Arc's hand was warm to the touch and very red, but there was no major damage. He would have pulled it out just the same, even if Madison hadn't been there. Deeper than the sting of the burn, however, was the embarrassment spreading across his neck and ears. He hadn't intended to let anyone ever hear him discussing terms with himself. "You, uh... you heard that huh?" Arc sighed deeply, looking down at his hand, particularly the way she held it. She was so gentle, yet so protective. "I'm fine, and I was talking to myself. I have this... this voice. Inside my head. It tells me when i'm being stupid or annoying or needlessly hopeful. Sometimes that's what I do to shut it up." The longer he explained it the more pathetic it sounded out loud. Surely she would want to leave now, considering she had indisputable proof that he was completely and totally nuts. He tried to look up at her, but he just couldn't bear to bring his eyes to her's.<br/><br/>Even when she asked what was wrong, he still couldn't look at her, for the fear of losing her had just come into reality. At least in his mind it had. "You're gonna leave. I said something stupid and now you're going to leave me here alone, and I don't want you to leave. But I said something that made you upset so... I understand. But since you already saw the worst of me, can i just be selfish for a minute and ask you not to leave me alone? I mean I don't mind being alone. I actually kind of liked it. It's simple and quiet and easy. But now i'm here with you and this is better. It's better but i'm stupid sometimes and I say the wrong thing but..." Arc sighed again, frustrated at himself for not being able to just say what he felt clearly.