None of that. None of that need to hold himself tall or hide himself away. None of the thought that he has to be strong for her when this is hard for him, too. She won't stand for it.

Without a word, she steps into his space and wraps her arms around him. One around his chest and the other across the back of his shoulders. A grip light enough to escape, but one that speaks of a need to protect and comfort as much as it's a desire to be held. She hugs him, and if he doesn't pull away she tightens her grip, asking and giving reassurance with every part of herself.

"Let yourself feel this with me," she murmurs, just above the sound of the crashing waves. He can't see her face, but he'll hear the tears in her eyes and feel the dampness of her cheeks against his shoulder. "Please. I don't want either of us to be alone right now."

She doesn't want him to think he can't be as upset and sad about this as she is.