[s] ...you've really taught me quite a bit, as well. I used to place so much more emphasis on how I looked rather than who I am as a mech, and the same attitude made me think less of others I didn't think met the standard of "aesthetically pleasing" to the optics. Meeting you when I was so vulnerable back then...really made me rethink things. And you have always been so patient with me...

*Turning a little, he pushes his head up under her palm so her hand rests against his forehead, fingers splayed between his ears.* [s] You mean so much to me... Having you here, now, reminds me that no matter how dark things look, there are reasons to keep trying.