Being in close physical contact with her always calmed him, always made him feel safe and appreciated. Even now, when she had been the one who had hurt him, he still found comfort in being close to her. In spite of their fight and the feelings of betrayal, she still offered him a quiet, constant strength he could borrow when he needed it. "You don't need to respond to this," he replied, hoping she'd understand that while she might want to, this wasn't one of the things he'd want to talk about again.

"Nyota, you have to understand something... When I say that you're all I've got, I mean it. Literally." His voice was quiet and slightly hesitant as he spoke, as if he feared what power the words would have over him once he'd spoken them aloud. "I've lost everyone else. I lost my dad the day I was born. I haven't talked to my mother outside Christmas and birthday cards since..." He paused, taking a deep breath before he continued in a whisper. "I saw my brother, his wife and their unborn child blown to pieces right in front of me. I haven't talked to her since I came home for the funeral. I understand how important family is to you, but when I say I don't have one, that I don't have anyone, I really mean it. I don't know if I could stand losing you as well."