He allows that, holding York firmly in return. "Thank you, Tay," he says. Not just for what he'd said but how he'd said it—no hollow promises are being made here about how he'd always be here or any bullshit like that. Just an assurance that he's here, right now, today.

North eventually lets out a shuddering sigh and pulls back so he can find a tissue and wipe his face. With that he carefully hauls himself to his feet.