[ One day, you'll learn, Allen. One day. He is not a man to be teased.

He goes very still at that. Taking it entirely to heart. His eyes stray to the manila envelope, then back to Allen. A furtive glance at the pile of clothes. He thought he'd shown him. ]

How I feel about you.

[ He repeats, testing the words. He watches him silently for a solid minute, serious in his demeanor, while he comes to a decision. ]

I need to sit up first.

[ The way they were wouldn't do. Careful in his movements, he settles his back against the wall for support, bringing Allen with him with an arm wrapped around his lower back.

Free to use both hands, Shouto presents them to Allen, palm up. To show him. ]

These are the only scars I treasure.

They remind me of you. If I wake up tomorrow to find you gone, I will always have a piece of you with me.