Gene seems surprised that Tony reaches out to take his hand, but this time, he doesn't withdraw or flinch away. Instead, he takes the offered hand, hesitantly, a little shyly.

He hadn't asked for Tony's forgiveness or reached out on his own, and what's more, he wouldn't - that isn't his call to make, he isn't the wronged party, he doesn't get to presume a right to any affection, any absolution - but this, at least, gives him a little bit of hope. Perhaps misplaced hope, but hope all the same.

Maybe, he dares to think, things might end up kind of okay.