#conversingwiththegrates

While I would love to stay neutral on the matter, converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius is nothing short of annoying, verging on irritating.

I do have a converter, but it would take me a bit to find it.. I haven't touched it in ages.

I am not well acquainted with anything regarding health, but since you insist, I don't think there's any way I can refuse..

I mean, who would know better than yourself? Though, by my own observations, you do react to the cold better than the warmth..

I shall lower the temperature, then. I hope you recover quickly, I don't wish for you to exert yourself by talking to me..

Though, only if you don't raise them too high, I believe you'd accidentally see my face in the vents if you do..

.. hm.

I've said this and I suppose I'll say it again, I am not comfortable coming out of where I am. I have gotten used to being concealed, to hide away in a place no person nor object can truly see me.

While I thank you for the.. compliment, it won't coax me out. I will not let my guard down. I am sorry, but I will not show myself because you flatter me with words.

Surely, you must be mistaken? I am not fitting for this type of sentiment, to be thought of so fondly is.. unlikely.

At least, to myself I believe so. It is hard to accept such kindness even after so many has come here, singing praises for things I have yet to believe.

But I thank you, I do. I do not know what to say in return. What could I say that matches that?

I think about you too, maybe more than you realize. But oh, I will not get into detail. It is embarrassing enough to be so vulnerable.

That is not to say I am against this, no, but I am.. well, wary. Even after all this time, I am more guarded than ever. I worry another outburst will follow if another were to see my face, even for a moment.

Would you be willing to be blindfolded for a while before I come out? While I trust you to not take it off mid-listen, I am worried that it could loosen and..

You'd see.. me.

..

I could have sworn I killed them off already, but one slipped through the grates.

It would be best if you stayed away for a bit, yes. I'll take care of it. Do not fret, I will resolve this issue.

Let me check if there is such a paper clip, I do believe I saw something shiny a few hours ago.

...

(Hector disappears for a moment, before returning with something in one hand.)