The silence isn't unexpected. Honestly, Inigo was already surprised Gerome already said as much as he did so far - especially things that are relatively super sappy by Gerome standards.

But the silence makes it really, really hard to not notice the way those arms tighten around him slightly. Though Inigo isn't sure why it's happening. Maybe Gerome is worried because Inigo is still crying even now and doesn't know what to do about it other than that? It's not like Gerome has seen him cry often ever since they grew older, after all.

.. well, he hasn't seem him cry over actual serious things, anyway. Can you really count that time he cried because girls are more into Gerome than him...

Although the way those arms tighten around him does make him think of something. He's unsure if it'd be pushing his luck here, but Inigo feels that if he doesn't ask it right now, he'll never have a good moment to do so.

".. Gerome?" He waits a moment, like he's trying to make sure he has the other's attention first. "Erm.. Do you think I could ask for a hug like this.. sometimes? I swear I won't abuse it! It's just.. you know, this feels nice.."

It really does. Usually Inigo feels like crap after confessing something so dumb and personal, but somehow he doesn't feel as heavy now. And there's no way that isn't entirely the influence of having Gerome hug him.

"And I promise to be more open with you in return. Even if you might think me a crybaby."