[ Dirk is absolutely right. It's not easy, and having someone understand that? It means the world to her. Her eyes well up with tears and she accepts his invitation, only she does him one better than simply cuddling him-- she wraps her arms around his shoulders and pulls him in for a tight hug. ]

No, it ain't. Is it weird that I'm happy you recognize that? Ha ha. You guys were always so nonchalant 'bout my drinking... not that I didn't think ya guys cared? It was a shitty thing to force you guys to deal with in the first place. I never expected anyone to fly to my rescue, I mean. Wasn't your responsibility, yanno?

[ Squeeze. ] But you guys were worried about me all along, n' I feel like a real shitheel 'cause of it... I'm so sorry for doin' that to you, Dirk. You've always had my back, even when I was annoyin' you with my drunken flirting...

[ And speaking of which, her feelings, while not reciprocated, are difficult to ignore even now. Especially now, and she's suddenly self-conscious about her heart beating so rapidly in her chest. Can he feel it? Can he feel the hot blush on her face from being so close to him?

God, she's such a tool. ]