[ He... blinks once when she goes for the hug, but misplaced sentiment notwithstanding there’s no resistance when he leans in and returns the hold. Truth be told he’s had too few, lately. ]

Must sound that way to you.

[ Crazy. Damnit, he sounds crazy. Just imagining the look on her face is too much right now, which is a good enough reason not to let go, just yet. ]

Believe me, it’s not... even close to the outcome I’d want for every downtrodden orphan. But it was the best thing that ever happened to me, Andie. Finding him...