"Most guys just go straight for the tits and arse compliments, neck was a new one at least." There was a trace of amusement in her tone as she let him just stay there, as long as he needed. Hey, it wasn't as though she got tired or anything, in theory she could have stood there for days just holding him and steadying him until he felt better.
And there he was using words like 'impropriety' and sounding like Hal again and she smiled, a genuinely relieved smile. And the sight of the domino which was so incredibly familiar to her now. Seeing him twirling it between his fingers, things felt more normal again.
"You got hit with some crazy fucking news," she offered him a half smile, tinged with sadness. "Think it would have sent anyone a bit crazy. It's okay, Hal. You're okay and no one's been hurt and you can be right on track with the doing well again." He was talking about the things he had accomplished in this place and Alex tilted her head a little, looking at him. "How long have you been here anyway? And tell me about this Katherine." And there, no hint of jealousy in her voice. Maybe. Mostly.