He notices the motion, despite its silent excuse, and he lets his hand drop, giving her back her space. It's a little difficult not to withdraw entirely at the small dismissal. Becoming cold, alien and undoubtedly cruel seems eternally close, so easy to slip into. Practice and experience has gotten him to where he is now today, sitting beside a friend in Winter.

"You aren't everyone else, Adia. You're you. If you try to do what everyone else does just to fit in... it's just a lie. By all means, lie if you want to, lie if that is part of you, but know that it's a lie. Only you can know how you feel. Only you can know what you want. And only you can know what's right for you."