[ He frowns a little, because she shouldn't make the mistake of thinking he shouldn't be here, nor that he's with the people he is (and isn't) for reasons out of his control.

With a small sigh, he pulls his hand back, idly rubbing his palms together like it'll help bring the warmth back. ]

...I accept your apology. [ first and foremost, this is the least he can do, because it's a godawful feeling when you work up the nerve to apologize to somebody and they dismiss it. ] I think... there's something that you can help me with. I'd love your help with it. But I'm going to ask you later.