Almaric shoves his foot in his mouth

Nassir is Nicholas servant. Almaric, the loudmouth who challenged first Nicholas then Nassir did not perceive any connection between the two. And hence was rather more than surprised when Nicholas jumped to Nassir's defense. That Nicholas had refused to fight until Nassir was the one being threatened was a wonder to the man.

"Leave him alone! You tried to get a rise out of me and failed. So you turn around and start hassling a complete stranger you think will be much easier to goad into fighting. I'm not sure if that's cowardice or idiocy. Either way your argument is with me so leave HIM out of it."

"So you are capable of fighting after all? And more than that, willing to. It is surprising to be honest. What is he to you that you stand up for him, when you will not stand up for yourself?"
"You hassled me and I refused to fight, because I didn't want to lower myself to your level. You hassled a FRIEND of mine for fun and for that I will fight you. And I am fairly certain you will regret it quickly."

Later Nassir walks into Nicholas private chambers, confused and uncertain, but determined to make sense of things.
Nassir: Why would you do that?
Nicholas: I'm used to people misjudging me. I've learned to chose my battles.
Nassir: No I mean, why would you call me your friend?
Nicolas: (caught off guard) Be-cause I consider you my friend. Seriously which of us is not understanding which of us right now?

Weirdly this could be used for one of my auto-biographical alien characters defending a new friend fo theirs to an alien captor. I intend to use it as such. Like a version of Harrison Wells who doesn't think he's worthy of Elana/Sarrin's help, or a version of Jeremiah who actaulyl doesn't realize what he means to Nikita in the first place could be completely floored when the friendly, human-looking alien goes to bat for him.