Terence watched her silently, trying his hardest not to let a small smile form on his lips at her reaction to his words. He could tell Melinda wasn't the type who was used to this either, but he didn't care. Right now, he just wanted to her to know that he cared, that she had someone here, if she wanted it.
"Dunno if you've noticed, Bobbin," he said, the small smirk breaking out across his lips, "But I don't exactly have a million friends here. Not that I want that many anyway... a few people who matter are good enough for me..."
And then he laughed, because he remembered quite well when she slapped him. She had a good backhand. "If it means I get to see you more? You can slap me all you want," he said simply enough, glad that everything felt a little bit lighter, if only for a moment.