"I would advise against sneaking up on someone like me." Punch first, ask questions later was generally a good reaction, but there were exceptions. "But for slipping away from someone, it might have been easier."

He wasn't going to comment on why Billy felt a need to be apart from his brother; the Soldier understood how suffocating others' intentions could be. If he could provide a space for Billy to feel safe in his reflection and consideration of the situation, that was enough.

"Did you bring whatever you needed to be comfortable for the night?"