For selfish reasons, he was glad there weren't any pressing issues. He would have helped, if he could, if something had happened. Ben hoped that Rey knew that now. No, he knew that she did. He could feel it. "I'm alright," he tried insisting even as his voice felt flat. "I'm not sick or anything like that,' he made sure to add before she started to worry. When she mentioned staying there with him, again he thought of saying no. Misery loved company, wasn't that the saying? But he didn't want her to feel like he did right now ....
He pushed himself up, his elbows pressing into the mattress. Ari felt the movement and pulled herself back to her perch on his pillow. She trilled as she settled herself into a ball, tail feathers draped over the edge of the bed. One tickled at Ben's nose and he gently pushed it away. "You can stay if you like." Ari whistled behind them, repeating the sentiment. His smile grew. "Seems you already have permission from the boss."