She thinks of him, his nimble fingers at her chin, in front of the mirror so long ago.
She knew she was special…because of Manticore, because of what made her…who made her, created her.
She knew she was strong….strong because of all the tests, the proof in well kept records.
She knew she was unlike any other.
But standing at that mirror, for the first time in her life, when she was told "beautiful", she believed it.
And that… made her scared. Not for realizing someone had meant it, this time.
But for believing it.
And then caring for him.