[He exhales in a huff, glad she accepted the hug, at least.]

That does not allow you to properly process grief, Viv. If you continue to avoid doing so, the force of it will hit at a time you may not be able to control, which could seriously compromise you.

[He lets go, though he remains close, and his tone and gaze both soften again.]

Though your arrival in a ruined alien city is hardly the proper time to do so, regardless. Once you have adjusted to the new circumstances, would you consider revisiting the subject with me?