It's not like him to initiate so he hesitates. At first all he does is nod back and pull his hands away. He wants to protect her, like he knows it's the only thing he can't screw up, and it's not even about proving what kind of a man he is or isn't. But he can't change the bad things that have already happened to her.

He leans in a little closer and after half a second, a skip of a beat and two slow blinks he gives her a brief hug. It feels a little forced on his part and he quickly disengages, clearing his throat and averting his gaze, but at least he doesn't seem traumatised. Moving to stand, he slips his hands into his pockets and his gaze rises from his shoes to her eyes.

"Walk you home?"