Hendrik wasn't sure whether or not to pull away when Yotsuyu finished speaking. The selfish part of him wanted to hang on, but surely she had other things to do with her time than chase after him and offer comforting words and embraces. He deserved none of it since his charge had disappeared and the oath to stand beside him had not been followed through on.

But he swiped at his eyes to get the tears out of them and finally spoke after a long silence, not moving though he told himself over and over that he should. "He wanted..to be friends and I hesitated." The knight tried to steady his breathing as he fought to grab onto the hope and faith that Yotsuyu had. "Should he return as you say, than that will be the first thing I establish with him."

Gently moving away at least enough to be able to look into her eyes, he maintained his hold thought it lightened. "I cannot tell you how much you being here means to me, especially..as things stand." Hendrik couldn't force the words out to say 'in my time of need.'

The purple head lowered, his eyes closed and his words were heartfelt. "I cannot thank you enough."