It had been so offhand as a comment that he hadn't realised how it sounded until it was too late. He sighed, one hand lifting to rub at the back of his neck as he considered how to get himself out of that little confession.
"Yeah," he said, with a softer tone. "It just came up. I didn't seek her out specifically, it just sort of... burst out," he explained, not really sure why he was explaining. Did he have to explain? Why would Liberty care who he chose to share his feelings with?
See, she was fine. She was being logical and helpful and he'd obviously just made this whole... thing between them up in his mind because he was lonely and desperate. It was embarrassing, really.
"God, no, no treaty," he shook his head. He paused for a moment, unsure of how he was meant to explain what it was he wanted, or needed, or what would help, without either terrifying her or making her feel obligated to stay.
He was just going to have to hope that he didn't upset her, or disgust her. She deserved to know what the hell was going on in his head.
"I asked you to come over because I didn't want to be alone, but it's not just that. It was you specifically I wanted. That I always want. I know that you don't want to be here any more than I do, but you know if I'm going to be stuck here for ten years then I don't want to be alone the whole time. I know it's selfish, and I should be ashamed of myself for even considering it, but I'm not," he rambled on a bit.
"If I'm way out of line, and you're here purely as some sort of professional obligation, then I'll drop it, you can go, or you can show me the treaty and we'll pretend I never said anything," he added quickly, with a sinking feeling. "Otherwise... just stay. Please. Know that I love you, and just need a little time. Just stay."
The last two words were almost whispered, and the love had slipped past his lips unnoticed by him at first. His mind caught up to his mouth, and only then did the anxiety set in. He wanted to just turn back to pour the coffee and pretend he hadn't said a damn thing, but he forced himself to just stand and bear it.