[ If he could hear her thoughts in this moment, he would say that it doesn't matter to him that she doesn't feel like a hero. She is in his eyes. She is in every way, as far as he is concerned. It doesn't matter how many loops there have been. It doesn't matter if she feels as though she misses him more than she succeeds in pulling him up.

She's there. She hasn't left. She hasn't left him, and that means more to Alan than even he can put into words.

He waits with eagerness for her reaction, and it feels so on brand for her. It just feels right, and he loves it. ]

Yeah, really. [ He's half playing it up for her amusement (hopefully) and half serious. ] If you ever want a good night's sleep again, and you don't plan on kicking me out to sleep on the couch, I suggest you get some earplugs. Good ones, too. I can get really loud.

[ He can't hold back the smile anymore, and as it spreads across its face, it turns rapidly into a wide grin. ]

I know I am. You sure you want to stick around?

[ It's a joke, of course, meant to be lighthearted and to hopefully make her laugh, but there's just the smallest amount of truth in what he's asking. Maybe he just needs that confirmation one more time, if she'll give it. ]