His lips part, but nothing comes out. All of the sudden, he realizes he has no idea how this part is supposed to go. The tips of his ears go bright red.

"I, uh--" Looking at the floor between them seems to make it easier, at least a little. Sweeney wets his lip. His voice drops.

"I was hopin' ya might...I mean..." He sighs, pulling off the band-aid. "I'd like ya ta mark her before I seal her." Right, that's going to need some clarification.

"With yer blood. Just a smudge."

Okay, this has gone creepy. He tries to rein it back around with a small shrug.

"I just...I want you ta be part of her."