[ Lifting her hand in his, she pats over his knuckles. The scars upon his palms are ever more apparent.

She understands his response-- his multiple responses up now, diminishing his value-- to be quite grave. ]

If not with me... then whoever compliments your smile next. [ And here, she smiles at him. ] Consider just... trying to say "thank you".

It is okay, to let yourself have something nice. [ Even if it is only a compliment, just words, and nothing more. ]