[ Maybe at the end of the day, he just feels too much. Maybe he wasn't always like that; maybe being in the Dark Place for so long changed something about him (well, it changed a lot of things about him), and because of it, he feels things a lot more than he used to. Or maybe it's just that he's head over heels for Jesse. ]

It's okay if you do. I don't mind. I know I'm-

[ He shrugs as best as he can without accidentally hitting her with his shoulder, given how close they are to each other. ]

I know it was, and it was meant to hurt people, but I think I should have done more. Tried more things. I know that it dragged people in who didn't ever ask for any of it, but sometimes I wonder if I could have written something to take them out of the story again. I'll never be over the story hurting you.

[ They're already so close to each other on the bed, but he can't stop himself from scooting in just a little more. ]

We did it. We beat the story and the Dark Presence, and we're together. That's what matters. And I wouldn't be here at all if not for all of you. Especially you, but Steve and Estevez helped. I had so many people helping me, and I still don't think I deserved it.

[ He doesn't let go of her hand, but he curls his fingers against hers and slowly rubs them against hers too. ]

We need to do something for Christmas. Maybe a nice dinner, and shopping. I want to get you something.

[ As the conversation turns to talk about Cauldron Lake, Alan feels something like a chill settle onto his shoulders. ]

It's dangerous for you too, isn't it? The Dark Presence can probably sense you just as easily as it can sense me. [ And that worries him a lot more than being dragged back in by the Dark Presence does. ]