The surprise didn't jar Evan; he expected it, and he understood it. But he didn't back away. She was in a situation where she needed support and friendship, and uncertainty wasn't going to help her any. "It's okay," he reassured her. Not about the situation, about the hug. That for right now, she was safe.
When she hugged him back, he squeezed her a little tighter, hugging her like he would one of his sisters, or one of Leah's sisters. She'd been through hell. She needed comfort right now; friendship, understanding. Fortunately, Evan was still good at providing all of those things.
Running a fever. Evan glanced in the direction of where all the medics bustled, wanting to get a look for himself. He'd seen the change enough times to know what it looked like. He'd be able to tell, but at the same time, maybe, for now, it was best that he didn't look. That he didn't know. She was fragile enough as it was, and she looked tired and weak. He'd check in later. "How long ago did it happen?" he asked.
Or. Evan wouldn't have let her finish the sentence, even if she hadn't trailed off on her own.
He hugged her tightly again and looked down at her. "Why don't you come over here," he pointed at a pair of chairs a few feet away. "Sit down for a little bit." She looked so tired. He wished there was more he could do.