The truth is that Alcide really doesn't mind having things piled on him. In fact, he wants to be that guy that his friends come to when they need something, tangible or not. He especially likes being needed - maybe because for so long the only way he could actually get Debbie or Sookie to see him was when they needed something from him. He has broad shoulders and can take a lot of weight on them, if that helps. And he would hope that Buffy would come to him if she needed something.

Right now, if someone or something upset her, Alcide wants to know. He know Buffy can fight her own battles. But she's also someone just like the rest of them, with emotions and highs and lows and real problems. No one can take on everything by themselves. Trust him, Alcide has tried.

She asks him to hold her and Alcide sits back up and does so, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. He just holds on in silence for a long time before he pulls back only to shift enough to lay down and pull her with him. Yes, he'll hold her. Always. As much as she needs for as long as she needs. And small as she is, he almost engulfs her without even meaning to. "You don't have to talk, Buffy. Just stay here for as long as you need."