[Darin scoffs.]

You don't know the half of it.

[He turns his head toward her as he pushes himself a little more onto his side.]

I wasn't allowed to go to school and...well, none of the kids my age wanted anything to do with me. They all repeated the things their parents said behind closed doors.

I've had rocks thrown at my more times than I can count and the cries of "monster" didn't exactly let up when they saw the cuts heal up right away.

...Just kinda...encouraged more stone throwing. Literally.

[He heaves a sigh and rests his head on the fluffy pillow. He's never really talked this openly about his life growing up in Kenmore but...Zelda deserved to know.]

Over time they stopped openly ridiculing me. They went off to schools. Lived their lives. Before long I was the only person my age in town.

...So...when you say you'd choose me over the world it just...doesn't make sense. I've never had someone other than Acteon or Kessler ever...

Ever...actually want me...

Heh, you're the first girl my age who actually spoke to me without looking down her nose at me...