[He does take Sanji's hand, carefully, and start to lead the way up the stairs. His fingers are bony and chilled, and his hands have a mild sicktremor to them, but his grip manages to remain steady even now, somehow.

He'll lead the way all the way to his room in Earth dorm, and drop his hand only when he turns to close the door.]

...It's difficult. [A simple start. He takes a breath that rattles, sticks briefly in his lungs.]

I know that it's difficult, to lose someone you've been through so much with. People will say things like "I'm sorry" or "there was nothing to be done for it" or ask if you're okay, over and over, but no matter how many say it, it doesn't really make things feel any better. It doesn't change that someone took something precious from you, or make you less angry toward yourself. It doesn't change what happened, and that you couldn't stop it from happening. It won't make you want to see anyone more, or talk to anyone more. So I won't take up much of your time...

[Grief is delicate and everyone handles their own differently, after all. But he'll hold his hands out toward Sanji, palms up as if in supplication or asking for his in turn, a furrow at his brow.]

...And I won't ask you to be okay. But I will ask that you keep walking with us.