When she finally hugs him after he comes to her office for the first time, Post War? He just sinks in and lets himself be hugged like savoring her soft scent and how warm she is?

Alternately: Adoption AU, Astor facing like a bad day/ Maybe there was the possibility of some law passing that would have sent him to a detention center or for study? It fails but the relief is so palpable that Marigold just holds him tight like, assuring him it’s okay.