[ He glances over to her at that question, a bit of surprise surfacing on his face. Though he squeezes her hand back, because she's one of the first people to not treat him like a child and definitely one of the first who wasn't looking to use him. ]

Well you once told me that I'm 'worth knowing' and I feel the same about you. You are definitely worth knowing regardless of the reputation the media has given you. You're the first person outside of my family to really see past the teenage appearance and accept me in spite that appearance.

[ Her friendship has meant a lot to him, which was why he was hesitant to step over that line. But he's glad that he took the chance. ]