[ A flare of something instinctual leaps to life in his chest. Like he'd tusks-down charge the first thing to make the mistake of dimming her smile like that. Brows furrowed, he parses that reaction, rough thumb smoothing over the unbroken seam of her knuckles to ease the tremble in them. Sometimes, he can take a hint. ]

They'd better while they're here. [ just saying. And then, calmer, more halting: ] I just don't want anyone to have to make a decision they'll regret, that's all. You, me...

[ Funny, how she allays some of his anxieties while stoking others. ]