[A relieved and grateful look crosses his face when she answers, confirming his hope, and he's able to relax a little. At the core of him still exists - and always will - that desire and need to make people happy; the goal of this is not to squash that desire but to make sure it doesn't supercede his own happiness. He can work on that, but he doesn't want it to come at the expense of someone he loves. It might be a hard balance to find. At least with her, it's much, much easier, and for that he's both glad and grateful.

Next, what will he do... what does he want to do. Both good questions. He purses his lips and tilts his head into her stomach, his gaze drifting up the hill as he mulls it over.]

I'm... not really sure. Nothing yet, I... think. I told her what I thought last time, and when she reached out after it was for all the wrong reasons. I don't... want to ask anything of her. Not if she doesn't want us, or can't say she does. And not if she thinks all we ever do is ask for things.

[The fact that he couldn't even greet her at the party without her questioning him made it clear she needs to figure some stuff out. He can't do that for her. And he can't accept her terrible apologies.]

I'll figure out what I want when she sets the terms for what happens going forward. Just... [Deep breath. Putting it into practice. Not so hard, right? Hah...] Only if what she wants is good for me, too.