[ Ash shakes his head a little. Cilan doesn't have to be sorry. It has been a long day for the two of them. Ash has only been here for a few months and he's had at least Cilan here the whole time. So while he doesn't really understand what Cilan has been through the fact that he has been lonely was enough for him to mean everything he said.

Even if he didn't know he would have meant it. ]

I think y' just need t' keep bein' yourself Cilan. What better way is there?

[ Ash held his smile until Cilan's smile slid away. His did the same as he looks towards the ground past Pikachu's head. ]

It... It's okay. [ There's a bit of a pause before he continues speaking. ] Masaomi told me that there was a war outside and that I might have t' fight. He told me t' ask you but I... I didn't. I didn't want t' talk about it.

[ Although he doesn't hug or get hugs very often from anyone besides his mom and Pokemon he finds Cilan's hug comforting. ]

Okay. We won't leave you alone out there.

[ The tears were coming back, but he tried to blink and rub them away with his arm. He doesn't seem to be bothered by the tight grip as he's too focused on Cilan's words. Pikachu, not exactly liking the enclosed space and to allow the two their moment, moves down to Ash's heels before agreeing with what Ash said.]

We'll stick together and I wanna do whatever I can t' help you back to the village safe and sound too. 'Cause... 'Cause we don't wanna be alone either.

[ By the tone of Ash's voice is that last part that makes him scared the most. More than anything here. ]