Hank was grateful for the group setting. With so many people weaving in and out of each others' conversation, he could pick and choose what he wanted to acknowledge. Penny's chiding, for example. He greeted her with a quick hug, pretending to be otherwise involved in conversation. The concern was appreciated, but he didn't need her to put him to bed.
"Hank, you're fuckin' gorgeous." The alcohol was strong on Leon's breath, and countering any flattering effect it may have had that moment. Luckily, Nathan appeared to field a response.
"You are definitely barking up the wrong tree there, kid." Hank happily clapped his friend's shoulder, the smallest hint of 'thank god you're here' conveyed in that moment.
"Nathan! Buddy, meet Leon. The Academy's best and brightest." He spoke sincerely, letting the situation speak for itself. "And this dear girl is Penny." Hank grinned, leaving Nate to guess about their relationship for now. "Great girl."
"Nathan," he spoke primarily to Penny and Leon, but purposely speaking vaguely in this public forum, "was the best I've ever served with."
Jake was another welcome face. Already occupied, Hank greeted him with a simple tip of the beer in Jake's direction. What a crowd!