"That's a pretty tall claim, considering how cheesy I've been in the past. As pointed out by you."

He says it rather pointedly, poking at her nose before his fingers tuck her hair behind her ear, then pinch lightly at the shell.

He does mean it, though, and he's immensely grateful for it, now. It might have brought him worries, doubts, pain and loneliness when he ran away too, but he hasn't been this happy in so long— happier than he ever thought he'd get to be again.