He returned the gesture, his arm easily looping Aoba's shoulders as they leaned just slightly against one another, standing and looking out across the water. The air was heavy with sulfur gas, but still breathable. Just not recommended for strenuous activity or long exposure. It smelled unpleasant, but it was more comfortable without the helmets when they could be avoided, and he liked seeing the sights with his own eyes instead of through the heads-up display.

"I learn a great deal from you as well, Aoba. I never spoke or worked to communicate. I never wanted to. There was no one in my life I wanted so hard to make understand me. You've given my life meaning where before I never realized it only had purpose. Thank you."