Parrot and its Beetle! :P

Laiko grinned in response to Annabelle's agreement. "I do, too." He replied, nodding enthusiastically. Though now he thought about it, there wasn't much point in saying that... He was the one who had made the suggestion, so of course she knew he liked parks... Ah well, where was the fun in life if one didn't embarrass oneself saying stupid things? Laiko stood up as she did and turned to look at her as she began to speak. "Of course, I'm rather cold myself..." He responded, though he spoke in a muffled and somewhat distracted tone - for he had been forced to drop his gaze again when Annabelle gestured toward the wetness of her clothes. He had no clue why he was being so shy all the time... He was usually the furthest thing from shy!
Thus, he was relieved when Annabelle dived into the ocean, and he could follow without worry. He swam after her through the pleasantly cool waves, passing her after a while - then dragging himself onto the shore just ahead of her. He was gradually getting used to being back on dry land, when suddenly something collided with his back. He staggered forwards, struggling to keep his balance for a moment under the unexpected weight, then he managed to get his bearings and, upon hearing Annabelle's words, burst out laughing. He hooked his arms around her legs and started forward - a cheerful grin plastered to his face. "C'mon then, you conniving fiend!" He teased, jerking his head away and pretending to drop her in revenge as she tickled his ear.

Laiko dumped her in the sand beside their belongings as he heard her next question. At first he did not answer, but simply sat beside her in silence and thought over it - searching his reluctant and disobedient mind for answers. "I... Don't know." He said finally - rather disappointed that those three words formed the only answer he had been able to come up with all that time. "I'm not sure why..." He added hesitantly, deciding that he could offer at least as much information as he himself had, even if most of it was a worthless hunch. "But as I know this did happen to me at least once before - if I was to hazard a guess... I'd say that perhaps it has something to do with me... Or maybe it's just co-incidence. Maybe I have a habit of winding up in the wrong place at the wrong time - who knows?" He chuckled softly, shrugging his shoulder, then turning to her with a smile. He glanced down at the sand castle, and his smile softened as he fondly examined the work of the girl who was rapidly becoming one of his closest friends. "It's beautiful." He murmured quietly. As he continued to watch Annabelle's hands delicately working at the castle, Laiko felt an unexpected rush of affection, and turned his gaze to Annabelle with a tender, loving expression. A moment later he got a grip on himself, and quickly shook off his thoughts - straightening his expression an hoping vaguely that Annabelle hadn't noticed the strangely sappy expression that had been on his face a moment before - since even he didn't know how it had come to be there.
Laiko cleared his throat awkwardly - pulling his attention away from his somewhat degrading thoughts. "Right then! Shall we be off?" He asked with a smile - picking up his shirt and tugging it on. It clung to his damp skin, and Laiko had to jerk at the edges to straighten it. He grabbed his bag then, and rummaged around inside it for a moment, then pulled out a thick, warm hoodie. "Put this on." He offered, tossing it at her with a kind smile.
He glanced toward the Moped as he waited for Annabelle - hoping that they could head off soon. He was beginning to feel a little uneasy now, and certainly didn't want a repeat of what had happened yesterday.

Laiko followed Annabelle - walking beside her, but letting her take his hand and lead the way. He gazed happily around the park - glad to take in all the sights and sounds he hadn't had time to appreciate before. It was amazing, and so beautiful and peaceful.
As Annabelle sat down on the swing, Laiko smiled at her, then walked toward the other swing - trailing his fingers lightly over Annabelle's back a he passed. He sat down on the swing and kicked it into motion, laughing softly as it moved him back and forth in a glorious rush of wind. He gripped the amazing feeling in his mind as he thought back to Annabelle's question. "I guess... Because it's like reliving a part of the childhood I don't remember." Laiko replied with a tender smile, glancing briefly toward her as he swung back and forth on the rickety wooden swing. He had to admit, she looked so beautiful with the wind rushing through her hair... His eyes remained locked on her, and he found he could not tear his gaze away as he watched her swing. Without even realising it, Laiko began leaning toward her - and before he had even noticed he was doing this - the swing promptly overbalanced and tipped him out onto the ground. Laiko struck the ground in an undignified position - the breath knocked out of him. He flipped himself onto his back, and the moment he was able to get breath into his lungs he burst out laughing. Some of the people were staring but he didn't care. He was playing the fool, he had a great friend beside him, and he was having fun. "See what I mean?" Laiko asked with a grin - gesturing toward the empty swing that he had just fallen out of. "What about you?" He asked, folding his arms under his head as he lay on the ground - watching her swing back and forth overhead. "Why do you like it...?" He asked - smiling his charming smile as he watched her through a frame of his windswept hair.

