[Okay, that?...was SO not what he was expecting to hear. She's told him before she loves him. Truth is, he does love her too, like a little sister (a really REALLY little sister), but he's . . . never really had exposure to a relationship that wasn't either strictly professional or very dysfunctional in some way, so he honestly doesn't know how to recognize it or respond. But . . . for him? His optics flare softly in surprise. She did this to be closer to HIM?]

Four . . .

[He cycles a soft sigh through his vents, a small smile creeping onto his face, and he nuzzles her again with his fingertip.]

I'm honored. Thank you. Just . . . you see why people are concerned for you, though? I don't want to see you hurt because of it.

[He won't ask her to remove it. He does, however, need to know she understands what she may have gotten herself into.]