[ he kisses thorns a third time once recognition flickers back on his expresdion, smiling gently to be encouraging. mentally, he's still hooked on what thorns had meant by the sea had taken him.

should they go somewhere further from water? would that help? thorns had just found peace from the waters, hadn't he? ]

What are you sorry for? Don't be ridiculous.

[ he reaches to tuck a strand of hair behind thorns' ear. ]

I missed seeing you anyway. The you in my dreams doesn't compare to the real deal.