What she said wasn't exactly an answer, but maybe the smile was. He went without further delay.
He was very careful and quiet. He let her have whatever she wanted, whatever he could give. This is real? she'd asked, and he smiled a little at the question. It wasn't far from what he was thinking, currently, either.
It was right that she'd be leaving soon. Leto focused on holding the feelings of disappointment at bay. He knew that she would not stop being his friend. But the near-constant companionship... that was at an end. She couldn't stay with him, not without defaming her good name. Oswin was worth more than that.
Leto tucked her head under his chin and held a little tighter, despite his best attempts to be gentle. He would miss her daily presence.