[Okay, so making Kakyoin laugh was vaulting quickly to the top of his important-things-to-do-regularly list. He sat back in his seat, satisfied, and nodded, understanding completely.]

There's always got to be one of those, right? Someone to be ridiculous and drive everyone crazy in the little ways, so they don't lose it in the big ways.

I don't know, though, it was very . . . I did need him from the start. I don't think I would be who I am now without him.

[So there's that decision made, it seems; he looked at Kakyoin carefully, still smiling, but softer.]

Would it be all right if I told you something? It's not a big life-changing secret or anything, I just think it might be the right thing to do, to tell you.