[ Oh. Peter immediately regrets asking after seeing the defeated look on her face and the reason for it. He's stunned into silence for a few long seconds, shoulders slumped, and looking at her not with pity but with sympathy. ]

If it was real for you, I'd say it was real enough. [ Peter doesn't know if Yelena needs to hear it, but it's what he honestly believes. He knows that family isn't only blood relatives, but the people that are there for you when you need them most. People like the Guardians, like Yondu, and even Kraglin. ] It doesn't matter how long we spend with someone if they matter to us. I'm sorry you were robbed of that chance, though.

[ He sits down as well, their chairs close enough that the shoulders already brush. The auction is no longer unimportant to him, and he wouldn't name Yelena for crying after having to explain something like this. Peter's a pretty emotional guy himself, and it hurts to see her upset. Slowly at first, just in case it isn't welcome, and she doesn't want him to touch her, he wraps his arm around her smaller shoulders and pulls Yelena close without saying anything.

It's a gentle touch that still gives the space to breathe, but solid enough that shows that he's here with her. That even if she doesn't need it, he would still try to protect and comfort her. That she can let go if she wants, but it would be fine if she doesn't. ]