"Yeah, my... I don't know. My brother called them upgrades. They're kind of across the board. Hearing, sight, strength, endurance. Technically it was supposed to make me a slave for manual labor and defense, so I guess that's why."

He does his best to talk about it casually but it's not as easy as he makes it seem and he can't entirely keep the tremor from his voice. He's stronger now, and he's not their slave, but the reality is still in the back of his head, even after all this time.

"I... I don't see it as damaged," he admits. "It's made me healthier and stronger. Those that haven't ever lived without the ability to walk a block, or run to escape those coming to enslave them? They don't always think about it. To them it's just damage." Though he can't help but grin. "I kind of like the thought of mutant-y though. Makes it kind of bad ass."

As if being part alien didn't do that but it's hard to see when you live with being called all kinds of things because of it. She can get that though, he realizes and it's sad she's had to, but comforting.

He looks up, realizing he can't just hide out from this world forever. That doesn't change how grateful he looks. "I'd appreciate that. Thanks."