[ That all does sound pretty awful, the way she says it. And yet, it doesn't shock Erik much, nor does it seem to make him pause or change his mind. He just shrugs faintly, lips pursed. ]

Flawed things can still be perfect.

[ It sounds contradictory, he knows. But that's how he sees it.

He takes her hand when offered, smiling. His fingers squeeze gently, thumb brushing over her knuckles. It's a surer touch now, more familiar with her, more at ease in sharing these touches when he can sense they've grown closer. More than just friends— almost like family, in a sense of the word. ]

Life may have not been kind. But I'm sure we both have a few good memories we can hold onto.