"Uh, right." He said awkwardly, her declaration referencing the elephant in the room. "I should probably head to the shower, myself." He began to get up, and then, almost impulsively, gave her a hug. "Thanks a lot for everything." He let her go and began to walk towards the bathroom, not even realizing he was leaving behind half a bowl of stew.

"The cat will need a name." He said offhandedly as he walked. "I was thinking Gypsy. Too cutesy?" Already with the banter, as he slowly rebuilt the emotional walls that had become the norm as of late.