He can tell that Zach is getting nervous so he carefully leans back, propping himself up against a counter as he watches the boy pull his shirt down. A lot of kids who come through his house have similar responses to close contact with other living bodies, and this isn't the first time Zach has responded with flushed cheeks to Kiel's innocent action. [i]'I have to be careful with this one. If he starts thinking that way about me, it would be disastrous to his recovery. I can not let him lean too far that way or else 'll have to be firm in keeping him at a distance. I've lost a few kids that way, and I'd hate to lose another one'[/i] At times Kiel curses his face, wishing he looked ugly or something, though for the really messed up ones, it wouldn't really matter.

However as it is his face helps him with his task so he tries his best to find other ways to discourage the kids. He smiles warmly down at the seated teen when he thanks him. “Not a problem Zach, it was my pleasure.” His voice is light and warm, his joy at seeing his grateful face making him tingle happily inside. He nods slightly. “Yes, bed would be good. I'm going to do some reading in my room for a while, then I too will be off to the wonderful world of dream, heh.” With that he reaches out and touches Zach's shoulder, once more having to correct himself from patting him on the head. “I hope the wounds don't bother you too much. Let me know if it's too hard to fall asleep and I'll get you something to help you sleep.”

With that he picks one of hi favorite books off the shelf and vanishes into his room. He sighs softly, crawling on to his old mattress and tucking his knees up while propping his back up against the headboard. [i]'I really hope he doesn't begin falling for me. There is something odd about him, but I want to help him non the less. If he starts leaning that way, I don't know how he'll respond to rejection. . .'[/i] With a huff he cracks open his book and begins reading. After only about a dozen pages a huge yawn tells him it's high time he passed out. So tucking his book into his bedside stand in a small drawer he Snuggles down under his covers and is soon asleep.

[i]~The light is warm. All around him the sun bathes the hill. High above the small town a lone tree sits, a thick branch holding a single old swing. He sits softly humming an old tune as down the hill the river babbles and churns. The breeze is warm, gentle on his skin. It is a happy place.~[/i]