Laiko laughed out loud as Annabelle crashed to the ground beside him, quickly glancing her over to check she wasn't hurt. "As good a reason as any." He commented with a chuckle, gazing affectionately at her as she watched the swing sweep by above them. The soft golden sunlight streaked her hair - bringing out a glorious shine from it and painting it a thousand shades. On an impulse, he reached out to touch it, brushing her hair gently away from her face with soft fingers. Yet at her next question, Laiko quickly pulled his hand back, seeming slightly bewildered by the sudden question - a question he had already told her the answer to, with much difficulty. She continued speaking then, and at her derisive snort, Laiko grumbled indignantly to himself in low, incoherent tones. "I do not 'look'..." Of course, he had nothing more to say in his defense, for her words were so perfectly logical that he could not argue. She was right. He turned his gaze back to her as he felt her touch on his arm, and offered a comforting smile at her apology - reassuring her that she had not offended him in the slightest. He closed his fingers around hers as she took his hand, and he listened patiently to all she had to say - contemplating it carefully. Finally, she dropped his hand and stepped back over to the swing - leaving Laiko to think over his answer. "I guess... You have a point..." Laiko admitted slowly, "But... I've just always been gay. Okay, so maybe I didn't know at first, but once Mike pointed it out to me it all made sense... And he wasn't just saying it - he was certain. I believed him then, and I believe him now..." He shrugged slightly, then went on. "I admit I'm a little uncertain at times, but... I get confused easily about everything - this included. It's just always been this way. I am gay - I just am, even if I've never really looked for... You know, a romantic relationship..." Laiko trailed off then, beginning to feel slightly uncomfortable. His excuses were sounding pathetic, even to him, so he decided it was time to switch the topic of conversation onto Annabelle. "Why are you so interested, anyway?" He asked, finally sitting up and dusting himself off so he could give her his full attention. "What does it matter if I'm gay or straight...? Either way, I'm not involved with anybody, and there's nobody I want to be involved with, so why would it even matter?" He shrugged again, then got back onto the swing. The truth was, now Annabelle had mentioned it, Laiko was desperate to know what the truth was. He wasn't sure why, but suddenly it seemed important. But why would Mike lie?! Mike wouldn't do that to him... And he couldn't have made a mistake - he had been so sure! But still... He wished there was some... Some test he could take, or something. Just to know, one way or another.

Laiko blinked stupidly at Annabelle's words - obviously still missing the point. He was about to ask her to explain, when suddenly she broke off - gasping a name. Laiko's head jerked around like a puppet on a string - and he followed the newcomer's progress with a hawk-like gaze. He hadn't liked the tone Annabelle had used when speaking to this boy... He obviously wasn't welcome. Once again, Laiko felt a flash of protective instinct arise in him, and he got to his feet, drawing himself up to his full height and watching the boy closely. He didn't want to interfere, but if he needed to, he would. He watched the exchange between the two with increasing anxiety - hating to see Annabelle so ill at ease, and wishing that the boy would just leave. Couldn't he see she didn't want to go with him?!
Laiko was relieved when she stepped back over to him, and he nodded before beginning to walk in the direction she indicated. However, before they had gone more than a few steps, Max grabbed Annabelle back and began dragging her away. Laiko wheeled around, and when she called his name, that was all the permission he needed. "Wait." He said simply, grabbing Max's shoulder in a firm, yet gentle grip. "I don't think she wants to go with you, mate." He explained earnestly - willing as always to give this newcomer the benefit of the doubt. "I don't know who you are, but I assure you Annabelle's fine with me. What do you say you just let her go, huh?" He asked pleasantly - smiling amiably at Max, then taking Annabelle's hand to gently lead her away from him.

