Oh there's no hope for it, is there? He just has to hope that it's not misinterpreted, that it's not entirely unwanted, because he can no more stop himself from setting his drink completely aside and pulling her into a hug at that than he can stop the sun from rising.

The move is decisive, born of emotion and impulse, but even so, if there's any indication that it's upsetting to her, any tension, any push away, he'll let her go immediately. If not, though, he'll draw her closer after a moment, close enough that she could rest her head on his chest if she's so inclined,

"I'll be here for you for as long as you do," he adds, "You are a magnificent person and certainly no less so for a few tears after what you've been through. I will not say I will carry them with happiness, for I could never be happy that you need shed them, but I will carry them with pride all the same."