Sometimes the most important thing was giving another person something he needed. For as much as the Soldier kept from touching others, he recognized it as a need. Touch starvation, he'd heard it called; it didn't matter how fancy the name, he didn't allow it to apply to him. But billy clearly needed the touch and the reassurance that came with physical contact.

And Billy's hug, arms wrapped around him and face pressed to his chest, felt grounding. He hadn't experienced that feeling with another person in a long time. Slowly he wrapped his right arm around his companion, letting Billy stay close. Just for a little while, he told himself. Just long enough for Billy to satisfy his desire to see the Soldier in one piece. It didn't matter that he hadn't had enough sleep or food in a while, what mattered was giving Billy what he needed.

"You shouldn't have to apologize," he answered eventually. "You're allowed to feel things." And really it was the Soldier's fault that Billy felt abandoned by him in the first place. "And nothing about my situation is your fault."