[ It's paradoxical, but he feels driven to support her and prop her up because he can't see how to do the same for himself. Maybe he can't do it for himself anymore, but he can still be a support beam for her. When she slides into his lap, his arms immediately circle around her protectively and he does his best to be the support she needs when she leans against him. ]

So many people gone, just like that. [ It's reminding him of the story and the casualties that have happened so far. And whether he likes it or not, they'll only continue. ] But if you're starting over with a clean slate, that should mean you can direct things to be how you'd like them to look. [ But that also means that she doesn't have much guidance, if any at all. It sounds to Alan that Jesse's been given a monumental task to work with. ]

Why shouldn't it be about you? [ In all honesty, Alan's tired of it being about him. About the story. It's a spotlight he doesn't want. Maybe he never wanted it. ]

I'd like to meet her too. [ He shrugs. ] I expect to be questioned and poked and prodded. [ And locked up, although I know what she'll say about that. ] I want to meet all your friends.

[ He knows he wants to do more than simply meet them, but he's wary about getting too far ahead of himself. He's still not out, and who knows when he will be. There's no point in making plans until then. ]