[Another huff through his nose. He can't be truly surprised that Ren can say such things so easily, repeat them as if they mean nothing at all. Even when he knows that the other boy means every word he says, it's still so difficult to believe.

But he can feel more than hear the beating of Ren's heart, steady and sure and strong as always.]

You're a fool, [he murmurs, with the same gentle ease that Ren said I love you. As if it isn't intended as an insult at all.] And yet for some reason, I believe you.

[His free hand comes up to press gloved fingers against Ren's lips to keep him from saying anything else about that. His heart feels too raw already.]

Now. Shall we get to business? [He gently taps his fingers against Ren's lips, once, twice, then finally pulls them back as he himself steps back.] Has this world changed at all since we've all awoken?