[ He deflates a little -- in all honesty, he's new at this, too -- but at least he knows the general idea, he guesses; he's not sure, exactly, what Maya knows about these types of things. ]

You 'n' me would be-- I don't know. I imagine we try the friend thing for longer, get to know each other better, since this is probably... weird, for both of us.

Then I imagine you'll suffer through a few awkward attempts of my flirtation, maybe me tryin' to sneak in another kiss or two?

[ He trails off again and awkwardly pulls a hand through his hair. His eyes wander the cave for a few seconds before he turns to her, earnest when before he was guarded. ]

I don't know where this is going to lead us, but-- spending these past couple weeks with you? They've been... great. Really great. I wouldn't give 'em up for anything. I like you, Maya, as a friend, but-- maybe more than that? I don't know. But what I do know is, I'd take that hit for you every time.

So-- so if nothing else, if romance doesn't end up being our thing, I want us to at least stay partners. Friends.