Honestly even just having heard the briefest snippet of her recordings had been more then enough to make TJ's heart ache. The thought of his little sister sitting there every night, lonely and trying to reach out again and again...of all that pain and worry that he was the cause of because he hadn't been strong enough to come back to her on his own. It broke his heart, but also filled him with love. The last three years hadn't been pleasant by any stretch. Just one long parade of enduring pain, and having to do terrible things just to survive. Zero had no friend, no family. He had had nothing but a place among very bad men and women. Yet here and now; just feeling the warmth of her body against his, feeling her tears stain his shirt as she cried...all of it was welcome. "I...I always was a fan of stories, short stuff. I'm sure it will be nice to listen to them."
The future here with her wasn't bleak or devoid of hope. Oh it was still likely going to be a challenge; readjusting to life with someone around that he cared for, and trying to fit into a small town that just a week ago would have been a plum target for his tribe. However when she spoke of a job, of a chance to lend a hand, TJ could admit that it didn't sound bad. "We'll see if...if your friends and the town want a man like me watching their backs, JJ. Even if they don't it will be okay. We'll figure it out together."