The youngest of the O'Brien trio became quite curious at the mention of this Leah. Since high school, Alana was always snooping in her siblings' relationships. It was never intended to be an annoyance but more because she wanted to make sure that they even deserved to have any of her family members' time. She mirrored Brannon's gentle smile and her eyes narrowed ever so slightly with that same immediate curiosity.
He was married and divorced, sure, and Alana knew he would eventually date someone again--at least, she hoped he had another relationship other than the shield. It was that dedication that Alana feared had cost Brannon his life when everything changed. She was nearly right, in a sense, so hearing about this new woman and others he was with was a comfort.
A laugh might have come out when Luke shuffled over for the hug. He probably did not remember how much he was hugged as a kid, or he hated it and blocked it out. Meeting this new woman, moving to another safehouse, questions and suggestions, Alana listened but her mind was made up the instant the suggestions were made.
Quickly, the end of her sleeve dried the last few sprinkles of tears from her cheeks and nodded in agreement to, well, a lot of things that were stated. "We can definitely go to Madison Square Garden. I know we'll be safe there, with you, Bans. And I'd like to meet Leah and thank her for taking care of you." Alana cracked a bigger smile and reached up to lightly tug at some of scruff on the end of Brannon's chin. "She must be tough, God knows you can be such a pain in the ass."
Then Aunt Alana reached out and gave Luke's shoulder a little squeeze. "Maybe you'd like it there better, too. Might be some people you'd actually like to hang out with." Her nephew worried about her and she greatly appreciated that, but when she thought about what she had done at his age, she wished he could have so much more. Alana would be elated for him to have friends.
But that was all coming up in another week or so. They had time. And it was time for the pair to meet Uncle B's new girlfriend. With a deep breath, Alana gave a little nod and looked over Bans' shoulder toward the door.