[It feels like old times, when he was tucking in wayward overexcitable siblings into bed - but Lovecraft is different, of course. Although he's no sibling, he's treated with as much Steinbeck can muster, because how could he not? The man means more to him than he could properly explain. Loneliness on the roads didn't feel like a thing when he had the man there.]
[The statement makes him pause, before he reaches over to gently touch the top of his head.]
[He wants to say "I'm glad you're here, too", but that's bad. That's a bit selfish, isn't it? So he says instead, quietly:]
no subject
[The statement makes him pause, before he reaches over to gently touch the top of his head.]
[He wants to say "I'm glad you're here, too", but that's bad. That's a bit selfish, isn't it? So he says instead, quietly:]
I'm glad I could be here for you.
[It's true too.]