[Chien feels a dull ache in his chest when he hears that he doesn't have to apologize, that it's not his fault, that they missed him. It hadn't been his fault that Mathias had gotten the Manifest either - that he'd been fooled into believing her damn promises - and that's still really fresh for him, just like this missing thing and actually having friends and stuff.

He humphs and pulls Soren closer so she doesn't see him crying a little. He's just a kid after all. His words are muffled a little, but totally audible.]

Yeah, well, stop it. I'm not leaving again. I swear. [If only he knew. But for now, he's happy.]

And you! [Soren!! Dumb bird. He leans back, tears forgotten for the moment, and frowns.] Have you been taking care of her? You better have behaved for her.