He's silent for a long moment after Matthew has finished talking, and Ross has no intention of asking more details about the experience because it's clear to him Matthew would rather not relive any of it. What concerns him is the possibility that it could happen again, which he's sure has occurred to Matthew, as well. People can be greedy, they can do terrible things at the cost of others' well-beings for selfish gain, and Ross may not know what it's like to be targeted for a talent such as Matthew's, but he has been the victim of such despicable behavior.

"You had someone?" he asks, avoiding eye contact as he reaches for a slice of pizza. "After that entire ordeal, you had friends you could turn to? Somewhere to recover where you weren't alone?"

It would make Ross a hypocrite to say one shouldn't be alone during times of strife, but he's come around to acknowledging the truth of that, particularly since Demelza had entered into his life. To know someone is waiting for him, to know someone genuinely cares about his well-being all the time and not just when it suits them, it does make a difference.

"You're welcome here, you know," Ross continues, clearing his throat, "if ever you're in need of something."