[ That question actually gets a smile and a small chuckle from him, bright and a little sheepish both. Ehe, that's right, it could be several things...

But the thought also warms him, and he smiles a touch more gently then, eyes softer. ]

When you said you wanted to help me recover. That I need someone to rely on sometimes, too. [ Not something that's a "promise" exchange for most people, but for Allen who is so adamantly opposed to asking things of others... ]

But to me, saying okay or "I'd like that too" to something like that... it's because I want to be someone you can rely on as well. Whatever the case or whatever it's for. [ Because it's better to rely on each other, isn't it? That feels right. Natural.

He tightens his fingers lightly, giving his hand a very small sort of squeeze as he lets his gaze drop to the side. ]

So even if I never formally said it at the time, I want to say that now.