Miles, you don't have to say that. I know I was ugly -- half my face was melted.

[ He smirks crookedly then, which is a little more twisted, one more used to having to compensate on the right side. He shrugs his shoulders, folding his arms over the book in front of him.

Then his smile is a bit more sincere. ]

Thanks. I'm hoping it's a step in the right direction. Sort of... counting on the possibility.