Set the bar low and it is very hard to be disappointed. Maybe not the best motto to live by but it's been doing wonders for me here. [since Vincent died, and nobody close to her has died again, the other missions haven't seemed as bad. the perks to having a low bar.] Yeah? I'd pay to hear the voices if we had money here so you'll have to take my enjoyment as payment.

[Maria didn't necessarily think Vander's compliments were lies. she certainly knew he thought she was attractive, after all. he showed her again and again that was how he felt. but exaggeration wasn't really a lie, now was it?]

Talking about things you do with or without clothing, how bad is the damage? [she motions to his knee he was stretching out.] Anything you'll need help with? And don't go macho man on me and say you don't need help. Consider it making me happy being able to help you.

[part of what Maria did enjoy was helping people, especially someone that meant as much to her as Vander did. if she couldn't help as good a friend as Vander then she didn't think she'd feel very useful no matter what.]