[ To that, Josh nods. That's a good way to put it. Beat understands - he knew he would. Beat has the emotional intelligence for it. Meanwhile, he feels like he's fishing in a barrel with dynamite. Even just attempting could backfire horribly... and yet he's attempting anyway. ]

That's it exactly. It wouldn't be genuine if I forced it, and it wouldn't be fair to you, either.

[ He can hear that brain working, though. Hear those thoughts. He's more likely to find important things, this he knows - that's the case with most people. But here, knowing that he's important enough to be lifted to the top along with the others...

Nodding again, Josh keeps his hands right where they are in Beat's paws, eyes briefly unfocusing as he digs in. It isn't hard to find things, it really isn't. And the fine details aren't there, but...

Kisses. A first date. Running together as squirrels, stealing a hot dog, stealing... other things, oh dear. Late nights spent up talking. The wrapping paper tube fight in the kitchen. Being spun wildly out of control in a literal downward spiral that could have killed both of them if not for the last second parting.

... mm. He's beginning to see a path. Not an easy one, he's going to have to do some clearing, but the beginnings are there. This all could be his. This all is already his, if he can dig through his own head enough. ]

I think I have some ideas.