That's what he needs to hear. He doesn't really give a shit who thinks what of him, but if Alex is proud of him, if Alex loves him, if Alex thinks he's doing well, then it all matters the most.

They've come a long way since being idiot teens in the back of his truck.

"I got one idea that could make me feel better," he admits. "Stronger, even," he confesses, his mind stuck on that moment and latching onto the idea.