Laiko had seen the punch coming long before Max made to hit him, yet he stood his ground as the fist darted toward him and remained unmoving. Max's fist collided hard with the side of Laiko's face, and he felt the skin along his cheekbone split instantly, but he did not allow himself to give an inch. He stood his ground - not even flinching as Max dew back his fist again. Laiko touched a hand to his split cheek and brushed away the blood in a dignified fashion. "Are you deaf?" He asked quietly, raising his gaze to fix Max with an icy stare. "Let her go." He watched Annabelle struggle, and each second of it pained him so much he barely knew what to do with himself, yet he managed to maintain his deadly stillness - Standing firm, silent and cold. He winced on Annabelle's behalf as she kneed Max in the thigh, but took the opportunity to step quickly towards the pair. "She asked you to let her go." Laiko stated softly. "I'd advise you to listen." He ignored Annabelle completely as she practically begged with him to leave - keeping all his attention fixed on Max. He gently pulled Annabelle away from Max, and tugged her around until she was standing behind him - out of harm's way for the time being. He turned his bloodied face to her and smiled reassuringly - the movement causing a drop of blood to ooze from the cut on his cheek. He gave her hand a comforting squeeze, then released her and turned back to Max - just as he drew his fist back to throw another punch. Remaining perfectly calm, Laiko raised a hand with expert precision and caught the punch effortlessly. "Thrash around all you like." He said coldly, gently dropping Max's hand. "You won't get past me." Laiko still held his ground, and as Max began to throw more punches, he blocked or dodged them all effortlessly.
Then, another punch came at him, and as he made to dodge - he noticed that, if he got out of the way, it would strike Annabelle right in the face. He quickly rethought his decision - throwing himself back into the line of the punch. Max's fist struck the base of his neck, just above his collar bone. Laiko's neck crunched awkwardly away from the force of the punch - his head jerking sideways - and this time he was unable to hide the pain. He clutched at his own throat - coughing and spluttering - unable to draw breath. But when he saw another punch coming - he jerked out an arm and caught it - still choking silently as he struggled to convince his windpipe to work. He gently pushed Max's fist away - taking care not to hurt him - and spat out a mouthful of blood before slowly raising his head and straightening up. He would not retaliate. No matter what, he was not going to hit Max back. But win, he would. That much he was certain of... Nobody's stamina could last forever, and already Max seemed to be tiring. If he knew what was good for him, he'd throw in the towel now after seeing what Laiko was capable of... The effortless speed and strength with which he blocked... He moved like an expert - that much was for sure - and his determination to protect Annabelle was untouchable.

Laiko was somewhat shocked when the police showed up - though also hugely relieved. He nodded apologetically to Max as they took him away - then winced at the movement in his neck and stayed still instead. He swayed slightly where he stood - feeling slightly dizzy, and slightly ill from the taste of blood in his mouth.
When the ambulance showed up, however, Laiko was most displeased. He did not like hospitals - not at all - and he was certainly not impressed when they loaded him onto a stretcher and dragged him into the ambulance, but he did not complain, for that was not his custom. Instead, he let himself be dragged around like a giant rag doll - finally ending up in a hospital room all on his own. That was when it hit him: Annabelle. "Where is the girl who came in with me?" He asked politely, glancing up toward the nearest nurse with a hint of panic in his eyes - then wincing at the pain in his neck. "She's okay, don't you worry. Just keep that neck still." The nurse ordered brusquely, before continuing to bustle around his room. "Can I see her?" Laiko asked, ignoring her advice and following he with his eyes around the room. "Stay still, I said!" She snapped irritably, then waked up to touch up the cuts on his face. "No, I'm fine." He assured her, but she simply glared and carried on what she was doing.

Next thing he knew, Annabelle ha walked in - and a wide grin stretched across Laiko's face - much to the nurse's annoyance, as she was attempting to assess the depth of the cut on his cheek bone. Forgetting his manners, he brushed her away irritably and kept his attention locked on Annabelle. "Are you okay?" He asked in concern, glancing her up and down.

