The Chief lets Wash settle, then puts his arm down around him. It's not like the Valor's Day incident, he's relaxed this time. They've established what this contact means, he understands, and though it's still unfamiliar it's not uncomfortable. If this lets him share a measure of stability, then it's worth doing.

Without another word, the Chief goes back to using his free hand to check over the last of his comm-related to-do list. There's nothing else he feels like he needs to discuss. He can sit here and do this and let Wash lean on him.

The Chief is worried about a number of things (and people), but he's still steady. He's still alright. Wash doesn't have to strive to be the okay one, here. The Chief doesn't need him to be.