[It is hard to hear. Incredibly hard, and he feels the sharp twist of jealousy because Billy has something he doesn't, something he never will have. It seems many people do. And even if he won't admit it out loud, it's something he wants.

He laughs softly.]

People who love me despite what I do or who I am?

I... don't know.

[He looks at Billy, a crooked smile on his lips.] I think perhaps there are people who care for me. [Billy, Rapunzel, Ikki. Gregor had, when he'd been here.] But I wonder if that would still be true, were I not in a cage.

[And if that's the case, is that real? He's lied to nearly all of them, at one point or another. Lying is simply what it does. If they like him because of his lies, is that real?

He looks down at his hands for a moment.] Rogue likes me for who I am. I think. [Not despite. For.]