[Best friends. Kel would like the sound of that. But for now he's scared, confused, and focused on keeping a smile on his face. What the hell, Basil- was he hallucinating, then, in that bathroom? Was it really some kind of ghost? Mari's vengeful spirit ot something like that?

Brainstorming was to come later as he softly nodded in Basil's direction.]

It's okay... [It is not.] thank you for telling me, Basil. And sorry for holding this back from you. But even if we're moving with baby steps, this is progress, right? Now we can face Something together.

I... couldn't bring myself to tell him anything, but you are right, he could have some answers. Just- Let's not do anything hasty, mh?

[His tenderness at the moment is performative, exactly like it was when he held and kissed Aubrey's forehead by the lake... He does try to bring the other's hand to his lips, trying to place a kiss against his knuckles. At least he's sincere in saying he'll never leave his friends' side.

As is he could bring anything more serious to the table at the moment.]

I couldn't ask for more. And, please, believe me there is nothing you can do, say, or that happened that will ever change this. You're being so brave- and this is painful but we're building together right now, right? We can figure the next steps as a team.