[ The reassurance probably makes her feel better than she'd care to admit. Something she might not have even known she needed. She allows his hands to take hers again, making an effort to squeeze him back. ]

Mm. Well... there is no need for that. I promise that this 'ugliness,' or whatever we've decided to call it, will not haunt me. Nor will yours ever change how I feel about you.

[ She will return the favor, giving him that reassurance in return. ]

Sometimes it just... rises to the surface rather suddenly. Isn't that so?