[Ah, fuck. he could read Basil's body reactions and they were far from reassuring... bringing up Hero and his trauma had not been a good idea. But at least he had been... honest? They were working on honesty there, right? Even when it hurt...

He leaves his oven mitts on the table, kneeling inn front of the other and offering both hands in his direction, for Basil to lean his own upon. There was no digging in skin and such on his watch.]

I am lucky to have friends like you, too. And, for what it's worth, I am by your side now. I guess that makes both of us pretty lucky, huh?

[A smile. No, this wasn't enough. He had to bring up the good things too]

. . .

[He doesn't touch, he doesn't move, he allows the other to choose how far they'll go in terms of contact. If basil isn't against it, that's actually... well, a relief.]

And... I know I told you about the bad things a moment ago, but Hero got better. So much better. You know he attends parties at college? Him of all people, hah! They have alcohol in those parties, Basil. Can you imagine him drinking? I can't!

[Kel tasted wine while cooking. He tasted beer while making tempura batter. He found them both awful. it didn't help they were lukewarm at best.]

Basil. I can see you're a bit overwhelmed now. Do you want to breathe with me? Come on. Let's try.... take a deep deep breath with me....