[Too softly, too gently, for just a moment:]

Thank you...for listening.

[But the moment is fleeting - he chuckles humorlessly, grabbing the Shade's hand and dragging it over the cruel scar on his chest.]

I mean...that they came after me when they learned that I laid with another man.

This happened. Because I didn't stack up to what they expected. Someone hurt me for it.

[He kisses the back of the hand.]

I don't regret it. For a moment.