"My dearest friend always, through darkness and time," he affirms, voice steady. In this, he was sure. Erich was his closest friend, would always be so.

They would have time yet to catch up, to compare history - by some miracle they would. Perhaps even-

No. He would not assume such things. Though he also tightens the embrace, allowing himself that indulgence. Themis allows his face to press against black fabric, neatly hiding the faint pink along his cheeks.

"I had missed you too, for so very long. You never left my thoughts," and it was true. A presence remaining even when all else had gone. Names and faces lost but emotion remaining strong. "Wherever we are, whyever we are here, I do not care."

"Perhaps we may find out... together?" he hopes the answer is yes.