-- she strengthens him. Helps him remember he's more than the tough guy his father forged into a weapon.

With Thea, he's just Miklan.

"Are you hungry?" He pulls away to look at her, his eyes as close to glowing as they get. "I just got in, so I was gonna go make something once I'd washed up."

Lifted *and* spun a little. He can't help himself. Life just feels better when he's with her. It's not hard to let himself go a bit. To be... free. For a moment, at least.

Smiling is easier with her. He doesn't feel like being a person is a weakness when Dorothea is around. If anything, --

He certainly doesn't need to be told twice. With a soft smile of his own, Miklan steps forward to scoop her up in his arms.

She smells as sweet as ever... He's careful to keep his hands away from the open spot in her dress, but other than that, it feels as easy as it used to.

"...I've missed you."

A grin that warms him in ways he hasn't felt in a *while.* Oh, how he's missed her.

"I am. Sorry to keep you waiting."