[ The hug is a surprise - but not an unwelcome one. It takes him a moment, like he's running on a slow auto-pilot, but he does return it. His own arms, long and slender but strong, wrapping around Ren and hugging him back just as tightly. ]

I think I owe you far more than you owe me, Ren. Back there, you saved his life and his future. That's not something so easily repaid.

[ But the stakes here, they don't feel as high. Not as instantly high, or overwhelmingly so at least. They're not being bombarded with all these things that are way above what teenagers should have to deal with - certainly not the betrayal of allies, or the wrath of a politician pointed directly at them. ]

... I think all I can ask of you is to keep going. Opening up slowly is better than not opening up at all.