[Alan chuckles at the 'meat shield' comment.]

Right. You go ahead and hide over here, kiddo.

[A quick glance over at Tesler puts him in mind of someone, but he can't remember who except for a vague memory of dislike. The look on Tesler's face is sour enough to give lemons some strong competition.]

You know, if any guy ever needed a hug, it's him. Though I'm not sure who'd risk it.