He listens to what she has to say. So many times he's denied these things, coming from the mouths of his friends. As much as he cared so much for them, a part of him always believed they were kidding themselves. But Cass...well, this was what she did. If anyone could tell him this honestly, it's her.

The hug surprises him, he wasn't expecting it, and as off-guard as he is, he returns it. He doesn't respond for a while, struggling to find the words. He knows there's still the potential there, for him to make a mess of things, but to know that he's not completely a lost cause...

"Thank you," it's whispered, but it's absolutely sincere. He still doesn't know how to fully accept this, but he's still grateful for being told it.