Much to Laiko's dismay, at that moment he saw tears welling in Annabelle's eyes. His face fell, and he began attempting to get out of the bed to move toward her, but then she had rushed over to the bed. The jerking motion as she sat down twinged his neck, and he was unable to stop a wince from shooting across his face - but he didn't mind. As long as she wasn't hurt... "Hey, Annabelle-" He began, trying to soothe her, but she was clearly in a state, and there was no room for him to get a word in edgewise. So he simply took the water she offered him with a sweet smile and sipped it gratefully until Annabelle lapsed into silence. She offered him a mint then, and he took it with a murmured word of thanks - turning it around in his fingers. He remained silent a while longer, and only once he had heard the nurse's verdict and seen Annabelle relax slightly did he attempt to speak. "Annabelle, it's okay." He assured her with a laugh, shaking his head slightly in incredulity and putting a hand on her shoulder. "Please don't seem so upset..." He begged, gazing at her beseechingly for a moment before going on. "It's fine... Really, it is! I was the one who got myself beat up, right? You have no need to apologise... Honestly, I'm the one who should be apologising for making you worry."
He offered a reassuring smile, then patted her lightly on the shoulder. "I am sorry... I didn't need to take those punches, really... But I guess I was taking the situation lightly, and at the time I didn't think that you might be upset by it..." He shrugged helplessly, then sighed and leaned back against his pillow - suddenly seeming marginally distressed. He had messed up again after all... And now look: Annabelle was tearing up, nearly crying because of him! He shook his head in cold disappointment in himself: Ignoring the twinge in his neck. Then, as he heard a sound at the door, he glanced up to see the doctor walking in.

"How do you feel?" The man asked, pushing his glasses up his nose, then walking over to Laiko's bed and peering down at him. He nodded briefly to the girl sitting on the edge of the bed, offering a stiff, official smile. "I feel fine." Laiko replied quickly, "Can I go?" The doctor gazed down at his hopeful expression and chuckled slightly. This kid was a typical teenage boy... Not wanting a fuss made out of the fight he had obviously been in, which he had probably lost, and to make it worse: Failed to impress the girl of his choice. He saw it time and again... It was always the same. "Not just yet, son. Let's have a look at that neck." He said, not unkindly. He pulled on some white rubber gloves then, and set to work poking and prodding at a rather disgruntled Laiko, who tolerated it with obvious displeasure. He did not like hospitals.
Finally, the doctor was finished with his examination. "You've got a misaligned vertebra." He informed Laiko in an official tone, "Honestly, I'm surprised you can move your neck at all... But that's beside the point: I'll push it back into alignment for you now, and then-" "Thank you, sir." Laiko said suddenly - cutting the doctor off with a bright smile, though for once it did not quite extend to his eyes. He glanced briefly at Annabelle, and the doctor followed his gaze. "Ah, yes..." He said, suddenly remembering that he was there, "If you could just step outside for a moment, miss..."

Once Annabelle was safely outside, the doctor walked back over to Laiko. "This is going to hurt a bit." He warned, "Would you like some painkillers, or are you fine without?"
"No painkillers, please." Laiko responded politely, "Just get it over with quickly."
The doctor nodded in agreement, then braced his hands against Laiko's neck and expertly crunched the vertebrae back into place. Laiko was unable to bit back a gasp of pain, but once the initial pain had subsided he felt instantly better. The doctor began fixing a neck brace on his neck, speaking to him at the same time. "I'm going to keep you here a few more days to make sure you don't re-injure that neck. Unless you wait for it to heal properly, you could become paralysed if you injure it badly again. It's just not worth the risk." The doctor shook his head, then stepped back to admire his handiwork. "Well, enjoy the rest of your day!" He said with a smile, slapping the rather mutinous-looking Laiko on the back before walking over to the door.

After the doctor had let, Laiko glanced toward Annabelle at the door with a smile. "He says I can go." He informed her brightly - being momentarily surprised by just how easy it was to lie... He had never tried it before, but now... Wow, he had not expected words of untruth to slide so easily from his tongue. "Shall we be off?" He asked, kicking off the blankets and climbing out of the hospital bed. He popped the mint he was still holding into his mouth then, and sucked on it innocently as he waited for Annabelle.

"I don't like hospitals..." Laiko muttered in response as he hurried Annabelle along the corridor. As they left the building, he tore off his neck brace and tossed it into the dumpster outside the hospital.

