"Maybe you will, but there are other factors," he replied soberly because he knew it to be true. Yet, the sheer idea that she would try to give him time, let him come back into his own again warmed him in the strange way that only she could he found. It made his stomach feel like jelly and his legs stiffen up like he was going to collapse if he didn't lock his knees.

He was aware of her pain before he understood it, and even then, he couldn't say that he understood much about it. He stepped forward to her cautiously, closing the distance with the intention of studying her expression. "You are guarding me well here," he replied softly, the only bit of comfort that he could. Slowly, he lifted his metal hand and brushed his fingers against her cheek. "Don't be sad."

He shrugged a little, thinking that he was higher priority than killing her right now. "They won't be taking me; it's just an extraction," he said, not understanding the difference. He shook his head a little at her question. "I was given no time frame, just to be patient."