Sadly, Mathias understands that better than he wants to, and he nods, wrapping his arms around Veronica again. After Ilyse, after all the pain she put him through, he knows how difficult it is to let someone back in and trusting them not to cause that same sort of pain. Veronica is worth that, though, and he hopes she thinks he is as well.

"Not today," he agrees with a smile, then presses a kiss to her forehead. He's less nervous now, less awkward, and it's easier to relax into her hands on his shoulders.