When they reached the hotel room again - Annabelle all but shoved him into the bed, despite his feeble objections - making him feel rather like a puppy being forced into its first bath. He chuckled slightly at the comparison, then glanced up at Annabelle with a smile as she brought the menu. He cringed slightly at the sight of the prices, but selected something all the same and thanked her earnestly. His eyes followed her as she walked back and forth across the room, then moved toward the bed. She made as though to sit down beside him, but then seemed to change her mind and sat down on the floor instead. "Hey." He said, reaching over and gently tugging on a lock of her hair with an impish expression on his face. "Come on, there's space up here - I'll move over for you." He encouraged, offering a friendly wink before shifting over to the edge of the bed, leaving space for Annabelle to sit beside him. As usual, he had misunderstood her reasoning, but that was simply the way he was. He glanced toward the television then, but he wasn't really paying attention to it. He still felt rather bad for making Annabelle worry... He hadn't needed to take those punches, damn it! Well, he would not have defended himself no matter what, but he could easily have blocked them, or caught them... Why did he have to get himself all beaten up?! Ah well... It was as Mike said: "You can't fix stupid."
He chuckled softly to himself at the thought, then glanced up as he heard a knock at the door. "That'll be the food- I'll get it." Laiko offered with an eager smile, flinging himself energetically out of the bed and darting over to the door. He opened the door, and let the waitron in - thanking him kindly. He nodded an assent, then left the food trolley bearing the tray with their food in the room, and departed, closing the door behind him and leaving Laiko and Annabelle alone again.

Laiko nibbled contentedly at his Thai Beef Cuisine, somewhat surprised at how easily he managed to wield the chopsticks. He hadn't know he was able to use them, but at least his fingers remembered - even if he didn't. How often had he thought things along those lines...? Really... One of these days he was going to end up flinging himself off a cliff and waiting until he was half way down to discover whether or not he could fly! He chuckled softly at this thought, then decided to let it go and simply watch the movie and eat his lunch.
He glanced over at Annabelle as she spoke, noticing that she seemed to be sitting as far away from him as she could whilst still remaining on the bed. He merely shrugged off this observation, then frowned slightly as he considered her words. "Sure." He replied, smiling in a slightly confused fashion. "Don't I look okay?"
He laughed slightly, still confused as to what had caused her to ask that in the first place. Hadn't he already assured her that he was- Oh... Oh! Now, he understood! Wow, that was quite an achievement for him... She was obviously still thinking of him getting his face punched in, whilst to him the injury was already in the past, and had vanished from his priority list. "Yeah, I'm just fine." He repeated, offering a reassuring smile now that he understood better.
Annabelle got up then and left - presumably to get a glass of water. She returned a short while later, and threw the rest of her Sundae away. This caused Laiko to frown slightly. He had seen her do the same thing that morning. "Are you okay?" He asked, fixing her with a concerned, searching gaze. "If you don't start eating more, you're going to disappear completely." He teased gently, a kind smile twitching at his lips as he nodded his head toward the bed - gesturing for her to sit back down. He had finished his own food by now, and the empty box sat on the table next to him: ready to be thrown away after the movie had ended.

Laiko frowned slightly at Annabelle's sharp edged reply, but he decided just to shrug it off, merely smiling and nodding pleasantly when she excused herself to go to the bathroom. Maybe she just needed some space... Kevin had taught him all too well that some people got sick of others being around them all the time... Laiko shuddered slightly at that memory. Kevin could be scary at times... Chuckling softly to himself, Laiko turned his attention back to the movie. He had been watching for only a short while when Annabelle emerged from the bathroom again - looking distinctly refreshed. "Hey." He said simply, smiling at her as she approached the bed. She lay down beside him then, slightly closer this time, and Laiko felt reassured and slightly relieved to know that he hadn't done anything to offend her after all, or that if he had she had obviously forgotten it. He glanced back to the movie then - watching, but not really paying attention. For some reason, his eyes just kept wanting to glance toward Annabelle - much to his annoyance, since he knew it was rude to stare, and besides, he wanted to watch the movie! But no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't pay attention. Sighing softly, he glanced over at Annabelle lying beside him. She looked so peaceful... And the soft sheen of water on her skin... Skin that was drawing nearer to him. He could smell the conditioner in her shiny hair as he drew absentmindedly closer to her. And closer... Entranced by the scent... Closer still, until their faces were inches apart, and then he caught himself with a surprised gasp and began to pull away, hoping she hadn't noticed what he assumed had just been absentminded drifting. It was no big deal, right? He was gay, after all. Of course he wouldn't be attracted to Annabelle. That was illogical, unless she was secretly a guy - which he highly doubted... Besides, he had a feeling it didn't really work like that...

