[ for a moment, he wants to say something stupid. something like — oh, here for the scenery. or the abundance of venatori to murder. but all he can think of in the moment was how much he had missed her, and how tired she looked. how she had been so tired that she hadn’t even recognized him.

so, for once, he lets himself give in to impulse, and he steps forward to gently pull her into a warm hug. partly for her reassurance, but also his own. a quiet way to see if she truly is injured, but mostly to make up for the fact that he hadn’t seen her in a week. ]

What kind of question is that? [ a soft huff, squeezing her once before letting her have the option of more space, letting his hands slide to her arms. catching her gaze with a reassuring smile. ] I would be no other place but here.

[ he squeezes her arms once before letting go, ignoring spite’s proverbial rattling of the bars on his cage to continue holding her. ]

But if you insist on details, I am here to bring you a decent meal and a good night of sleep, if you will have it. Though I will not object if you need me elsewhere.

[ slightly teasing; he knows the supplies weren’t truly meant for him. ]