"Perhaps, if I expected poetry in return, or if I even expected the sentiment to be returned. But I don't. It is enough for me that you simply want me around, whatever your reasons are. I know you guard that part of you, and me being mortal ..." Shannon sighed softly. "I know I'm not likely to ever hear those words or anything like it. But," She let her hand drop as she turned around, picking the kettle back up she returned it to its base. "I am old enough to know just because my heart wants what it wants does not mean yours does."
She turned to face him again, leaning against the bench in front of the kettle rather than return to stand in front of him. "That doesn't mean I pine like a love sick teenager. I just know to be content with what I have, rather than resentful of what I don't."