[ Honestly he was ready - for her, not him! - to break the contact entirely. He's mildly surprised when she wants to remain in the loose embrace. It's enough that-- oh fuck man come on, he can't start to cry now. Not for any sort of macho reason, but that the whole being overwhelmed by a somewhat forced hug is so not a great second impression after being drunk coming off a plane, even if he had been able to walk start and speak without slurring. And so he steps back too, smiling down at her as he set his own arms for her shoulders, lightly, and stood up straight again. ]

I know I'm going to love all you guys. I mean just look at you, listen to you. It's... it's really great to be here, I'm so happy for it.