Those three little words still made her happy, hearing it as much as knowing on an instinctive, emotional level how much he loved her. That one person could make her so radiantly happy, she didn't think it was even possible - but if anyone could, it made sense that he could and not just because they were involved.

It was because he was Natsu, her best friend, her trusted partner in everything. Who knew her best out of everyone. If anything, those three words intensified the loving look on her face, her smile widening, unable to turn off that loving glow even a little. Her thumb stroked against his cheek gently, drinking in the sight of that soft expression she loved so much.

She licked her lips slightly, swallowing as she managed to murmur back in a soft, if hoarse voice, "...I love you more."