...All right. [It's a mumble, and the sulky sort. In an effort to hide some of his own face, when he turns back to Elliot, he raises the mug and dips into the whipped cream a little. Such a great texture.]

Your sugar glider's still here, you dumb jerk, [he says into his drink, and then sips past the whipped cream.] Your snake, too. I kept them well the whole time. And your room's still empty. [With his free hand, he gropes in his pocket until he finds his handkerchief, which he offers with averted eyes.] I guess we're even. Mostly.

[He makes to head down the hallway, towards the kitchen, expecting Elliot to follow him - but presently he stops short, after only a few steps.]

Um -

[His shoulders hunch up, a little self-consciously.]

I'm glad you came home... I mean, I'm glad you came back here, once you got... back.