Dan nods, looking near tears, and gets to his feet to give Aster a hug. He tries to think about the last time he even was able to receive a hug from someone who cared about his wellbeing like this.

He doesn't want this to be Aster's problem, even though it's clear that the relationship he and Aster have can't be confined to the parameters of just an employer and an employee. He doesn't want Aster up late worrying about how to fix Dan when Dan doesn't think it can be fixed. He doesn't want Aster to tie himself into knots trying to work Dan out. He doesn't want Aster anywhere near this part of Dan, this part of him that feels septic and radioactive and completely without merit.

But here Aster is, offering his friendship, so Dan pulls himself into Aster's arms and stands there in that embrace until Aster detaches from him.