[... The hug tightens a bit, drawing Duval just a little bit closer. Almost as if they need to duck into his hair to hide their face.]

I had given up affection long ago. It seemed so trivial compared to what I had to contend with, acting as a servant to someone like Gold Pig...
Perhaps I felt as though I was "above" it. Or, perhaps I felt I was undeserving.
I do not know.

But I do know that I'm happy I have been given the chance to try.