Ethan laughs softly at what she says. Chicago definitely had its own way, and it is strange to know that she will be returning to it while he will be going-- He doesn't actually know where he will be going yet, which is a bit terrifying, but... he tries not to think about that. He tries not to think about a lot that scares him, that he'd prefer to avoid.

He pauses a brief moment, holding his breath as her knuckles run down his cheek in that brief way. He ducks his head slightly and then a smile tugs on his face as he finally reaches his hand over for hers to lock their fingers together. Ethan's smile widens as he looks at her.

Ethan smirks softly at what she says, and he did try after all to be a good tour guide. He didn't get to show her nearly as much as he would have liked, but-- but their world got cut short and their own friendship grew distant... now he wonders if he'd just taken the initiative-- How different things would be for him.

"That's because you are. In a way no one else... ever has been. I don't know if you realize what a big deal that is. I have been terrified-- absolutely terrified of standing still since I was maybe thirteen years old... thirteen, fourteen. Never would, no matter how tired I'd get. It felt like the world would come crashing down if I dared. So to feel safe in standing still is--" Ethan shakes his head lightly. There aren't words for the power that has over him, the power she has over him.