[ Ahhh, he knew he was going to mess this up. This is the kind of thing he sucks at, because giving apologies? Not really something he did often, if he's honest. It's the kind of thing that gets you walked over in Hyperion, even if maybe you did mess something up. But in this? He definitely felt one was owed, even if she dismisses it. His expression is apologetic and near exasperated when she starts, but as that tone appears, it shifts to a softer confusion. ]

What? No. No, no, no, that's not what I'm saying...

[ He shakes his head, then shrugs ]

I mean, I enjoyed your company too? You're smart. That's, uh, obvious. And I like smart? Especially in a situation like this. That, and I said I was gonna help you get to the skylight, and that's not changing just because you're younger than I thought.

[ There's another shrug, but he gives her a smile that's still slightly uncomfortable, but with his apology out of his brain, he's at least starting to relax. ]

We're stuck in the same situation, and pretty sure we both wanna get the hell out of here. I think that's a pretty good reason to work together. Just, y'know, less of me being an idiot with a bad case of slackjaw.