His exhale is maybe a bit too shaky as he wraps his other arm around Hades as well, resting his cheek on his friend's head - half an embrace, but somehow almost overwhelming in its feeling of vulnerability. Usually words come quite easily to Hythlodaeus, but this time all he can do is simply stay like that, soaking up the comfort and intimacy of the contact. Eventually, his hand finds Hades's, lacing their fingers together.

"A silly thing to say when it has been but a week, yet... I missed you, my friend. A new and scary thing it was to have that divide between us. But I do wish to bridge it and walk with you again."