So long as he can curl his arms about the other man, it's what he's after. Hawke made himself into a shield and Chris aims to be something softer, something for comfort to support the waver he picked up on in his friend.

He gives a small nod to the question while he lets his thoughts drift over to whatever he needed next. Maybe the obvious was the best place to start. "I know you're upset too. I'm not pointing it out to pull away from me or what I'm feeling, more pointing out that...if it were me, I'd be upset for the person I cared for. It'll help me to feel I'm doing something more than being...doted upon if I can help those carrying their own pain." Like the pit, in a way. Even if they weren't there, they hurt for his hurting just as they'd be happy for his happiness.

And maybe, on a selfish level, he can feel like he can take his pieces apart and shake them out if it didn't feel like those supporting him were holding onto themselves too tightly. Maybe.