Leaving her alone isn't going to help, either. And there's no control here, no matter what she thinks. She won't believe it if he says it, though, he thinks, so he doesn't. He's quiet a moment, instead, resting his forehead against the door.

"I was glad," he says finally. "When I heard the announcement. Glad that he picked me. If it was anybody else, I know I'd go a little nuts at them, because I'd be so worried about you. Maybe I'll fuck this up. Maybe you'll hate me. I probably deserve it. But at least I know nobody else can hurt you, if it's me."

He straightens a little, though his metal hand is still on the door. "You might not want to be friends. But there is nothing you can do that will make me not care about you."