I'm sorry it's taken me a couple of days to find your new thread.
Quote: It almost felt like he wanted to say something, like he had some words that he was holding back. This is all so great and wonderful, but I am still very guarded.
It sounds like a GREAT interaction with H! That's wonderful. But I smell a little A$$uming or expectation here, gf.
Trust me, I know how very difficult it is not to want to try to figure out what the hell they're thinking at times like this. But what I found worked best for me was to stop projecting and just enjoy the moment for what it is.
That said, keep this up! H is clearly responding to you in very positive ways! You want to focus on creating more and more positive interactions with him. It sounds like he likes to play, so I would work that till the cows come him, gf! After all, playing might help the ML Fairy show up on your door!
Just keep up the good work and put the expectations aside.