"Guess that depends on what's polite." he mused, catching her reaction and feeling his own lungs suddenly get a little strained as he drew in a breath. This was...god, though. Flirting, with actual intent...in some ways, physical contact was safer because the statement and the action were combined: he did not reach out to her unless he felt safe in doing so, but flirting...

That involved making promises and threats, even if they were lascivious in nature. He could say whatever he wanted, but then he might be called upon to follow through. The risk was always there, a new element of both fear and intimacy, and he needed to push those boundaries.

"We live in the same building, but she's really your friend over being mine." he pointed out with a raised eyebrow. "How would she feel if you had to cut and run because your boyfriend might be getting a little hot under the collar? Or vice versa?"