He doesn't even consider question the progression--because it's natural and it's theirs. Neil states love before kissing him, and Alex only makes a soft sound as a response into Neil's mouth. His hands reach up, one entwining in Neil's hair, the other palm flat between Neil's shoulder blades, holding on. They are chest to chest like this, and Alex finds it feels closer than it is--these gestures of love.

Alex stays submissive, but returns the kiss in full this time, giving as much as he's received in return.