Private Finished back where we began

Hal had to pretend he didn't flinch at the mention of her bofriend. Sure, he'd call himself a nerd for ghosts, ghouls, and goblins but the real thing still scared him a little. "I wouldn't really say it's thrilling to hear about it, but I trust your judgement," he simply said. And he did, and he wasn't going to allow himself to get all unreasonably protective over her. After all, he still didn't know the guy but if Claire was indeed happy then he probably shouldn't intervene."I mean, besides; you wouldn't be dating him if he was trying to hurt you, right?" Surely, the last thing he should be doing is waltzing his way back into someone's life and acting like he knew better.

Hal was starting to relax again at least, finally beginning to get past the shock from the news, nerves calming now that they both seemed like they were going to get past his blunder. She'd mentioned three names, one seemingly familiar, the other two, he didn't have a clue. Still he smiled back at her, "Promise I won't this time. I'm gonna be a better friend," he spoke softly. "So... uh... which one is the boyfriend?" He hope he didn't look like he was uncomfortable.

Hal's smile turned a little wry as Claire spoke. One of the things Hal admired about Claire was how she could face danger the way she could but, sometimes it was a thing to worry about. One instance was this, if Hal had to be honest. There was a worried look on his face just considering the thought that Claire might have disappeared when he wasn't looking and all he wouldn't know a thing. "You wouldn't be forgotten," Hal mused aloud, unaware he had spoken the words.

Hal still felt that he should trust her words; though she hadn't elaborated more about the guy. He won't deny being wary if he was asked about it at least — he could only be in danger once or twice to start getting watchful of people like that. Ruffling his hair was enough to pull him back into the present time to hear the response to his query. He seemed to be in thought for a moment before he spoke again. "...Wait, you have a turtle now?"

It took Claire's response to realize he'd spoken his thoughts but he didn't seem reluctant about it nor did he try to retract his words. Sure, he might have suddenly stopped talking to her, but it didn't mean he would have simply forgotten about her. If something had happened to Claire in that span of time, he would have regretted more than simply missing a few stories from her. He breathed a sigh, letting go of every other thought he could have said at the moment. "That still won't stop me from worrying."

Her mind seemed pretty distant, he noticed; like her thoughts were elsewhere before she even realized she had to respond. He had to hold back a tired sigh, and instead smiled for her. "That's... really nice. Little guy could have been hurt with that size; it's nice of you to take him in," he tried to say cheerfully.

His thoughts didn't linger further and stayed in the present letting him realize it had gotten darker since he'd arrived. He had to weigh his choices; either stay longer until when, or bid his good evenings and see her next time. Then again, he didn't quite like the forest at night and if he had to be honest it might be best that he could be alone with his thoughts on his way back. "It....it might be getting late for me. Think we can catch up again tomorrow?"

"I-I'm not saying I am!" Hal denied immediately. He did glance sideways, but whether it was more self-conscious or it was the fact he seemed to actually try to catch a glance at the corner of his eye was up for debate. "I just have been... staying out really late and it's been causing me trouble," he muttered under his breath while he rubbed his shoulder. God help that Claire didn't actually hear it. "B-but yea, I should get going. I'll see you around..."

He was prepared to walk off too when Claire called out to him again. He seemed to consider first. He did want to be on his own but... then again he hasn't seen Claire in months. But there's always tomorrow. But he could also... probably just...

"I think I'll be okay for now," he said, pulling a smile instead. At least before turnd to walk away, he rush up to Claire for another quick hug muttering, "I'm glad I got to talk to you again." Without anything else he ran off past the trees.