"Knuckle to knuckle," Kili repeats, nodding his understanding. It's a strange custom, but he's hardly phased by the existence of such things in Darrow anymore. As most of them go, this one seems quite tame. Before he can say as much, Bitty is throwing his arms around Kili's shoulders, and Kili lets out a delighted laugh.

The hug is warm, genuine and meaningful in a way that Kili isn't used to. While his own kin have never failed in giving him comfort with a hug, he's met just as many others who are disappointingly poor at offering something so simple. He tightens his own arms around Bitty, letting go only when he thinks it might go on long enough to be considered lingering, then bounces on his heels as he grins up at his friend.

"Is a hug not a 'bro thing,' as well?" he asks curiously. "I do hug my brother often enough, even if it is usually to make up for something I've done."