[ Five doesn't own a lot of things, and he learned time ago to part with the little possession he had without regret, but this might be the very first time when losing something as simple as a handkerchief makes him think he's actually gaining something else. The pleasure of her company, another person to talk with in the future who doesn't disrespect him or mock him for the fun of it. It's a nice thing to look forward.

Let people gossip and their siblings wonder what is going on, Eloisa and him know the truth, and that's what matters. ]

Is there a subject you're interested in reading more than any other? Science books, mystery novels, horror...? I'd like to bring you something you are really going to enjoy.

[ It's Five's turn to scrunch up his nose when she says 'Slippy '. Oh no, that's definitely not a nickname he will ever respond to. Sharp objects? Sure. But he draws the line at ridiculous pet names. ]

It's not impersonal, it's my name. It might have started as a number, because my father was an asshole who couldn't even be bothered to name the children he purchased, but it changed with time. Grace offered to name me, just like she gave names to my other siblings, but Five is who I am. [ This is a conversation Five had before with many people, and while he would usually dismiss or ignore the other person, he won't do that with Eloise. He's trying to make her understand that it might be a number to her, being 'Five' is his identity. ] Besides, is it really that impersonal? How many people do you know named Mary, Henry, Elizabeth, or William? Now, how many of your acquaintances are named Five?