Mal blinked in surprise at her words, shocked and moved by what she was revealing to him. He placed his finger against her lips, shushing her gently, finding it hard to believe that she could be so self-doubting when he saw her as so strong and confident. He kissed her forehead tenderly, wiping the tears from her cheeks with his thumb, realizing for the first time as he looked into her face, tearful and vulnerable, how truly young she really was, despite her world-wise way. That beneath her rigidly constructed Companion façade was a woman barely out of girl-hood, who had no real experience with love.
-- Choices - Part 7 by 2x2