[Her face is burning, embarrassed as she is by how hearing it makes that warmth in her heart go into overdrive. Ugh, she's disgustingly happy. It's terrible of her when she had so obviously hit on a point of contention.]

That makes me really -- happy.

[She waits until she feels the comb reach the end of a stroke, then peeks behind herself so she can safely lean back and against him. She's careful to nest her head on his right shoulder, for obvious, toothy reasons. Her voice, as much as the affection makes her want to burst, is a soft murmur, and she tries to speak evenly instead of her usual catching of words.]

When I told you I didn't know anyone like you before, it wasn't just about this. It was -- Y-you're the only friend I've ever had. No one ever really noticed or understood me before, but you make me feel like I'm mmmore. Like there can be more. I'm not the same as you, but I...know. How much it can mean that I'm here with you and you're here with me. You give me...days? I don't ever want to be without you now, you know.

[She smiles weakly to herself.]

I've imprinted on you like -- a baby duck. [Goose.]