He thought running around the bedroom with his hands in the air shouting 'champion!' wouldn't be the best way to handle the situation, but it was what he wanted to do. Instead, he kissed her back, deeply, and then breathed "I love you too," against her lips.
This is what he was so sad Padraig was missing out on. Not the sex, though that was awesome. It was being with someone who worked with his issues and needs, and let him work with hers as well. They were partners and that made him so happy he couldn't describe it. "You make me feel brave," he said quietly.