Seriously though. He respects her, despite the fact that he will sass her back and be a pain in the ass when she tries to get him to sit still for anything other than a cup of coffee and some conversation. And he does have a sense of both affection and some protectiveness of her as well. She's 'his' doctor, and although he's fully aware of who her people are (and who has stronger claims to her), he'd still go up to bat for her anytime.
no subject