[He honestly hadn't had much more practice with Cordelia, a few proper drawings and a number of quick, wispy sketches. But the details? He had all of those memorized.

The question causes him to still, pencil tip hovering over the surface.]

I thought I should be, at first. After all, it was myself who opened these conversations back home. But I've come to realize that is very different than "is." [He resumes his work, the curve of her smile, focused on the viewer, rather than Tex.]

I am, in truth, quite content with it, now. [There's a pause, a hesitation before a mildly offered.] I begin to see what she finds in you.