Squirming where he stands, James doesn't really get a chance to make the promise before the secret comes slipping out from her lips, from that smile that reminds him of some of the pictures that his mama showed him of paintings all the way over in France, in museums that James is pretty sure he'll never get to see anymore. Still, he nods, even if it's after the fact, because she's asking him for something to keep her safe, and... well, he can't imagine keeping that from anyone.

"Does she love you back?" he asks, pressing his lips together. He doesn't see what's so wrong with loving people. Just as long as they talk and don't keep secrets from one another.