The anger that had haunted him just moments before seemed completely washed away by the fact that Kadaj did not attack him or push him away in a hurry after his unannounced hug. He dropped his hands back to his knees and slowly turned back to his previous position staring across the room.

The corner of his lips came up in the beginnings of a smile at Kadaj's questions. He simply let the silence fall between them as he enjoyed the previous moment, his fingers lacing together in a casual gesture of being at peace.

He made a soft humming noise as he leaned against the wall, finally turning his head to regard Kadaj. "Because big brothers are supposed to be protectors," he said simply. "You need someone to lean on and who you can trust here. Being alone and vulnerable will tire you out eventually... I will protect you. I want to help you because you are in pain. I can relate."