The 'yes' that he was about to say was lost in a kiss that wasn't surprising or unexpected, but nonetheless caught him just a bit off-guard. He moved his hand up just a bit, stroking Phoenix's cheek as he moved closer. Of course...we'll cross those bridges when we get there. We're both fighters, the two of us...and we complement each other. We can do this, if anyone can.

With that, he moved his hand from Phoenix's cheek to the back of his neck, pulling him deeper into that kiss. It was as instinctual as anything else. When he pulled away for breath a moment later, he quietly murmured, "I...I'm glad I didn't lose you," before kissing him again, harder and a little deeper. If he couldn't say everything in words, he could certainly say it with actions.