here's the stage

He is surprised at how easy it is. But not so much that he delays in wrapping them tightly in his arms, tucking them as close as they'll fit.

Lemm sighs, all the tension draining out of him.

Too easy to be earnest with the Knight. He finds he doesn't mind.

"Thank you," he murmurs into their shoulder. "Just - needed that promise, I think. Needed this. You'll be alright, I know you will."

He gives them a tight squeeze. It's just as much for him as it is for them. Second hug in... oh, a long time. He means to make it count.