Yes. Yes, a middle ground is important, but being able to offer your friend comfort is important, too, and there's something incredibly reassuring in the way Nida relaxes into the embrace. It's reassuring to know that Nida is his friend, and that he can help him, even in this small way, to deal with what he's going through. Because he cares.

The words make Billy finally relax his grip, though he leaves the arm over Nida's shoulder for the moment, leaning in to look as Nida holds up his communicator. White, he notes, not green, and that's a question he wants to ask too, but the tiny video playing on screen takes all of his attention. It's so small for something so big. So important. After a moment, he speaks, voice quiet. "You all look really happy together. I'm glad you have something good to remember them by. Is that why the curry dinner tonight?"