Hunter takes a few calming breathes, focusing on having Jim close. The gentle sound of the purring of Crookshanks. The touch of Jim's hand, and the Kneazle's fur, giving him something to concentrate on. Something that gives him a slight grasp of reality.

"It won't be easy." Hunter answers, his voice also small and quiet.

"We both have to find ways to move forward." He frees his other hand, to caress Jim's face gently. "And we might both need a little time to focus on things in our respective worlds..."

Hunter wants Jim to know it is okay for him to go back to his own world. That he is not breaking Hunter's heart by returning to his duties in Starfleet. "But we need to recognize that we have each other. That we are not alone in this."

"This has not destroyed how I feel about you." Hunter needs to acknowledge those emotions. He can't leave things unspoken anymore.