"I'm not into..." Anything like that. The denial sits on his tongue, and without warning, ED-E makes a very loud rude noise.

Startled, Alex looks over to him, and ED-E shoots off a quick tirade of beeps that Neil would recognize as admonishment. Like a parent scolding a child.

For his part, Alex looks thoroughly battered, beaten by an eight-year-old eyebot. He sighs quietly, holding the book to his chest with one arm, then leans down to press his face against Neil's shoulder. "...I mean, thank you," he says, voice barely louder than a whisper.

Annoyed, ED-E gives a muttering beep and goes to find better company (aka Dogmeat).