There's meat in there. Tom is picking the other's words apart, dissecting them as Arthur gives out the curtest, vaguest of details. It's enough to sate his curiosity and keep him from prying - Zane's main concerns are other things, different things, but Arthur? Arthur is interesting enough that he still wants to chat despite that.

Yes. Tom decides he likes Arthur, whether Arthur wants Tom to like him or not. He nods to himself, resolute on this newly discovered feeling and not because he's agreeing with Arthur.

"Hey. They may wash ashore too," he comforts, and then realizes he needs to explain further.

"I'm here, too. I'm with myself."