[It's not easy for her to accept that compliment. She opens her mouth, but the protest doesn't come. She doesn't want to believe it or accept it, but she wants it just the same. Maybe...]

[...maybe she can accept it. It feels too good not to. That thought scares her, too, and she hugs tighter against him.]

[She's quiet for awhile, swaying back and forth, before she pulls back a little. She wipes at her eyes with her fingers, still crying but not sobbing, and smiles. It's small, but not forced.]

I don't know if I really deserve that. Or deserve someone like you.

[But she's not smiling because she's broken. She reached a decision.]

But... perhaps I'll take your word for it, until I can feel differently about myself.