The physical affection was unexpected, particularly the kiss to his forehead that left him feeling like he was a kid, but appreciated. He hated worrying her and he really did feel like he could get past this need for monogamy, but it still felt nice to have physical reassurance from his friend. He'd missed that sort of thing after his mother died and Donna moved to another planet and his father retreated into his medical practice.
"I know, Nyota, and I appreciate it," he said, doing his best to return her smile. "No stringing up the captain...I don't want to have to deal with him whining about mutinous insurrection." He was tired, from this place and worrying about Jo and dealing with Jim and life in general, but he didn't want Uhura to leave yet.
"Stay?" he asked, looking down with embarrassment. "Just for a little while?" He felt like an idiot child just asking, but he wasn't quite ready to let go of the comfort this familiar yet completely unexpected affection was giving him.