Solo helped him to see? Is that what had changed between the two of them? Because ever since Solo's kidnapping and lengthy recovery, Gaby had sensed that something had changed about their relationship. There was a sort of closeness that wasn't there before. Illya was quicker to listen to Solo, who had seemed to find a way to reason with the man relatively quickly, in a way that often escaped her. Apparently, Illya had taken Solo into his confidence and the result was this declaration that had taken her by surprise. She knew he had feelings for her, yes. But that they had taken the form of love? When he began, she expected him to confess that he wanted to finally pursue her, to finish what they had started months ago. This was something else entirely. Fortunately for them both, Gaby was able to hide the the full extent of her great shock at Illya's revelation.
She bit the inside of her lower lip as she looked up at him. "Oh, Illya, " was all she could think of to say. But that was inadequate. Before his confession, he had asked her a question she had felt did not need asking. She could see now why he had been hesitant. "You have to know that I have feelings for you, too," she said with great effort. Speaking from the heart like this did not come naturally to her.