[Welcome to Kel's why the fuck collecting people to smooch like they're Poket mons cards. He doesn't get it either but that's hardly the priority right now.

But he can see that smile and he knows it's not natural and-- he's been there to see you pretend to be okay for three days, Basil, he relived those days over and over in his head ab nauseam trying to think of all the things he missed.

He can't help Aubrey, he can't help Sunny, he can at least try to help Basil since this is all hurting already? He lifts his bandaged hand up, trying to caress his cheek.]

Basil? No fake smiles for now if we're trying to be honest, okay? You don't have to play pretend with me. But, yes. They both have two partners, they may get more... I just don't really- get it, I guess?

[The more he spends with Basil, the more he's convinced that Sunny must have instigated whatever happened in that bathroom.]

We all take care of each other. We all are important to each other. We alll will take care of each other, okay? You also tried your best, Basil, I know that. Just because I'm not- I'm not blind, I can see your efforts.

[And the last part is the more difficult one to admit.]

We... huh.... [Maruki and Hero both taught him the importance of breathing. He offers both hands to the other, palms turned up.] Before I continue we need to calm down, okay? Breathe with me. And think about how much you want to know because it's... not easy. And I don't want to hurt you, but this will.

[He's ready to breathe with him, if needed, unless Basil rejects the attempt]