[ As she speaks it's what she does not say outloud that strikes him as equally important. Her best friend, someone who matters to her no matter what other people may see or think. Even if she is angry, hurt even by how he'd behaved in the past, that doesn't change the most important thing between them. This strange bond that formed so quickly and seems nearly impossible to break.

It's a relief. One that has his head bowing deeply to her as he lets out a sigh, one that sees his entire body heave with exhaustion from the gesture. ]

It is my understanding that of this moment one would expect the other to state they do not deserve such... this seems a foolish thing, if it was undeserved it would not be given. [ A stab at humor in his own odd way. He matches her tightened grip on his claw, careful to keep the tips of those sharp weapons from piercing her skin. ] You are the same to myself, Kaede, my best friend. There are none who's presence I am in as ease as I am in your own. Your friendship is not a thing I would trade for any. Be it riches or glory, or... what ever else is one can put value in.

[ Is that clear enough? He hopes it is. Even if she can't return those confusing, invasive feelings of his, he doesn't care. As long as they can call each other Friend and be in one another's lives, that's more than enough for him. ]