[Hakkai doesn't flinch; it's a long way from a shock to hear that Gojyo doesn't think Hakkai loves him back, or wonders if Hakkai's feelings count as love. It's still a brutal, awful thought: that he can do this because he just doesn't love Gojyo enough for it to stop his hands before he draws blood. The silence stretches between them, while he looks away into the ashfall.

Eventually, he refolds his hands, more careful this time not to scratch himself, and puts his chin on his knees. He feels a little like a child, balled up somewhere dark and hoping not to be found.]

You're still the most important thing in the world to me.

[He turns his head, cheek brushing his knuckles, to look at Gojyo; his eyes are soft, full of affection, despite the misery still etched in tight lines around his mouth.] ... and if I've ever been in love, I love you.

I can't tell you what you're feeling, anyway.

[He shifts, one hand going to his chest to press at it, trying to ease the ache, and he adds:] Gods don't feel the positive emotions, as much.