[ His smile (which still has some drool on it) turns wider at that, arguably goofy, especially on the face of someone his age. He had been waiting for that, for so long. So, so long. The man's got such a pleased expression at her saying that and he basks in it for so long, it might almost seem like he didn't hear her, if it wasn't for that look. And then finally, he collects himself enough to say, ]
no subject
I love you.
[ He says it back just as quick, but - ]
Say it again.