[He didn't respond right away, focusing on finishing Fayt's bangs and keeping the hair from falling into the boy's eyes. They'd all been very honest with him up to now and suddenly, strangely, Souji felt a pang of guilt. Cliff knew about his death and the fact that there was no stopping it, but did Fayt? It didn't seem like something Cliff would think to mention, and after all that Fayt had shared, Souji thought maybe he should return the favor.

But at the same time, it was the one thing he hated talking about more than anything else in the world. People's eyes changed when they knew his fate, and the idea of having Fayt stop looking at him with such innocence was unbearable. Cliff had found out by accident on the draft all those months ago - but was it worth telling Fayt the same?]

We all have stories and shadows, Fayt-kun. Some we want to talk about and some we don't.

Anyway, I think if he finds me before time runs out, he'll have a different plan for his prize and we might not be able to talk as much.

[He snipped a rogue long hair and sat back a little, looking at his handiwork.]

Does that look alright?