He sits up a little straighter for the compliment, because he always likes it when people notice a good thing. Leaning into the fire, he exhales slowly and tries to warm his hands, not wanting to get too close, but he's always cold.

"I don't understand what a letter would do." He shakes his head. "I know he wants me, wants this. I just don't know how to approach it all. It's so easy with you. I just push and take. With him, it's all new and this is the only chance we get."