[When she starts speaking, he realizes he's actually breathing quickly, and it feels, oddly enough, as if the temperature has climbed. His face feels hot. Damn...]

[He tilts his head into her hand, relaxing somewhat, now that the focus is off the mangled half of his face. She can't see it, but his eyes are focused on her, and her alone -- half-lidded though they may be.]

Yeah... I do. Wouldn't be here if I didn't.

[While her fingers roam, his hand slips to the small of her back, thumb making idle circles over her cheek.]

... It's not that. I... hell, part of me wants... I would. Right now. I wouldn't regret a thing.

[That hand on her cheek finds its way up to tangle carefully in her hair.]

I care about you... too. Remember?