[Velocity gave a start at his use of her nickname style, and a genuine if small smile peeked out. She reached out and placed her hand over his and gave it a squeeze]

Thank you. For that, and for being here even when I was- I think I... [She draws in a shuddering vent, and lets it out] I think I just needed to see you. You've been such a warm and steadying presence here no matter what, and I want to give that back. I know this can't exactly have been easy for you, either, you're the one that-

[She bites her lip and shrugs, but doesn't look away this time]

You can talk to me, too, you know?