He needed someone to listen forever ago, when he was still human. He won't say anything now, Aoi. He can't; all he'd be doing is tearing down all the lies he's built up. It's become his life, and he doesn't want it. He never did. He only built it up because everyone refused to stop protecting him. And that isn't doing him any favors. ....Even if you do mean well. He's never been able to stand on his own. He'll likely never be able to stand on his own. He doesn't want to stand at all.

...And he'll lie about that, too.

[He takes a sip of his drink, glowering at it like a sulky child.]