Being there at all, that's been an incredible gift to him. Matt has spent a large chunk of his life alone in walls he made for himself to protect his secrets. This work in progress is not nearly as stressful or riddled with the gripping fear of being too much. She is so strong in her own right. She deserves his attentive support. They're in this together. Some times it's a dance, sometimes it's a fight.

A year ago he would have never guessed a side trip between worlds would bring him here. One more happy thought.

"Obviously," he scoffs and shakes his head not even realizing what a peculiar truth they joke with. "Besides, I want to keep you around for a long, long, long, long time."

Their monkey dog dips between their joined hands and Matt stops short before she can be sandwiched. Silly pup!

His lips move in a smile but not enough to break such a sweet kiss. "No. The Matt, I want a trophy please words."