[ Matt finds the admission so surprising--and frankly, so relatable--that he can't help a bright laugh. The peal of it echoes down the darkened block.

Jester bounds right up to the door of her house, and Matt takes the steps two at a time to (more or less) keep pace with her. He comes to a stop a step down from her, lips curling into a smile. ]

I had a great time too, [ he says. He feels breathless from the sudden change of pace--and, perhaps, from a touch of end-of-date jitters. ] Thanks for showing me some of your magic, and like ... talking about your god with me. I really like hearing it.

[ If you asked him later, Matt probably wouldn't be able to explain. The closest he'd get would be something about Jester's smile. The glint of moonlight off her fangs, the jeweled loveliness of her skin. The snow around them soft as powdered sugar.

None of that really explains why Matt picks now to stoop slightly and kiss Jester lightly on the lips. But he stands by the decision. ]