She could forgive the teasing easily - he never picked on her so much that it really pushed her limit or anything. That said she was caught completely by surprise by the deeper kiss - or perhaps it was those words he said. Though the surprise didn't linger long before she leaned into it, flooded by those feelings she'd felt herself unworthy of for so long.

More - she wanted to feel and experience so much more with him it was..intoxicating. Drunk on the idea of being with him ...intimately, as much as the idea of being able to hold him in general. She didn't think she craved it so much - but not just herself, he must have the same feelings for certain. Once she needed to come up for air though, she was almost dizzy and breathless, trying to process what he said, then trying to process a functional answer to that before coming to the realization that he completely jumbled her thoughts.

And she was staring at him, almost stupefied before the simplest answer possible came to her. And it was because of Alphen that she realized the answer, once again, as she gave him her sweetest smile, leaning in close to him. If you can't find the words, then use actions, right? As she brought herself in to return the kiss just as passionately as he did, murmuring her own response in that soft, almost needy, hungry whisper, "I want to be with you too, Alphen.."