[Belth blushes now, a nice little pink from his cheeks to his nose. It touches the tips of his ears. He makes a face.]

When I said I have always been alone, I mean I have never had a friend. Not a one.

[Belth tries to look as strong as he can despite his tear-streaked cheeks and the clinging to Hiro's sleeve just a minute ago. He does a pretty good impression of aloof regardless-- tilting his head back, his lips making a haughty thin line-- even if it quivers at the edges.]

How do you know I won't just set you on fire?