( he doesn't respond to the hug immediately. he never does right away. but it won't be long before he wraps his arms around nick, giving him a tight squeeze. he's really glad that he's doing alright. the last time he saw him, nick was... not himself. he understood why, yet it was still hard to see. )

Yea. Not too long ago. Beat the fuck out of some scrubs. ( and itching for his next fight. )

Wait. ( he pulls back, looking at him with an arch brow. ) Why doesn't it sound like that's the case for you?