He smiled, moving his hand from her cheek to slide through her hair. "You have been a big part of mine as well. I'm sorry my actions made you think that it was something you did." His eyes closed for a moment when she cupped his cheek before opening to look into hers, "I knew you were special when we met in the market. A few people had tried to talk to me but I just brushed them off. I was uncomfortable and afraid. But you. I was comfortable with you and I didn't feel afraid. Embarrassed and a bit poor at socializing yes, but comfortable and unafraid."
He nodded, turning his head slightly to kiss the palm of her hand that had been against his cheek, "You are my family. Not by blood and I don't think of you as a sister... but, you are still family to me."