[Anders words, kind as they were, rubbed her in an unexpected and very wrong sort of way. There was nothing wrong with what he said in particular, only that the sentiment of a long and happy life feeling so... foreign to her. She'd considered the many implications of her apparent rise from the grave, but she'd barely had the time to consider the permanence of her situation.]

[Strange as it all was, Angel managed a shaky, slightly sad smile.]

At the very least, let us hope it is longer than my last.

[Shaking away the last of her sorrow, Angel did what she could to perk up her smile. She reached over, placing a hand over his. It was an intimate gesture, but it felt right in the moment.]

Your friendship means much to me as well. I am only sorry that I cannot ease your own struggles in the way you have eased some of my own. You deserve that, I am sure.