[ He folds his hands in his lap and watches her pace. He can't reassure her and tell her that he won't break her heart in some way, because he is sure he will. Their choices already tore them apart from each other once before, and many, many times more in the long centuries after. Such is the inevitable result of their conflict. ]

What do you wish me to say? Your fear is not unfounded. You know very well I can and cannot give. But I distinctly recall you advising me to try and get along with all you idiotic things so I suppose...

[ A pause. His gaze lingers on his lap. ]

I suppose I am trying to do that. And if you would pursue me as something other than a sack of meat to hump when the mood strikes, I may be open to an attempt at-- [ He straightens with a wry smile. ] Ah, friendship, that was the word I wanted.