The walk is quiet, although he does wrap one arm around your waist when you leave the lab. By the time you reach his suite, he hasn't let go even for a moment. As the elevator doors close behind you, he wraps his other arm around you and pulls you close. He holds you like that for a long time, and even though he doesn't say anything, you think you know why.
"I'm right here," you whisper. "I'm not going anywhere."
"I know," he says. "It's just...until today, I never seriously thought about what I would do if I lost you."
"I'm sorry..."
"Don't apologize," he shakes his head. "All you wanted to do was help."
He leans back and cups your face in both of his hands.
"You have such kindness," he whispers, "and patience, and integrity, and generosity, and...