Heartman's mild smile is somehow similar to Ray's smirks and nudges; he feels it like an elbow in his ribs and can't help flushing a little more warmly. "Perhaps I shouldn't let myself get distracted... it might be a little silly. But— well. I very much enjoy the time I spend with her."

Very much. But he somehow doesn't think Heartman will begrudge him some small happiness in this hard place. "She's special. Kind, brilliant, lovely..."