"Nineteen years. Half a lifetime ago. It does feel surreal."

Affection like that was so easy for him. He didn't mind these small touches from his calloused hands. In all truth he loved to be touched, it was something not many afforded him, due to his background. He leaned into the touch on his cheek, his eyes fluttering shut.

"I must be quite the phantom then if your mind had concocted me? Couldn't you have thought of someone happier in that case?

Is the hat really that off-putting to you? It makes me look taller." he said, though he was laughing as well.