[ A quiet breath exhales. No, they know he's right, Ellie would leave no room to argue. Every single quiet question they brought up, the confidence that she answered with, the assurance. The stories of the numbers to her halos, her attention to detail... if anyone, it would be Ellie, wouldn't it? Even when they don't think too highly of themselves. But they keep those thoughts silent, usher to the back of their mind. Listen to that soft tone, and the quiet apology does make it ache a bit more.

But still, they manage a smile. They have to. ] ..I am glad too, if to have met her.

[ To try and keep her in memory in turn. But.. ] I know she must have been important to a lot of us, so.. we'll have to do what we can for her.

[ (...) A gentle curl of their fingers around his hand. ] Thanks, Vee. [ For telling them this. For talking to them. For being here to listen. ]