Walter didn't grant permission, instead he just stepped in and put his arms around her waist tightly, pulling her close and burying his mop of dark hair against her shoulder. It was all he could do to keep from sobbing. The tears the welled in the corners of his eyes, however, he did not fight; he merely breathed in deeply to keep himself as solid as he could muster.
"Oh my God." He murmured with a half-laugh because his sudden rush of emotions hadn't quite sorted themselves out. He was overwhelmed, really, having her here and he wasn't afraid at all any more about what might come of it. Whatever struggles he needed to face, he could share them. He didn't have to hide.