[Something shifts in his face then, as he takes in her simple display, eyes softening into something a bit more bittersweet. Would those hospital stays and bedridden days be any easier to deal with if he had someone to stay with him during those times? It's hard to say.

... but he can't help but think maybe it would have been nice, regardless.]

... yeah, you know what? Maybe. I guess having somebody by your side during it all makes things a lot less lonely.

[They definitely stopped talking about rogue Dreamers like four comments back at this point--

But then the mask slips back into place, and he puts on his cheeriest smile, gesturing to the tin of candies in her hands. Because god forbid he shows a hint of vulnerability in front of somebody!!]

Hey, think I could I grab a couple more of these for my brother? They're pretty good!