Faking was second nature by now, though. It was hard to fight off a habit that started to become his life ever since he was seven.

At the question he just shook his head at first, very slowly as his stomach churned and clenched once more.

"No, not yet. Thank you, I just-- I can't." He passed a still somewhat shaky hand along his face before raking his hair back with his fingers as best as he could.