( that forces him to either stand in the shade really close to her, or stand an appropriate distance from her in the sun--he chooses the latter. to see her expression better, even if it so rarely changes. )

If it's just the atmoSPHERE, Little Wolf, then why did these ( he hooks his fingers under his long sleeve on his left arm and pulls it up, fifteen tallies neatly lined on his wrist. ) go up in numBER?

( he'll keep it rolled up, tracing a nail under them, not waiting for her answer before he continues, voice even and firm. )

Two at the start of the YEAR, with no memory of how I got THEM. Four for-- ( ... ) for killing four of my fellow stuDENTS. One more for taking care of that flour child before break starTED. Eight for clapping lights--souls--to see the way BY.

( at least, he's pretty sure that's why he has those. he didn't hurt anything else, traumatizing a three year old aside.

...it's uncomfortable to have them out, but he rolls up his right sleeve too so he at least Matches and isn't an asymmetrical mess. he purses his lips, and continues a little gentler. )

I've been thinking plenty, to be hoNEST. I just like to talk when I'm more sure of my FACTS, and I haven't collected enough of those YET.