[ there is a lengthy pause. then, weakly: ]

I like books and dresses and flowers too, you know... you can't forget those!

[ has anyone ... ever really said anything quite like that to her before? "You're you" is one thing, but this is .... this is different, somehow. it... he....

the smile that blooms across her face is this pale, wonderful thing. ]

Xion ... you make my name sound important, somehow. [ a tiny laugh. ] Like it's ... really worth something.