[Feeling more than just a little bit embarrassed, he pulled away a bit and wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. It was silly to be crying over such things.]

I- I know. I just... I had just thought that everything was better before this last sudden blow-up of his. But I guess I had just read everything horribly wrong somehow. Funny, isn't it. Usually he's the one who can't read the atmosphere and all.

[Jack p[laced a hand on Canada's head, urging him back to his shoulder. Telling him it was okay to cry without even saying it. It wasn't silly to cry over this.]

Maybe he knew it was almost time for him to leave. Maybe the people of Vatheon know when they're about to depart for their own worlds again. I-i don't know.

[He's getting better at comforting.]

I know. F- for whatever reason we show up or leave, it's not up to us. Or others. I- it's just up to the city. There's a grander scheme to things, after all, not just the immediate or what one wishes. [After smiling just a bit, he put his head back down on Jack's shoulder and hugged ihm tighter.]

Maybe the grand scheme will bring him back. He's already been here twice, you know.

[Shhhh, holding Canada so tightly. Holding and hugging and loving on him.]

If he does, I'll have to try harder not to get so pointlessly mad at him, too.

[Clinging tightly, he sighed softly and just snuggled as close as he could.]

Go to sleep, Matthew. A good few hours of shut eye will be good for you.

...that was generally my plan. But thank you, Jack. I appreciate it. [Finally letting go, he went to lay back down.]

[Jack said nothing more, and let Matthew lay down. But Jack didn't leave, he stayed right here, to sit next to him until he fell asleep.]

Y- you don't have to stay if you don't want, you know. I'll be fine. [He could get Kuma to crawl back up, after all.]