Hugs are the one time that he'll let people take as long as they need, without complain. There is just something solid and relaxing and real about them. Even here, where no one can be sure if they're real, with their souls in borrowed bodies, this much human contact makes everything feel more genuine. It grounds him, and he likes that.

Bart has both arms wrapped around her tightly. He wishes he could tell her that it's OK now. That she's safe. But he's unsure of that himself - Hayley is proof that death isn't permanent here, so Hannibal's upcoming execution doesn't eliminate him entirely. He suspects that Evandau will see that it doesn't happen. The man killed the Emperor. But the uneasiness continues. He ducks his head down when he talks - almost pleads - to her. "Think you can re-think the crashpad offer tonight? I'd sleep better."

Knowing that there was a resurrection, security system, and himself to get past before her - he could sleep. It doesn't matter that there are likely people above her on whatever hit list a reincarnated killer would have. Right now, she's the youngest and easy to get to of all the people that Bart knows could be irrationally blamed. The thought makes him want to hold her tighter.