sits up a tiny bit, trying to catch his breath, trying to calm his thoughts. ]

I... I don't even know if... if I can ask you to forgive me for... for something I haven't done yet.

[ He shrugs a tiny bit and finally looks over his shoulder at her. She wasn't leaving, she was going to be his friend still, even after all of this. He rises slowly, bracing himself against the wall and he tries to wipe the tears from his face with his sleeve before he turns and walks back to her, not brave enough yet to meet her eyes, his hands stuffed into his pockets. ]

Why would you do that for me? [ He looks up at her finally, and he isn't sure what to do, or what to say to her. ] I... I swear. I promise on... on everything that I won't lie. Not anymore. I... I don't want to be alone. Everyone always leaves and... and you're not. That's -- it's never happened to me before.

[ There's a tiny bit of relief in his eyes, not just the hopeless, uncertain look from before. ]

I'll do anything. I... despite what the others say. I just... if they don't -- if they hate me, I don't want you to stay. It wouldn't -- it won't be very pretty, and it won't be fair to you. They deserve you more.

[ He shrugs, letting out a shaky breath, still trying desperately to keep his calm. He couldn't hug her, could he? Part of him wants to, and cling to perhaps the only good friend he may have here, after all. ]

I promise. I... I need to find a way to... to get rid of the... ah, the mark. I don't want it anymore.