[A weak nod. He knows he doesn't need to hold back, but at this point, he doesn't know how else to cope with this other than to force it back until it doesn't show anymore. The furthest thing from healthy, of course, but that's how he's always dealt with things in the past, right? Why was this so different...]
[He's silent for a few moments, trying to think of something happier to talk about, before saying in a soft voice:]
...did I ever tell you that I decided on a day for my birthday?
[It wasn't totally random. She did ask how old he was earlier, after all.]
[action]
[He's silent for a few moments, trying to think of something happier to talk about, before saying in a soft voice:]
...did I ever tell you that I decided on a day for my birthday?
[It wasn't totally random. She did ask how old he was earlier, after all.]