[Loki knows his way around the forests, at least for a large part. He looks around himself and sometimes gestures at Pepper to turn her flashlight on to light up a certain area even more. But eventually it is merely him pretending to still have hope.

He chooses to cling to that one positive thing. If Leah would've gone home, his older self would not be able to reach her or bring harm to her. She'd be safe. Her safety comes first. But besides that he'll miss her so very terribly.

He does not mind the arms wrapped around him, after all, Frakki does not really offer a lot of spots to hold on to. And he isn't identifying the tightening hold as a hug.]

I am quite sure Leah is able to defend herself against malicious forest creatures.

[His voice sounds neutral when he speaks. It is of great importance that he makes his voice sound as neutral as he can. He turns around halfway.]

There is no need for apologies. This search won't take awfully long either.