The crescendo falters and falls, and there's something sad about that response. That reaction. Sad but hardly surprising. Neil has never behaved in such a manner, after all. After all, he has only recently wanted to move in this direction.

So Neil sits up, both arms slinging over his knees. His dark eyes holding calm.

"I don't normally," he agrees. "Doesn't mean I can't start. What?" He seeks out Alex's face. "You can only enjoy affection on your terms?"