That reminds him of the time when he first felt that connection slot into place between them, when she was terrified that whatever he may or may not witness from protecting her grave would cause him to go away. It's not lost on him, that being abandoned or left alone is a real fear for her, a recurring concern.

They're alike in that sense. Riku may sometimes need solitude, but it's not good for him in excess.

It's her sustained hug that causes him to relent and return it, "A while ago, I asked Rastus for something. I never got around to doing anything about it," he says, sliding the strap of a satchel off his shoulder, which he offers to her. It's a little heavy, on account of the sketchbooks and such inside.

"This is for you. Go on, open it."