[It's humbling to realize that something he'd done instinctively made such an impact. He'd not given it much thought that day beyond not wanting to let him get wet if he didn't have to. Ultimately, they'd both gotten wet. That rain came with driving wind, a true wrath of God storm if ever there was one.

He rubs the top of his head with his chin, a soft, affectionate caress, and rests both hands over the thicker parts of his middle in a comfortable curve.]

I never knew. I didn't think of such things much back then. What it would have been like for you, or anyone else on the other side. I only knew you weren't what I'd been led to expect. And I couldn't help but to wonder how many who gave such warnings had dealt with demons at all.

Not to say I wasn't wary. For a long time. I'd wager you were, too. Such a dance we had before deciding to make up some of our own steps. It was one of your best ideas.