"It's pretty." he admits, leaning forward to get a closer look. His eyes remained fixed on the blue bands of the bead, surrounded by enough mundane colors and patterns to stand out particularly well.

And then he pauses, having been asked for the first time what his favorite anything was. He was never particular about color, so he thinks of things that are pleasant to be around, to look at. His world wasn't only dirt and gore. At times there were fields of pink wildflowers, the bright yellow of birch trees in autumn, a deep blue sky above. All of these kindled some warmth in him, made him wonder at times if there was some other path he could tread.

They only ever ended up being brief respites, but they were respites regardless.

"Why don't you make it blue, so if I find something out there to bring back, I'll remember what color you like?" he says, figuring that'd be more useful to say than 'I don't know.' It was stupid and sentimental, but she was just a kid.

"And they'll match."

It's unlikely they'll ever see each other again, after this. She'll forget it in time. But at least he can humor the girl. That is what he figures.