[The sudden embrace gets him to start again, flinching sharply for a moment before he settles a bit. He doesn't really know what to do with it, if he's perfectly honest with himself. He doesn't remember the last time anyone hugged him. It's weird and surreal and maybe at any other time and under any other circumstances, that's all he'd be able to focus on.

But today was such a complete disaster and he doesn't really have the energy required to find any of this weird or awkward. Instead he relaxes into it almost too easily, his own hands settling low on Dist's back, like maybe he can keep him in place if Dist even thinks about moving. He at least has the decency to be careful with his nails.]

I'm sorry.

[The words are soft and a bit hesitant, as though he's not really sure that's what he should be saying. Once they're out there, they give him a direction to go in and he tries again.]

I don't... know how to handle it when things start slipping out of my control. I... try to stay several steps ahead of everyone else but I... I can't do that here, I don't know how to.

[If telling Dist that he'll be fine was the biggest lie he's told here, then this has to balance it out since it's the most truthful he's ever been. It's always been something of a delicate balancing act, managing Garon's affairs with running Nohr and keeping an eye on Xander and Leo, but it never felt insurmountable. It never felt like a losing battle.

The longer he stays here, the more he realizes that he isn't nearly as clever as he thought he was.]

I'm sorry. [He repeats it again, more calm this time. One of his hands moves absently, lightly up Dist's back until it stops near his shoulderblades.] I don't want to worry you.