It wasn't an apology. It was pure empathy. And it was etched onto his face as thoroughly as it was carved into his voice, the concern furrowing his brows. He didn't want to crowd the kid, but it was rapidly apparent that just talking about it wasn't going to make him feel any better. So before Brendan could form any sort of protest, he pulled him into his arm, squeezing him tightly.
"You are spending your birthday with someone who cares about you," He told him firmly, squeezing probably a little too hard. "And we'll drink to Manabu, too, so he can join in from wherever he is."
almost had him hug him last tag already, woops
It wasn't an apology. It was pure empathy. And it was etched onto his face as thoroughly as it was carved into his voice, the concern furrowing his brows. He didn't want to crowd the kid, but it was rapidly apparent that just talking about it wasn't going to make him feel any better. So before Brendan could form any sort of protest, he pulled him into his arm, squeezing him tightly.
"You are spending your birthday with someone who cares about you," He told him firmly, squeezing probably a little too hard. "And we'll drink to Manabu, too, so he can join in from wherever he is."