[Without his stopping her, she ends up pushing up his shirt enough to touch at his skin. He's warmed up since arriving, but there's still an edge of a chill to the touch that makes her gasp against his lips. She can feel the scars and takes great care to map them all out slowly. Whatever it is that he does, whatever his life outside of her is, she's not afraid of it. Her fingers trace along what she assumes is a scar caused by a knife, and she ends up pushing his shirt up with the intent to remove it.

But then he goes and speaks, and pulls away just enough that she's left wanting and leaning forward in an attempt to maintain the contact. Rejection crosses over her face at first, but then he explains, and her expression softens. There's the warmth of understanding on her eyes as she processes his words, even as her heart sinks and aches for him. Is he afraid she won't be able to handle them?]

Hey - [She moves her hands away from his shirt and body to press her thumb against his chin. It's important that he doesn't look away from her when she says this.]

Don't you dare assume that just because my pretty face has turned your head that I'm not able to handle parts of you that are dark and gritty. Cause I've got parts like that too. Some of the things I've done and seen, the choices I've had to make, some of the near death experiences...things stick with you. When I said I want to be with you, it's not just for one night or just for sex. I meant all of you, dark spots and dreams and all.

[Her hand drops away and she leans in to place the most ridiculous kiss to the tip of his nose. ]

You don't have to sleep in the same bed with me 'til you're ready. No pressure. Just know nothing you can do will scare me.