Akira bristles at the strange note of--apology? pity? sympathy?--in Ren's voice, but this time, he doesn't let his feelings show. It's not Ren's fault Akira feels bitter, and Akira knows it. If anything, Ren's comments just confirm Akira's sense that the boy has been through horrors of his own.

"A curse I wouldn't mind having, nonetheless. I land myself in enough trouble without one; I doubt I'd notice a bit more." He gives Ren a sidelong look, appraising. "But I'm speaking in ignorance, I know. I'm sorry to hear it's been a burden for you."