"...I think I'd be happier if you were there beside me." Is it a bit selfish? Perhaps, but it's important. He needs this. "I think my younger self and my counterpart will prepare the children. The kids trust them both."

Ah, wait. Names. Codenames. That's important. "...We all have codenames. The little spectator you just met is Raven. Then there's Magpie, a version of me who is a bit rougher around the edges, but I've spent enough time with him to know that there is a good heart buried beneath layers upon layers of spikes."

He'll refrain from mentioning the murders. That's Magpie's decision, should he choose to reveal it. "There's also Hawk, a six year old version of me. He hasn't lost his mother yet, and we're still debating on whether to prepare him or not. ...He also is very aware of our relationship and once asked me how we 'make babies.'" That gets him to snicker a little, at least. Perhaps Ren will find humor in it. "Akira-kun is also aware. It doesn't have to be some grand secret."