...Can't say she'd be wrong. You're a smart guy-- ...with a good heart.

[ that miserable, pathetic little crush he had on him from the onset is manifesting again. not that it's faded; on the contrary, it's deepened into something... far beyond his grasp by this point. but he's learned to be less of a fool about it. the kiss is soothing, a salve to his skin. ]

Catch, huh? [ a smile, small and brisk, plays along his lips. ] She'd be real surprised by that one. Would've thanked you for taking care of me... or something like that.

[ and then-- he looks away, jaw tensing, eyes elsewhere. ]

...You would've been part of the family. I... I can promise you that much.