Billy was already planning on coming earlier to help with the cooking; no matter what had passed between them in the schoolhouse, or up on the mountaintop, Nida was his friend. That was the important part of this equation. He was someone important, and whatever he needed, Billy would be there to give however he could. So to get a message from Nida specifically asking him to come earlier? Of course he's there. Honestly, the message is...something of a relief, maybe. They've been talking since they got back, but there's a distance to it, something Billy isn't sure if he's imagining. He's been trying his best to not assume it's because of him--because of that kiss, because he wasn't ready for anything more--because that would be incredibly selfish. Nida had been through a lot on the mountain. He needed time, and a friend, not more confusion, no matter how much Billy maybe missed the rest.

So he'd let Nida have that space. He hasn't talked about his own insomnia, or the nightmares that start every time he does manage to get some sleep. But the lack of anything resembling rest makes itself known despite the smile on his face as he walks up to their house, dark shadows apparent under his eyes, face maybe still a little thin and drawn despite the week and change they'd been back. He walks up to the door and knocks briefly, the sleeve of his jacket falling back to show the now-violet band around his wrist.

"Nida?"