Varian definitely catches Stan's reaction and it actually provides some real comfort. Fern speaks so damn highly of the man for reasons beyond Varian's ken. It's... weirdly comforting to know the emotions go the same way. Sure, he and Stan have discussed that, but it's a whole other thing seeing the proof of it with his own eyes.

"Nothing yet. He'll probably be pretty sluggish when he gets back, it takes a lot out of him to pull himself back together."

It's a when- not an if. As much as that if lurks in the back of Varian's mind, he knows if he thinks about it too much he might start to crack again. He snorts in light amusement at Stan's flawless check-in.

"Then I look about the same as I feel," he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't know. I'm getting there. I'll be a lot better once he's back."