Laiko remained motionless as Annabelle gently grabbed his chin, wondering vaguely what she wanted and watching her with a somewhat blank expression - clearly not understanding. Yet when he noticed the expression in her eyes, he understood. But before he could object, she had leaned in closer to him and met his lips - rendering him momentarily incapable of speech. Hugely confused, a little upset, slightly happy and extremely scared - Laiko simply sat in silent bewilderment and let her kiss him. He did not respond, nor did he pull away, but just sat in childlike acceptance and let her have her way with him. She knew that it wouldn't work out... She knew that he was gay... So he wasn't obliged to push her away, right? He wasn't completely sure, but he was pleased with that argument, since he did not particularly want to push her away in any case... For one thing, he didn't want to upset her. For another... Well, he was almost... Perhaps enjoying it...?
For a short section of time longer, Laiko endured (and secretly enjoyed) the kiss. If this was what Annabelle wanted, then he would simply accept it, regardless of his own preferences. He just wanted to be happy, and if that meant pushing aside his own complaints to achieve it, well... So be it. Of course, they could never become a couple, since he would always be gay and she would never be a guy, but he could just accept moments like these... Right? Although then again, would that not make them a couple? Oh gosh, this was just too confusing! Couldn't somebody just explain to him...? Maybe Annabelle had been right before... Maybe he wasn't gay! His heart leaped at this thought, and he felt a new spark of hope at the prospect of, just maybe, honestly sharing Annabelle's feelings - but he soon crushed it. Nurturing false hope was cruel. He was gay, whether he liked it or not, and Annabelle knew it.
As he reached that conclusion, Annabelle pulled away from him, lying down on the mattress beside the bed without so much as looking at him. She turned her back on him, and Laiko suddenly felt rather shunned. He was already lost and confused, and now hurt as well. What had he done wrong this time? Hadn't he given her what she wanted? Was he supposed to have kissed her back? He doubted she would expect him to... But then what? Why did she suddenly look as though she never wanted to see his face again?! "A-Annabelle?" He stammered hesitantly, watching her with a timid gaze. She had just put him in a rather sensitive place... Would she help him out of it? Would she help him to understand, or just let him wander around in the dark chasms of his own mind like a wounded animal: Blinded and alone.

Laiko continued to watch Annabelle - or her back, at least, since she still refused to face him. He watched her for a sign, any sign of what he was supposed to do now... An explanation of what had just happened. "I'm sorry." No, she couldn't be sorry, the fool! What was she sorry for? Why was she sorry? Gosh... Every response just brought more questions... More things that Laiko didn't understand. It made him realise how spoilt and cushioned he'd been all this time with Mike and Kevin always spelling things out for him... But had they spelled out the right things? Everybody made mistakes, after all... "You follow what you feel, not what you're told." Okay, that was more helpful, but how was he supposed to do it? How could he know what he was feeling if he'd never felt it before? Hell, couldn't somebody just tell him what he was feeling? Or would that count as following what he was told again... Laiko was about to ask, but then the light clicked off, and the darkness silenced him. Annabelle didn't want to speak to him right now... He was alone on this one, and maybe it was for the best. He had to decide, one way or another, and he had to decide for himself. Maybe he should just flip a coin and leave it up to chance? This and many more ideas ran through Laiko's head, yet none of them seemed good enough to decide something that might corrupt his entire future. If he chose wrong, chances were he'd be alone forever. All his friends would move forward and get married, and he'd be left with nothing. He was not the sort of person who was meant to be alone... It would crush him. "You can follow whatever you like, but if I were you, I'd follow your heart."
Ah, finally something helpful! That was how he could decide: Follow his heart! That left but one question... How did he do that? Okay, so it wasn't helpful after all, since he had no recollection of ever learning how to 'follow his heart' per say, so what did it mean?
He huffed a frustrated sigh, then lay down in the bed and turned away - staring unseeingly into the darkness - lost in thought. Time ticked by torturingly slowly, until he heard Annabelle move slightly. He took a deep breath, preparing himself, then spoke in a tentative whisper. "Annabelle...?" He asked quietly - his voice so soft that, if she was somehow still asleep, it would not wake her up, or indeed if she did not wish to speak to him, she could pretend not to have heard. He half hoped she wouldn't answer... He wasn't sure if he was ready for saying aloud the conclusion he had come to, and he wasn't even sure if it was correct... Nor could he decide if he wanted it to be correct or not. Gosh, could this get any more confusing?! He was beginning to think it would be worth just flipping that coin simply to end the thoughtful torment so he could get some dearly beloved sleep...