[ she's quick to catch on. slowly, she nods. yep, this is a story she understands perfectly, even when all the pieces aren't right there in front of her. honestly, they might as well be. ] But she did. She did, and it was different, wasn't it? It got to you. [ she'd lay a comforting hand on his shoulder, but she also understands personal space when there are potential significant others in the room. instead, belle nudges his shoulder with her own. ]

Donny, you're not stupid. [ her eyebrows shoot up in a warning look. careful, now, or she'll scold him. ] I - I understand. It's fine, it's - [ well, it's not normal. but maybe it is. maybe it's not always supposed to be easy. it's complicated, is a good word. ] It's worth a try.