I wrap my arms around him in return, and, despite his words, choke out a heavy sob.

I cling to him tightly, not even caring if it makes my hands sting. I just... I need to hold onto him.

I haven't really allowed myself to cry since he was taken from me, and now it's all just spilling out, all my worry and fear. My shoulders jerk a few times, and then I gasp, trying to stop myself from blubbering all over Takeru.

"I'm sorry." I say, very seriously. I'm apologizing for crying, for losing him to Messiah, for not getting him back sooner, for not reaching him sooner after he was freed.

I'm a terrible best friend. The worst lover.