[ Matt's relieved that normal-strength emotions don't seem to ping Sebastian. They all have more than enough of that as things stand. But it seems to surprise him when Sebastian laughs--it's a pleasant sound, but Matt hadn't thought about trying to explain himself. It's almost jarring to realize he's been thinking his own thoughts, and that Sebastian isn't privy to them.

He smiles, breathing a laugh of his own. Half sheepishness, half unconscious echo. ]

I don't ... like thinking of anyone stuck in an existence that has nothing to offer them.

I know our purpose here is to reset things. Sweep away the last of the rot. And I believe in that, but I don't think that has to mean-- [ His lips twitch. ] --you know, "no fun." Maybe there's a version of me in the future who'll be able to move towards a goal without anything but that to look forward to, but I definitely can't do it now.