[Jacob's breathing stills as Chris steps forward, expecting him to be unwinding his arms to make that promised punch, but it becomes clear very quickly that Chris is not winding up for that, the tension in his shoulders isn't right for trying to swing a punch. So Jacob lets out a breath- he'd have taken the punch, if it had come, but he's glad it didn't. Instead, he takes Chris' hand.]

Tidying up after myself... hasn't ever been one of my strong suits. But I think if you let me know where I need to start, I'll do my best to make it right.

[He appreciates Chris may not think much of that offer, but Jacob can't make a promise that he doesn't think he can keep. He doesn't have the answers right now, he doesn't know what he needs to learn, or un-learn, to be better, but he will try to find out, if Chris can be patient with him.

He hopes he will, he hopes Chris knows how much he means to Jacob, even if, as yet, he hasn't asked. Maybe he doesn't want to. Maybe right now, it's best left alone, until they're no more solid ground again. The fact that Chris knows Jacob wants to do better, to keep this, maybe that says enough.]