The reassurance soothes some of that uncertainty--and that tiny pang of guilt is overcome by the warmth that colors his cheeks, but more with pleasure than embarrassment as he ducks his head with a smile.

It's not something he's used to hearing--that someone wants him around, and it's...he can't pin down how it makes him feel, but it's overpoweringly good.

So instead of answering, his arm just darts out to wrap around her shoulders and pull her into a sideways hug for a second, rubbing her arm with a little squeeze.

"Yeah...ditto." he finally replies, then realizing it might not translate in terms of slang across worlds...

"Feeling's mutual. I like hangin' out with you--gonna be fun, acting as the new resident nail bitch." he teases gently.