His gaze wouldn't settle. Not on her. Not anywhere. The floor, the wall, as shifty eyed as they came. His mind was reeling, trying to come up with the right words. Hell, with any words. He wasn't sure what the words were that were needed in this moment, but he was trying so hard to come up with them.

Then he had nothing. Nothing at all but her saying no.

Then he did lift his head, looking right at her. Staring for a long time before he nodded. "Okay then. Whenever you're ready. If ever."

He wasn't sure he would ever be, just willing to ignore it if it meant he had this, but he wouldn't risk this by not saying it either.