[He honestly can't really remember the last time he opened up to someone about anything. Like really opened up. Chloe was probably the last, it's hard for him to say as a lot of things from Deerington are a blur. His and Bolin's friendship is still new, and he's developed walls, a guard against getting too close only to lose people.

But at the same time, he knows he can't bottle everything right now. He's had enough experience with the way his mind can be influenced towards dark things to know that way leads to more darkness. And Bolin's offer is so genuine and sincere. Though he won't say everything, it can't hurt to talk a little about at least this one thing that's hurting him this moment.

He bites his lip, debating internally and trying to figure out what to say for a good minute.] …I used to really love the spotlight. Y'know? I've got… older brothers and sisters who did all these amazing things before I even got a chance to figure out who I wanted to be. So all I knew for a long time was that I wanted to stand out and… be everything you said you think I am.

[His voice gets a little unsteady on that last part. He heaves a breath and continues:] I've never been that great at actually being it or… really believing I could be it. I was gonna fake it till I made it. But… after everything… I've been going through the motions so nobody will look at me and- and see all that dark stuff inside me. All the things I'm… ashamed of.

[He lets out a slow breath.] And now… everyone knows one of the worst things that's ever happened to me and… that's all they'll see. Maybe that's… really all I am now.