I like the sound of "we," [ Matt says with a small, rueful smile. For the first time since he crawled up through the earth, he feels a deep, heavy tiredness--the kind that pulls you down bones-first. But the look in his eyes is hopeful. ] It doesn't seem like there's that many of us left in the universe. I'd much rather work with you than fight you.

[ After a moment, he smiles again: small and crooked, but genuinely amused. ]

... Besides. I feel like you could probably kick my ass.