It reminds Nick of Rudy, all in a rush, and all the things Nick has tried not to let himself feel since people in Boulder seemed to decide he deserved to be a leader. (It was Sue who told him he got the loudest applause, since Nick couldn't judge by hands alone. And that's something he'll remember in a better, softer way.) He wants to be taken care of, even if it's just for a moment. His eyes flutter shut when Larry squeezes the back of his neck, and Nick looks as young as he is when he opens his eyes.

Young, and achingly earnest: You're stuck with me now.

It's a promise, in it's way.