Alex just laughs softly, but it's not one that's unkind or bitter. It just is a laugh before she adds, "I think you're forgetting about all the times I'd called you when you were in Chicago, you know. Even if I didn't leave a message. Even when I just called to hear your voice and hoped that you would finally talk to me." The last is murmured like a secret, something that Alex has been holding onto and not shared with anyone before. But she'd called his voicemail when he was gone just for that reason.

Because she missed him. Honestly, because it seemed like she was never going to stop missing him when he was gone.

Her eyes just close for a moment, and Alex keeps her forehead pressed against his. "I didn't want to lose you. I still don't." Which is true, even if in a way she had lost the Richard who was for the Richard who is. The Richard who is here, and who is a hybrid, but who's staying and holding her so tightly.