Blinking a little, startled by the emotion, Mantis was stunned silent for several uncertain moments---not quite sure how to react or what to say, even. 'Thank you' was a rare thing to hear from anyone, and love? He'd never known love. At least, not when directed toward himself. It was such a big thing, and so overwhelming.. but he couldn't dwell on it. He had a job to do, after all, and he could fall apart after it was done.
You're welcome, he managed after a moment, smiling behind the mask, even though he knew she couldn't see it. He paused, fingers stilling, before drawing her head gently down against his shoulder, keeping physical contact in a position that might be a little more comfortable for her; he'd seen people rest their heads against others. It seemed a little intimate for the man who never indulged in contact, but he hoped she'd forgive him the gesture.
Think about something that normally makes you happy, he said then, fingers skittering over her hair in the same way he stroked Annie's. As he spoke, he began to work, pulling the dark things, the sad things, the heartbreak, away from Cordelia and into himself. Remember how that thing makes you feel so light---how the world around you seems a little brighter-- Black, indigo, deepest violet, darkest blue: bitter, sour flavours, and oh, how it hurt to take those feelings willingly.. but they weren't things he was unfamiliar with, at least. He felt them every day, pushing in against him from everyone around him. The whole world ached, happiness and joy such fleeting feelings. On the worst days, when voices were too strong, emotions too heavy, and he couldn't think through the pain, he wanted to kill--- everyone. Every last living person on the face of the earth, and hope then for silence. But every time, at his lowest point, he'd find one.. single, solitary person.. who made him change his mind.
Now he had a whole building full. And if pushing himself into that low could bring the familiar Cordelia back, well-- he didn't mind it at all.