Her words were so ridiculously kind.

Further proof of how not-Illyria she was.

And yet she was, still. And completely understanding. Which was entirely frustrating, too.

He took a breath. Nodded slowly. Glanced around as if the fob watch could see what he was thinking. "Now, I'm going to do something. I've...it's something I've... Don't be afraid, and don't tell her, because she'll probably hate me if you do."

He leaned down and quickly, chastely, kissed her on the mouth.