[ He's got music in his ears, but he doesn't need it. It strikes him, suddenly, the quiet. There's no ringing, or it's so faint he can barely make it out; just like when he met Debbie. Someone that enraptured him enough to make him entirely forget about his disability. Made him forget he needed music, because her voice was just that. ]

Well, if it gets uncomfortable, let me know.

[ He does have an extra jumper, and a blanket in the backseat of the Challenger. Not that he imagined getting to cuddle under a soft throw with Isabelle, but. You never know.

He smiles when she speaks next, pride and contentment blooming in his chest. ]

Yeah? Good. [ With the toe of his sneaker, he digs a little in the gravel underfoot. ] I thought I wouldn't fit in, here. Wouldn't find friends. I'm not very good at the whole - making friends thing.