[Oh my God, Annie, you are a weird girl. He laughs, again, because what else do you do when you've got a girl saying things like sexay and giving you those eyes and-- Jesus, he has seen a lot in his life, he's pretty good with sexy, but Annie is something different. Just looking at her gives him this weird warm feeling--maybe because she's associated with good things, with a time that was the best in his life. Maybe because she doesn't take herself incredibly seriously, or because she saved him--or maybe it's simpler than all that, something as easy as love. He loves her, so every kiss is going to be brilliant. Everything else is just-- icing on top.]

You're better than sexy, Annie. Trust me. [That's genuine; but of course he's got to tease her back a second later--] Not that I'm going t' be objecting for more work and practice on the kisses, you can practice on me all you like.

But you are better-- than anyone.

[And that slips him back toward the sincere again; he shifts his hand a little, tracing his thumb gently over her lower lip before he leans back in again. And this kiss is better--he doesn't smile against it, he just opens his mouth to hers, both of them warm, for once, both of them really here.]