Well, damn if these pony folk aren't just unapologetic with their hugs. Maybe it's a cultural thing. This is one of the hugs where he just kind of lets it happen, lacking the wherewithal to reciprocate in a timely manner. Not that he doesn't appreciate the sentiment. Heh.

It's painfully optimistic thinking, though. He's not sure he buys it.

"Whatever it is, it's gotten worse. Maybe just because it's been longer," he says quietly, leaning against her a little. They are just a bunch of sad, tired people, aren't they? "I thought maybe...it was just me. Something they put in there. In case I got away."