[Something like - no, not like, it was pain that flashed across Giorno's face just then. Something uniquely one's own; was that the same thing as a lie? Because Giorno Giovanna was a lie. It was a story he told, a precedent he set from his very first meeting with anyone, a foundation of insincerity on which to build a house of lies and manipulation. And he had his reasons, and they were good reasons, but that didn't make it less of a lie.]

[So it goes. He watched Kakyoin drink his coffee and felt a small pinprick of satisfaction at having done something perfectly. And when Kakyoin said that - I wanted to make that clear - maybe he shouldn't, but he reached across the table and rested his fingertips against Kakyoin's wrist for a second or two before withdrawing, expression serene as usual despite the obvious tension in his shoulders.]

I know you do. That's why I said we all do. But - please. It helps me to know if it helps you. I think we've all been alone in being afraid of ourselves for long enough, don't you?