It's a good fifteen seconds long, warm and not too tight, enjoying the comfort of something familiar and tactile that they worked out themselves. "Good night, Misty." Then they duck their head, let her go, and head up the stairs.

And they're actually gonna sleep, for the first time in a week, and this time there's no nightmares. Too tired, too safe, and sadness doesn't lead to bad dreams the way guilt does.

Enjoy it while it lasts, Misty.