[When Tieria leans against him, however small the movement, the tacit acceptance is enough. Lockon's one-armed hug tightens a little, drawing the other man closer, and his thumb strokes Tieria's shoulder in an attempt at soothing comfort.

Tieria's quietness isn't positive, but it's not entirely unexpected, either. Lockon might be an idiot when it comes to others' feelings about him a lot of the time, but even he could pick on on Tieria's guilt - even without how explicit about it his post had been. And Lockon knows guilt, knows how easy it is to blame yourself, convince yourself of something so negative, and it's not like he doesn't know Tieria well enough to realise he does the same thing. But here, in this situation, the other man should have nothing to feel guilty about - to know that he, even outside his control, spread the thoughts deeper...

He doesn't think that's all that's going on with Tieria right now. But it's the most pressing issue, and it's the one that's the most his fault. Hopefully, it's one he's got a chance of fixing.

His voice is still soft, but firm.] You know me better than that, don't you? If I really thought that about you, you'd know.

You're my friend, Tieria. I don't blame you. I never have, and I never will.