It would be easy to cup Neil's crotch and wonder at the excitement mentioned. But it more complex, more simple, than that. With the snuggling kid, Alex reaches to his chin, to turn his face up. "Your excitement is in your chest, though, isn't it? In your heart and in your head. You're excited about you staying with me, keeping me."

Alex kisses him, lightly, lingeringly. "Isn't that right?"