From the corner of his eye, Jake saw her move and thought, for the barest of moments, that she might be about to smack him for being a bloody prat. But no, she hugged him. Jake sat that motionless, surprised before he reached up and patted her arm. The position meant that he couldn't really return the hug but he could let her know that it was appreciated, welcome.

"Thanks, kid," Jake said quietly. "And don't take that as an insult, it's not."

He took a breath and rubbed at his dry eyes. "I'm trusting you not to tell anyone about this either. Please. I know there's a bunch of bloody loud mouths at the station so it'll get around but maybe not to everyone. Okay?"