"I certainly know that old song and dance," Alan agreed with a soft nod and a light chuckle. "And I certainly agree with you: the girl's safe and among friends. That's the most important thing."

He watched Scott pick their floor and kept half an eye on him to make sure that he was as healed as he appeared to be, looking for any sign small or large that he still needed to heal. It was subtle, though. He'd had plenty of practice.

He backed up a little as he realized what Scott had said, though.

"Really? You only just met?"

That was... interesting.