Wheeling Gull Isle And basically I've gotta know

Relief flickered across his face at her acceptance, and a pleased smiled curved his lips. He made a note to bring her more gifts in the future simply to elicit the same reaction from her again. 

In the silence, he studied her, wishing he could hear her thoughts just as much as he was glad he couldn't for fear of what they might reveal. He met her gaze when she peered up at him, noting the uncertainty there and wishing he could soothe away whatever doubts made her feel that way.

He looked away when she spoke, his own gaze searching the sea as he considered how to answer her question. Of course, the truth was that he was miserable. But, it wasn't anyone's fault, most especially not hers; she could take however much time she needed. If only his heart would get in line with his mind, then maybe he wouldn't be so tortured. He refused to tell her any of that, though, afraid that it would guilt her into doing something before she was ready; every cell in his body shied away from causing her to feel that way. He couldn't lie to her either; it just felt wrong to hide things from her. So, he settled for somewhere in the middle, his gaze still lost in the sea as he finally spoke. I...miss you, he said quietly, his heart pounding again as he divulged his truth. He regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth, but it was too late to take it back.