Seamus wasn't expecting the hug—this was Ernie, after all—but some part of him appreciated it despite the awkwardness of it all. And he especially appreciated the reminder that Dean was still out there and alive. Dean was alive, Seamus told himself. He had to believe it or he wouldn't make it.
"I...All right." He appreciated Ernie explaining the process somewhat. Seamus needed something to cling to when he felt so adrift. And the offer of a place to stay was more welcome than Seamus initially realized. The thought of going back to an empty house right now filled him with something akin to dread. He couldn't go home, not alone. "Thank you, Ernie. You're a god mate." Seamus rubbed away the returning prick of tears with the heels of his hands. "Can we just go?" The grief and the rage had drained away without warning, leaving him hollow and numb and so very tired.