He returned her smile, promising himself he'd get a real one soon enough, and let his fingers curl around his. It was enough, for now, and he'd keep a distance until she wanted it crossed.
His free hand he used to set a lock of hair behind her ear, and give her cheek a gentle brush. He dropped it, glancing to the door. "Do they know? I can guess this place isn't co-ed, so I'll have to find a way to explain my presence here if they don't." He talked, because he didn't know what else to do. And he wanted her to know he wasn't upset at what she'd done. It had been needed.
"Although it's probably a bit funny to say 'oh don't mind me, I'm just the red-headed bastard nobody likes, here to piss off your Mistress.' They'll like that I'm sure." He gave her a grin, "although I've made worse introductions."