He pretty well never really felt the need for physical contact. Usually, around Flonne, he'd get it whether he wanted it or not. He'd grown used to accepting it lately, but needing it? No, not usually. Feeling his mother put an arm around him, however, made him realize just how much he'd really needed it as he was surprised to feel a sense of relief spread over him.

With his arms bound, he couldn't do anything but lean closer to her, but from him that was a pretty strong message.

His mother's question was still a weighted one for him. He wasn't sure why she was asking him. It had to be apparent, especially to her by now, right? He knew the answer inside him, but even he was still was not sure he could truly just say it. It was all the harder when all it seemed to be doing for him was causing him even more pain.

He agonized for a long moment, trying to figure out how to respond. The answer really needed to be one word, but even that wouldn't come.

"I... I-it... was so much damn easier when I didn't feel these things," he finally spoke, voice shaking.