[It really is impossible for him to play it cool when she is involved, and as a result she always reads him so easily. However, where he normally can still maintain a certain amount of reservation— the warmth of her hands seems to seep into his body. It registers in his mind that his heart is beating again, but more than that— it feels like it’s fueling the flames, pumping them through his body.]

I don’t know if it’s them or if it’s you but—

[He reaches back, gently stroking his fingers over one of the curious tentacles that had been poised, wanting to touch.]

It feels like my whole body is burning.

[In a very nice, very intense way.]