He nods at that, shifting too so that they're both on their knees before pulling her into a strong, tight hug. One arm covers the back of her neck as he buries himself in her shoulder. He fights another joke about his hugs, and tightens the hug when Elena comes to the forefront of his mind. Elena trapped where he'd been. The vampire eating serum. And Marie's captivity. Concentration camps. With an inhale, he lets go again and sits back.

"Your secret is safe with me."