[ There's a brief pause, not so much out of hesitation as knowing that the last time he promised something to her he couldn't keep it. He wants to keep this, he really does and as much as his thoughts are centered on Maeve these days, that's not all there is. He's not on his own like he would be at home. He's got great friends that aren't his co-workers, that genuinely care for him without profiling him first and although the BAU is the best family he could ever wish for, the friends he's made here spend time with him without obligation.
He doubts Morgan would've given him the time of day if they hadn't worked together first.
He draws a breath, wrapping his arms around her a little snugger. It's not as desperate as it has been, shifted from needing someone to wanting to be needed. Even if they can't go back to how it used to be, she's still his best friend. If nothing else, he needs to preserve that much. ]