There is a little bit of discomfort at the way Kirk grips him harder, but he cannot bring himself to say anything to it, knowing that Jim needed this, needed to feel that he was here and believe he wasn't just going to disappear. When they finally part, Sam gasps lightly, tongue darting out to wet his lips, noting how they tingled from the shear pressure of that kiss.

It is enough to daze him slightly that he can only stare back at Kirk when he starts talking again, looking rather guilty and sheepish even if he had not purposely done what he had. "Sorry," he whispers back, not sure how else to respond to that, but equally taking the blame that he had done so.