[The squeeze to his knee gets a small smile from Yato, strained though it is. It's a start. Hiyori's touch makes him feel more reassured that things will be okay, like they always are when she's around.

As Hiyori takes her first steps away from him, he has to resist the urge to reach out and grab her to keep her by his side where it's safe. As she gets further away he has to ignore the desire to rush after her so they can walk together; his legs won't even work at the moment, seemingly paralyzed by the encounter with his dad's ghost. At least he can follow her with his eyes, not even blinking the whole while.

Once she returns though, relief washes over him enough for a genuine smile to break through. He takes the water with a nod, sipping at it to moisten his dry mouth.]

Thanks. I need it.

[At her words though, he hunches up his shoulders a bit, glancing away. He feels a fool for lashing out at what's likely nothing more than his subconscious haunting him. Like a child flailing at shadows.]

I know... It's stupid to get so worked up over him, but I can't help it after what he's done. [The hospital for one, kissing her for another. Countless other horrible acts.] It's just that if we're here, then isn't it possible he could be too?