[ Time's up. For how fast his heartbeat's sped up his hand sure does feel cold. Only for a moment until he remembers how warm her hand was earlier and the way she squeezed his.

This is right. Not allowing himself much isn't what's unfair, not to him; it's not considering how she feels. Right now there's only vague hints that she may not have even meant to do.

Metal finger curl ever so slightly and his memory locks away the image of the way she's looking at him right now.

In case everything backfires even more and either of them are left hurt. ]

You're safe to go back and I'm glad I could help.

[ He holds out his left hand and looks her in the eye. This window for them is so small and he doesn't want to let it slip. But that needs to be a mutual decision; not just his. ]

I want you to know that I meant what I said when we left the bridge. If you'd like to stay...I think I'd like that too.

[ He's never felt more vulnerable on reaching out this far on a limb. ]