[ Her eyes linger on his shoulder, searching it as though it might do in lieu of his expression as she wonders whether he truly will cry. At his words her fingers curl subtly, unconsciously against his back, like they might catch the material there - though in the end they do not, and she lets him draw back without incident. She's quick to look up and seek his face in earnest, though what she finds (or doesn't find) there seems to soothe her. ]

[ Warmly, not even realizing it, she smiles. Her voice, when she sees fit to use it, is soft. ]

You never have.

[ Let her down, that is. He's been an excellent friend from the beginning, and she hasn't quite got the words to express how much so. Instead, ]

I'm sure you'll do your best. But you know? I'm the one who should be thanking you. And even if we have to say goodbye for good some day, I... I'll always be glad to have met you, Rock. This whole experience, being here, the friends I've made... that can be enough for me. [ If it has to be. Oh, she'll always want more, as anyone would, but-- ] It's more than I could have ever asked for.