[Vander listened quietly to the story that was weaved, and it sounded like a harrowing encounter with far too many large-scale close calls. While Kirk was maintaining a monotone as usual, there was something in the retelling that struck him as deeply sad. He thought that Kirk deserved better, especially from a friend, but then again... well, such an argument could be made by a few people who had associated with him too.

Some of the details flew over his head, but he understood the beats enough to know it was a fight. He could assume that his encounters with Kirk leaving bruises on his body would equate. He expected he knew how this story ended, and it didn't need to be spelled out to him unless Kirk needed to for his own sake of finishing out the personal tale.

He shifted so that he could rest his shoulder on Kirk's in a show of silent support.]

Jealousy can poison a person to their core. I'm sorry that you had to endure that, especially with someone who you had put so much trust into in the first place. Betrayal like that... [He trailed off a moment, his jaw working as he remembered the Pilt that day.] ...it leaves deep scars. Thank you for telling me, Kirk. I wish it had been a different way.

[In so, so many scenarios.]