"I didn't feel used," she insists gently. "I still don't. I knew what it was when I kissed you back, and if it helped you then I would've been glad." She doesn't know if it did or not. It's impossible to say.

"The fact you apologized to me though is..." Dammit, she has to break off, breathe a quick breath. "Thanks. For caring. Even if you didn't hurt me."