Edwin did draw himself away again as the Cat instigated the breaking of closer contact, though he did rest his fingers just lightly against the back of that hand on his chest, "You're welcome." It was sincere in the same way the hand on the Cat's back had been. Sure, the cat had asked for the embrace, but it wasn't the kind of thing Edwin would have instigated on his own anyway, it wasn't really in his nature, though between Crystal's impulsive bear hugs and Charles' equally as impulsive, but somehow more exuberant -and sometimes lightning-quick- hugs in passing he was learning to be more of a hugger, but it was a long road.

He did, however, straighten a little, tugging his jacket straight if only to keep from grinding his knuckles in consideration and deep thought, not letting himself overthink before speaking again, "You know, our... arrangement, really only covers your predilection towards kissing. I'm hardly going to deny a hug, should you need one in future." His brow creased just a little, "Though I daresay Charles has had far more practice at it than I have, and I sincerely doubt that he would deny you either."

He'd be surprised by it, certainly, but that apparent, more than just occasional need for physical reassurance was something that Charles and the Cat had in common, and while Edwin wasn't about to say so aloud at the moment, he was reasonably sure that hugging it out might actually be good for the pair of them.