"I take pain medication a few times a day. It depends. sometimes the weather can aggravate me back and I will need to take more than usual." His cheeks flushed for a moment as Ilya's hand moved to his knee. He was not expecting that, and unfortunately could just feel the pressure of his hand. Almost as though his leg was filled with novacane. "I go to Physical Therapy daily to try and maintain my muscle mass and keep my legs limber. If they are not exercised, they will lock up in one position or look like sticks. And believe me, that would not be very attractive if I were to wear shorts."

He tried to laugh at his own expense, while trying to keep Ilya smiling and relaxed. Dolemeck's hands moved, one to touch Ilya's hand on his shoulder, the other to touch the hand on his knee.

"Nothing is going to happen to me. The people at this school would not allow it. And I would never let anything bad happen to someone as kind as you." That sounded cheesey, and make his cheeks turn red, again. "It is alright, Ilya."