Soldat isn't a person to take advantage of, however coveted hugs are. However tempting, her comfort cannot be his discomfort. However nice this is. Which isn't to say she doesn't all but fold in on him once the extra arm is added.

Actual output is balancing into merely a steady cry. Every breath is a shuddering effort not to become a sob, but she manages. Encouragement makes it both better and worse. He's going to have an incredibly oddly placed damp spot on this shirt.

"You weren't -- supposed to see that."